DateTimeFromToMessage
2017-10-07 11:59:28 AM shannonw enter the chat room
2017-10-07 11:59:34 AM shannonw left the chat room
2017-10-09 04:53:30 PM karynbrinkley enter the chat room
2017-10-09 04:54:08 PM karynbrinkley ALF chat starts at 8pm EST
2017-10-09 05:14:30 PM karynbrinkley left the chat room
2017-10-09 05:41:15 PM karynbrinkley enter the chat room
2017-10-09 05:48:50 PM cynkarnes76 enter the chat room
2017-10-09 05:57:37 PM karynbrinkley HI
2017-10-09 05:57:45 PM karynbrinkley How are you?
2017-10-09 05:57:54 PM saragrace enter the chat room
2017-10-09 05:57:57 PM cynkarnes76 Hi Karyn, hanging in here. How are you?
2017-10-09 05:58:17 PM saragrace left the chat room
2017-10-09 05:58:56 PM karynbrinkley I'm good! Busy Monday for sure.
2017-10-09 05:59:02 PM karynbrinkley How about you?
2017-10-09 05:59:46 PM cynkarnes76 Yes, still working on finishing my first assignment for Mepap2 and then have to pack for an upcoming trip. Still recovering from Mepap 1
2017-10-09 06:00:49 PM cynkarnes76 Do you find low attendance on Monday chats?
2017-10-09 06:00:50 PM karynbrinkley I remember!
2017-10-09 06:01:19 PM karynbrinkley Not really but it is starting out quiet.
2017-10-09 06:01:49 PM cynkarnes76 I noticed Kathy provided an informative and easy to read/organized notice in the Course Forum this time about the Specialty Chats.
2017-10-09 06:02:12 PM karynbrinkley What did it say?
2017-10-09 06:02:16 PM karynbrinkley I missed it
2017-10-09 06:03:24 PM cynkarnes76 I actually copied and pasted it onto a word document and added the times to my phone calendar. Do you want me to email it to you?
2017-10-09 06:04:00 PM karynbrinkley Sure. My email is karynbrinkley@icloud.com
2017-10-09 06:04:08 PM cynkarnes76 Not sure if she did that for Mepap1. I know I relied on the updates on the left and right of the main page
2017-10-09 06:04:32 PM karynbrinkley I bet she did. There seemed to be some confusion about it.
2017-10-09 06:04:33 PM cynkarnes76 So, remind me are you currenlty working in an Assisted Living Facility?
2017-10-09 06:05:27 PM karynbrinkley Yes. I started as an Activity Director and now I am a Directo of Operations over ALF's and MC's
2017-10-09 06:05:33 PM karynbrinkley Director
2017-10-09 06:05:34 PM cynkarnes76 Oh and I am Cynthia Karnes Mepap2 100317
2017-10-09 06:05:48 PM karynbrinkley :) What are your goals?
2017-10-09 06:07:13 PM cynkarnes76 Good question: Currently it is to get through this Mepap2, take the exam if I am allowed and continue working as a Recreation Assistant and supplement with Ambassador (light caregiving duties) at Cokesbury (continuing care community in Delaware)
2017-10-09 06:08:06 PM karynbrinkley Very Nice!
2017-10-09 06:08:14 PM cynkarnes76 My boss, who is the AD in healthcare (where I work part-time with another Recreation assistant) encouraged me to take this course
2017-10-09 06:08:28 PM cynkarnes76 Taking Mepap is a love/hate relationship
2017-10-09 06:08:42 PM karynbrinkley This course changed my life
2017-10-09 06:08:55 PM karynbrinkley I was making $10.00 an hour
2017-10-09 06:09:29 PM cynkarnes76 Yes, I make just a little over that and do not expect much of a change in the future, but I have accepted my lot in life
2017-10-09 06:09:50 PM karynbrinkley I asked for a raise after my certification
2017-10-09 06:10:03 PM karynbrinkley They boosted me to $14.00
2017-10-09 06:10:12 PM cynkarnes76 I, also, will not be able to receive benefits in this position I am currently in.
2017-10-09 06:10:24 PM karynbrinkley Then I jumped communities and went to $18. and then $52,000
2017-10-09 06:10:41 PM cynkarnes76 That's wonderful.
