National Activity Professionals Week, January 19-25
Dianne Hepke, activity coordinator, and Dodie Hennigsen, activity assistant, help residents sort thank you cards.
Harvey See, volunteer Senior Companion, plays cards with residents.
At Buchanan County Health Center’s Long Term Care, the staff believes that the retirement years should be a time to continue being active and doing the things you want to do. Staff, particularly Activity Professionals, assist and encourage our residents to take part in the many social, educational, and physical activities available daily as well as the pursuit of individual interests.
Many residents say they are busier and more active now than they have been in years. Residents wake up with purpose! LTC encourages family members to visit often and participate with their loved ones. The facility has two newly renovated lounges that are open for family gatherings. The kitchen staff can assist with fresh brewed coffee, a meal, or table service if food is brought in.
“We like to think there is never a dull moment at BCHC, but we also understand that sometimes folks just want and need a little rest; we respect this right to privacy as well,” added Dianne Hepke, activity coordinator. “Virtually all care facilities offer an activity program. At BCHC, the activity staff builds relationships with residents, whether through the friendly banter from our Senior Companion Harvey See, or the one to one visits with Dodie Hennigsen and her beloved dogs.”
BCHC Long Term Care will mark National Activity Professionals Week, January 19-25, with a special “Compliment Day” Event. Officially January 24th is Compliment Day.
“Compliments are not just friendly small talk; after all, when you pay a compliment, you are focused entirely on the other person,” Hepke said. “A happy by-product is that they also make the person paying the compliment feel good.”
If you have ever received a heartfelt compliment, you know how good one can make you feel. As Mark Twain once quipped,” I can live for two months on a compliment.” In honor of Activity Professionals Week, staff has been challenged to recognize your co-workers during the week with a hand written note.
Remember these tips:
- Be sincere.
- Be specific.
- Go beyond the compliment.
- Expect nothing in return.
All staff is invited to gather in the LTC Activity Room on Monday, Jan. 20, from 2-4 p.m. for a root beer float. Notecards and pens will be to available to remind staff to take the time to compliment co-workers.