The Green Thumb Club by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU. CTRS As a new activity assistant, I was lucky enough to work in a nursing home that had a greenhouse. The greenhouse was adjacent to the dining room which gave the residents a direct view into the greenhouse. It...
The year 2020 has proven to be challenging on many levels for all sectors of life. The health care worker in long term care settings has had their life turned upside down with multiple restrictions which change almost daily. Continuing education remains important...
The Art of Engagement by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS The room is full of people. Music is playing. Activity items are on the tables. Staff are in the room. But are the people engaged? Are they participating? Or are they just there? This is the question being...
by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS One of the easiest and most effective activities for the activity professional to conduct is reminiscing. Long term memories are a known strength in elders of all functional levels and for many, recalling experiences from the past is...
By Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, MDEC, CTRS When one thinks of the typical bully – the mean kid in the schoolyard that everyone fears, comes to mind. However, many activity professionals have witnessed older adults demonstrating similar “mean” behavior to their...
Springing Forward with Gardening Programs By Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS The warm weather, sunny skies and desire to be outdoors is a common inspiration to introduce gardening programs within our communities. Many activity professionals get very excited and...