2017-10-09 06:10:55 PM karynbrinkley Then I became and ALf admin and it kept rising
2017-10-09 06:10:58 PM karynbrinkley You can do it too
2017-10-09 06:11:07 PM cynkarnes76 Currently it is really tough for me to imagine being an Activity Director
2017-10-09 06:11:21 PM karynbrinkley There is no rule that you have to stay in the same place
2017-10-09 06:11:25 PM karynbrinkley Why
2017-10-09 06:11:57 PM cynkarnes76 True, but where I work is just 7 minutes down the road and I love my boss and the residents
2017-10-09 06:12:33 PM karynbrinkley Awwwww! There is a lot to be said for that.
2017-10-09 06:12:40 PM cynkarnes76 I have only 2+ years experience, compared to the majority of students on this site
2017-10-09 06:13:18 PM karynbrinkley I was just like you
2017-10-09 06:13:42 PM kimstutz enter the chat room
2017-10-09 06:13:49 PM kimstutz hi sorry I'm late..
2017-10-09 06:13:57 PM karynbrinkley HI Kim
2017-10-09 06:14:02 PM cynkarnes76 Hi Kim
2017-10-09 06:14:04 PM karynbrinkley No worries
2017-10-09 06:14:12 PM kimstutz hi :)
2017-10-09 06:14:46 PM kimstutz good for you Karyn
2017-10-09 06:15:08 PM kimstutz what do you mean, jumped communities? another place to work
2017-10-09 06:15:15 PM karynbrinkley yes
2017-10-09 06:15:29 PM karynbrinkley To advance and get better pay
2017-10-09 06:15:45 PM kimstutz to advance and get more pay is my goal
2017-10-09 06:16:17 PM kimstutz I'm in MT and pay is low. No one even knew about this course.. (I took ME1 in NC)
2017-10-09 06:16:33 PM kimstutz I'll be relocating to Co Springs after course and looking for work there
2017-10-09 06:16:36 PM karynbrinkley ME1?
2017-10-09 06:16:41 PM kimstutz MEPAP1
2017-10-09 06:16:44 PM karynbrinkley Awesome
2017-10-09 06:16:52 PM karynbrinkley lol
2017-10-09 06:16:56 PM karynbrinkley Mepap 1
2017-10-09 06:16:59 PM kimstutz what would you say is next step up the ladder
2017-10-09 06:17:37 PM cynkarnes76 Kim, what setting do you work in again?
2017-10-09 06:17:57 PM cynkarnes76 and are you an activity Director?
2017-10-09 06:18:05 PM kimstutz alf ADMIN did you need to be CNA or above?
2017-10-09 06:18:42 PM kimstutz currently I am not the AD. I have been previously. I am an assistant activities. although the Volunteer Coordinator
2017-10-09 06:18:59 PM karynbrinkley ALF core training in Florida and pass the State exam
2017-10-09 06:19:10 PM kimstutz I will also be doing the newsletter as the AD doesn't know how to use the computer
2017-10-09 06:19:12 PM karynbrinkley Every state is different
2017-10-09 06:19:52 PM kimstutz ok, I'll have to check out Colrado's.. they like education there, as I noticed most AD jobs require a bachelors degree
2017-10-09 06:19:53 PM karynbrinkley Newsletters make it nice for the residents.
2017-10-09 06:20:01 PM karynbrinkley Yes
2017-10-09 06:20:08 PM kimstutz yes, and also for volunteers and the community
2017-10-09 06:20:21 PM karynbrinkley Most have a Bachelors but it isn't required
2017-10-09 06:20:35 PM karynbrinkley Depends on the community
2017-10-09 06:20:35 PM kimstutz I like to have our 'wish list' and volunteer openings listed as well as thank you's
2017-10-09 06:20:44 PM kimstutz oh that's good to know
2017-10-09 06:20:45 PM cynkarnes76 My boss, the AD,stopped doing one years ago. He relies on the IL newsletter to hand out
2017-10-09 06:21:08 PM karynbrinkley That's super nice
2017-10-09 06:21:27 PM cynkarnes76 ALF core is a specialty track, after you passed the National Exam for AD, right?
