The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS Things we take for granted: ~Feeling the warmth of the sun on our face on a spring day. ~The smell of the wet earth after a rainstorm in summer. ~The crispness to the air after a snowstorm. Regardless of where you...
Can Someone Lend Me a Hand?

Can Someone Lend Me a Hand?

By Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS One of the casualties of the Covid Pandemic was the volunteer program in our care community.  No visitors, no families and no volunteers for well over a year became the norm.  To this day, some communities still prohibit volunteers...
The Green Thumb Club

The Green Thumb Club

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...
Welcome to my Neighborhood

Welcome to my Neighborhood

by Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS The age group over the age of 85 is the fastest growing age group in our country.  With this increase, the number of individuals with some sort of dementing illness increases as well.   In order to meet the needs of elders living...
Navigating the Future – NAPW 2022

Navigating the Future – NAPW 2022

The past twenty-two months have been a challenge for our profession and the world at large.  However, we are in a much better place this year than last year.  National Activity Professionals Week is January 23rd through 29th.  It is our week to toot our own horn,...