2017-10-09 06:21:38 PM kimstutz I work in both the ALF, and SNF at our facility
2017-10-09 06:22:06 PM karynbrinkley ALF core is the class you take before taking the State exam
2017-10-09 06:22:10 PM kimstutz the resident council president does the newsletter for ALF
2017-10-09 06:22:14 PM cynkarnes76 Kim, how do you manage that, working in both?
2017-10-09 06:22:21 PM karynbrinkley CCRC?
2017-10-09 06:22:30 PM kimstutz we have a locked door inbetween sides of building
2017-10-09 06:22:33 PM karynbrinkley I love being ablt to work n all levels of care
2017-10-09 06:22:46 PM karynbrinkley able
2017-10-09 06:23:02 PM kimstutz I do also. I take ALF out to dollar store then to dinner
2017-10-09 06:23:22 PM kimstutz we live about 35 miles from our largest city (town)
2017-10-09 06:23:29 PM karynbrinkley They love gong out.
2017-10-09 06:23:32 PM kimstutz our community is pretty small
2017-10-09 06:23:33 PM cynkarnes76 Kim: So does that mean you work part-time in ALF and part in SNF?
2017-10-09 06:23:36 PM kimstutz yes they do love it
2017-10-09 06:23:37 PM karynbrinkley which city?
2017-10-09 06:24:08 PM kimstutz I guess so, I work 2 days in in SNF and 2 in ALF.. however our SNF side comes first if someone is out
2017-10-09 06:24:42 PM kimstutz and they take the bus away if they have to do a transport. Our van doesn't have more than 4 seats and wheel chair
2017-10-09 06:25:48 PM karynbrinkley wow
2017-10-09 06:25:55 PM kimstutz tomorrow I have planned an Activity Professionals meeting .. because there isn't one in our area.
2017-10-09 06:25:59 PM karynbrinkley They did that in my old CCRC
2017-10-09 06:26:06 PM kimstutz Any ideas how to lead the program?
2017-10-09 06:26:15 PM karynbrinkley who did you invite?
2017-10-09 06:27:17 PM cynkarnes76 I work in the healthcare section (up to 42 beds of a melting pot of residents from those you think would be in AL to the opposite end of later stage dementia. That's exciting, how many are coming?
2017-10-09 06:27:22 PM kimstutz I invited both SNF and ALF facilities.. However only SNF responded, :( so there will be 4-6 of us. if some AD's bring an assistant. my goal is to have a monthly meeting and have each facility host a different month
2017-10-09 06:27:52 PM kimstutz agreed, some of our ALF should be on SNF..
2017-10-09 06:27:54 PM cynkarnes76 Is there a continuing ed component?
2017-10-09 06:28:17 PM kimstutz no, it is part of the MEPAP2 course
2017-10-09 06:28:31 PM karynbrinkley That's awesome!
2017-10-09 06:28:42 PM kimstutz that would be a good thing to adress though. do an INSERVICE.. :)
2017-10-09 06:28:48 PM karynbrinkley yes
2017-10-09 06:29:02 PM cynkarnes76 I think I missed that one in my Mepap2 packet, are you past midterm, Kim?
2017-10-09 06:29:15 PM kimstutz to short of notice now, but def something to bring up. I would even leadthe inservice if needed
2017-10-09 06:30:12 PM kimstutz yes, I have 2 weeks left. The reason I had to arrange an AP meeting, is because there is not an Activities Professional group near us. I think the closest one is about 4-5 hours away
2017-10-09 06:30:42 PM cynkarnes76 Lucky you Kim
2017-10-09 06:30:56 PM karynbrinkley Yes
2017-10-09 06:31:17 PM kimstutz hahaha right... I was a bit nervous, but actually dont' mind speaking in front of people or to people.. ha, that's our jo :)
2017-10-09 06:31:21 PM kimstutz job
2017-10-09 06:31:43 PM karynbrinkley That's good.
2017-10-09 06:32:21 PM karynbrinkley What kind of new projects will you implement after completing the course
2017-10-09 06:32:57 PM kimstutz I'm not sure actually. (that is on my list to figure out tommorrow.. ... ... ) eek
2017-10-09 06:34:11 PM kimstutz I do want to be sure to engage more residents that typically stay in there rooms. for instance; today I did a history of the bitterroot valley (where we live) I had 7-9 ppl and they stayed engaged for 35 minutes.. then I was done with my info.. lol.. they are the more cognitive residents
2017-10-09 06:34:14 PM cynkarnes76 I will go back to planning events (like the upcoming Chinese New year Variety show that our chinese volunteer students put on every year) and other side projects
2017-10-09 06:34:37 PM karynbrinkley great
2017-10-09 06:34:53 PM kimstutz that sounds good. I take the ALF residents out... I took them fishing. it was great.. so that is on my spring calander
2017-10-09 06:34:56 PM cynkarnes76 I struggle with the combination of very cognitive to severe dementia, that's why I like Bingo
2017-10-09 06:35:12 PM kimstutz also; I have contacted the FFA here, and they will be bringing baby goats in April
2017-10-09 06:35:49 PM karynbrinkley AWWWWWWW
2017-10-09 06:36:05 PM karynbrinkley I love animals
2017-10-09 06:36:09 PM kimstutz I understand that. Our residents are learning to play Mexican traiin, some catch on real quick while others can't remember how to lay the tiles down
2017-10-09 06:36:32 PM karynbrinkley I love that game
2017-10-09 06:36:32 PM cynkarnes76 What is both of your opininons about Wii? It has not been successful in our Healthcare
2017-10-09 06:36:42 PM kimstutz I need to start two tables; one for more cognitive, and one I can sit at and assist them
2017-10-09 06:36:57 PM karynbrinkley Wii is hard for some
2017-10-09 06:37:17 PM karynbrinkley they have a tough time keeping their finger on the trigger
2017-10-09 06:37:17 PM kimstutz In NC it was very successful at the ALF, but here in MT, it is challenging to get them engaged.
2017-10-09 06:37:25 PM karynbrinkley true
2017-10-09 06:37:25 PM cynkarnes76 We sometimes play Bendominos, easier for those who have dementia setting in
2017-10-09 06:37:43 PM kimstutz I haven't heard of that game. will have to look it up
2017-10-09 06:37:43 PM karynbrinkley how do you play
2017-10-09 06:39:07 PM cynkarnes76 Bendominos, similar to dominos but it has a curve to it. You line up the dots (there are 2 ends). I think the most you can play is 4 people at a table.
2017-10-09 06:40:03 PM kimstutz I ordered dominoe's that have numbers on them because the dots were to confusing for both alf and snf.... but we do have dotted domino's.......... so, you just connect the dots?
2017-10-09 06:40:09 PM karynbrinkley ALf likes exercise circle, trivia, socials that involve food, outings, church services, arts and crafts, movies, cooking group, music entertainment
2017-10-09 06:40:27 PM karynbrinkley I love that idea KIm
2017-10-09 06:40:47 PM kimstutz We don't have stove or oven to use for cooking events. but i do have a griddle
2017-10-09 06:41:00 PM cynkarnes76 Depending on how many players: each person gets like 5 to seven bendominos to start and there is a draw pile. like if a bendomino on one side is 6 and the other end is blank, the person who's turn it is has to have a domino with 6 dots or blank to add to one of the ends
2017-10-09 06:41:06 PM karynbrinkley griddle is good
2017-10-09 06:41:32 PM karynbrinkley we would take things to the kitchen to cook
2017-10-09 06:41:32 PM kimstutz ha, we do bacon cheese sandwhiches and boy do we get a crowd.. lol, including staff
2017-10-09 06:41:38 PM karynbrinkley or use the grill
2017-10-09 06:41:45 PM kimstutz Our kitchen is kinda stingy with their ovens
2017-10-09 06:42:00 PM karynbrinkley ugh
2017-10-09 06:42:05 PM cynkarnes76 I would love to do more fun exercise, but I am not a certified exercise person... My balloon volley by myself and a big group is getting stale
2017-10-09 06:42:27 PM kimstutz I would like to do a program where the residents put the ingreidents together and then mix. and put into muffin tins or something like hat
2017-10-09 06:42:28 PM kimstutz that
2017-10-09 06:42:30 PM karynbrinkley We used the old hotdog maker inside and the roo was full of men
2017-10-09 06:42:34 PM karynbrinkley room
2017-10-09 06:42:46 PM karynbrinkley like it KIm
2017-10-09 06:42:56 PM kimstutz cyn, you can ask the thereapy person to show you some exercises
2017-10-09 06:43:19 PM kimstutz hot dog maker? please explain.. good idea
2017-10-09 06:43:39 PM kimstutz we are doing a fundraiser for Activities,,, chili dogs for a buck
2017-10-09 06:44:06 PM karynbrinkley yummy
2017-10-09 06:44:09 PM cynkarnes76 I could design a program, but was worried about not being certified...
2017-10-09 06:44:09 PM karynbrinkley I want to come
2017-10-09 06:44:24 PM karynbrinkley what do you mean?
2017-10-09 06:44:35 PM kimstutz also; if you have youtube, they have some excellent video's you can follow.. for seniors, even chair exercises
2017-10-09 06:44:43 PM karynbrinkley true
2017-10-09 06:44:48 PM kimstutz me? about what
2017-10-09 06:45:00 PM karynbrinkley you can learn how to do anything on youtube
2017-10-09 06:45:14 PM kimstutz haha, that's what my daughter tells me too
2017-10-09 06:45:21 PM cynkarnes76 that is a good idea, there is also some sitting chair exercises I just found in a drawer. I could use the exercise too
2017-10-09 06:45:26 PM kimstutz she's 36 and can learn anything
2017-10-09 06:45:34 PM karynbrinkley you said you could design something but you were worried about not being certified
2017-10-09 06:45:40 PM kimstutz get some music going and make it a fun time
2017-10-09 06:45:53 PM kimstutz I'm not certified in exercises
2017-10-09 06:46:04 PM karynbrinkley OH
2017-10-09 06:46:13 PM karynbrinkley You don't have to be
2017-10-09 06:46:16 PM cynkarnes76 Yes, since I am not certified in exercise or as a Therapist, I wasn't sure where the line was...
2017-10-09 06:46:30 PM karynbrinkley As long as it's in a group and safe
2017-10-09 06:46:40 PM karynbrinkley Can't do therapy
2017-10-09 06:47:15 PM karynbrinkley YOu can to chair exercising, bands, noodle ball, light or soft weights.
2017-10-09 06:47:19 PM karynbrinkley do
2017-10-09 06:47:21 PM kimstutz One thing I learned, was not to have residents look up quickly, like moving their necks quick..
2017-10-09 06:47:28 PM karynbrinkley true
2017-10-09 06:47:31 PM cynkarnes76 I guess I was hesitant to try something because I didn't want anyone to get hurt. Right now the exercise is light balloon volley on the weekends with beach ball throws and fun with Mr. Wiggly
2017-10-09 06:47:34 PM kimstutz they love that
2017-10-09 06:47:35 PM karynbrinkley not good to roll the head
2017-10-09 06:47:47 PM karynbrinkley Mr Wiggly
2017-10-09 06:47:47 PM kimstutz right
2017-10-09 06:47:49 PM karynbrinkley so cute
2017-10-09 06:47:58 PM kimstutz heaha, I thought mr wiggly too... ?
2017-10-09 06:48:10 PM kimstutz what is he
2017-10-09 06:48:25 PM cynkarnes76 He is this green ball thing with tenticles, original idea was a hot potato game but don't always have volunteers to help
2017-10-09 06:48:45 PM karynbrinkley ahhhhhh
2017-10-09 06:48:48 PM kimstutz do you do any basket ball with them? men like to compete
2017-10-09 06:48:50 PM karynbrinkley I love hot potato
2017-10-09 06:48:59 PM kimstutz we have a short hoop and a ball
2017-10-09 06:49:23 PM karynbrinkley that's a good idea
2017-10-09 06:49:38 PM kimstutz I was thinking of getting a volley ball net, lowering it so residents in chairs can play too, and play volly ball
2017-10-09 06:49:50 PM karynbrinkley good idea
2017-10-09 06:49:56 PM karynbrinkley we played in a pool
2017-10-09 06:50:12 PM cynkarnes76 there is a broken down hoop that I can lay on the floor. I also have a net, where you can throw bean bags and small balls, but it stays mostly in the basement
2017-10-09 06:50:21 PM kimstutz I had a lady that was 94 and very competive ?(sp)
2017-10-09 06:50:36 PM kimstutz bring in up to your floor,, good idea
2017-10-09 06:50:37 PM karynbrinkley hahaha! That's going to be me
2017-10-09 06:51:08 PM cynkarnes76 I have learned a lot of great ideas on here but without shadowing another professional and watching how she or he gets people going and motivated it's hard for me to envision how to go forward
2017-10-09 06:51:34 PM kimstutz we also play 'roll em dice' they roll to see who goes first. then we roll 2 dice, they have to add up what they get. I keep 'score' and after 3 rounds we have a winner. sometimes we roll em HIGH and sometimes we roll em low
2017-10-09 06:52:30 PM kimstutz to get residents motivated, be smiling, telling what fun the activity is, and you 'bet' they'll have a good time.. if they dont like it, they can leave... promise.. LOL
2017-10-09 06:52:30 PM cynkarnes76 Kim: how many staff/volunteers help you with activities?
2017-10-09 06:52:34 PM karynbrinkley You just tell them it's time to go and get them started. You just put stuff in front of them. Sometimes some will just watch you and the others.
2017-10-09 06:52:41 PM karynbrinkley Good Kim
2017-10-09 06:52:44 PM karynbrinkley True
2017-10-09 06:53:03 PM karynbrinkley It's good to tell them they can leave like Kim said
2017-10-09 06:53:14 PM karynbrinkley That way they may atleast try
2017-10-09 06:53:41 PM cynkarnes76 With certain activities, like Sing-a-long and Bingo, I can get them going but with trying to start a ball game by myself, it's tough to be in 5 different places
2017-10-09 06:53:45 PM kimstutz there are 3 of us f/t... I have volunteers come do sing a longs, and also musicians that come twice a month or once a month.. I'm seeking more volunteers to do BINGO and go to wal mart with me. 7 residents and two wheel chairs is allot for one person
2017-10-09 06:54:39 PM kimstutz yes, that is challenging,, you get a work out.. LOL.. find a volunteer to help you... do you have any volunteers?
2017-10-09 06:55:12 PM kimstutz you can call the school and/or write them, asking for high school students to help. they get credit for it
2017-10-09 06:55:24 PM cynkarnes76 our student volunteers are inconsistant, we are working on trying to schedule them but they don't always show up or sometimes we have too many at one time.
2017-10-09 06:56:14 PM kimstutz I schedule my students. and request them to notify me if they can not make it. they usually do good. but if they miss and don't call, I call them.. let them know I was worried, because they had planned to be there.. :)
2017-10-09 06:56:43 PM kimstutz haha, i guess guilt them... but they most of the time, do better
2017-10-09 06:57:15 PM kimstutz Cyn, how many activities people do you have? are you the AD?
2017-10-09 06:57:28 PM cynkarnes76 I am part-time so I can't follow up and my AD and other part-time assistant do not have time to follow up either. I have been doing a lot of unpaid planning and follow up at home but can't do that and mepap 2 at the same time
2017-10-09 06:58:01 PM karynbrinkley Well ladies, I hate to end a nice chat but it is time to go. I will turn youin for extra credit. Hope to see you next month.
2017-10-09 06:58:10 PM kimstutz oh no.. don't get into that habit. you will burn out. some on your own time is OK, but not regularly.. it is the AD's responsibility
2017-10-09 06:58:12 PM cynkarnes76 I am the other part-time Activity Assistant.
2017-10-09 06:58:22 PM cynkarnes76 Thank you Karyn and Kim
2017-10-09 06:58:38 PM karynbrinkley Thank you! I appreciate you
2017-10-09 06:58:44 PM kimstutz it's been great thank you.. I will be done in 2 weeks so won't be here, unless it's ok to come back anyway
2017-10-09 06:58:50 PM kimstutz thanks ladies
2017-10-09 06:59:01 PM karynbrinkley Awwww Good luck to you!
2017-10-09 06:59:06 PM cynkarnes76 Good Luck Kim, hopefully I will make it through this.
2017-10-09 06:59:06 PM kimstutz thank you :)
2017-10-09 06:59:21 PM kimstutz you will do fine.. remember to breath.. :) best
2017-10-09 07:00:12 PM karynbrinkley Good night ladies
2017-10-09 07:00:17 PM karynbrinkley TY
2017-10-09 07:00:42 PM karynbrinkley left the chat room
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2017-10-16 06:09:46 PM peggysmith75 enter the chat room
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