January 27th is National Activity Professionals Day: Thank You, Springpoint Staff!

January 27 marks National Activity Professionals Day, an important celebration of the recreation specialists across America. In recognition of their selfless dedication, this special occasion shines a spotlight on those who enrich and invigorate elderly individuals residing in nursing homes through engaging activities. With life expectancy increasing drastically over time, it’s no surprise that the need for activity professionals has grown exponentially as well.

Thanks to experts engaging in activities, senior living community residents experience a more stimulating and enriching lifestyle. Long-term dwellers have benefitted greatly from their services, with many enjoying greater quality of life.

National Activity Professionals Day

Established in 1980, the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) arose as a direct result of an ambitious national survey investigating the need for representation among activity professionals caring for elderly patients. The findings revealed that such recognition was long overdue and soon after, NAAP’s passionate founding team began their uncompromising journey to create what is now widely celebrated annually throughout America: National Activity Professional Day.

On National Activity Professionals Day, we celebrate the vital contributions of these professionals in creating rewarding experiences for those they serve. The NAAP acknowledges and honors their hard work while recognizing that it allows individuals to make precious memories.

What do activity professionals do?

Activity professionals bring joy and purpose to seniors living in retirement communities, assisted living communities, and memory care. They create engaging experiences tailored to the context of each individual’s culture and traditions, be it through directing programs as Activities Directors or assisting with leisure pursuits as Aides.

Activity professionals play a vital role in enhancing the lives of those they assist through creative methods designed to meet shifting needs, interests and abilities. By fostering an environment that stimulates engagement with meaningful activities, these individuals are making positive impacts on their communities by advancing standards of living and promoting self-worth.

An Events Director is tasked with the important responsibility of determining which activities would be most beneficial to their participants. An Activity Director takes this a step further, leading and supervising every aspect of said activity’s performance, from staffing decisions to legal compliance standards. They also possess essential skills such as recruiting and training staff members for optimal execution outcomes. In addition, they arrange staff schedules, verify that projects comply with applicable municipal or state laws, and employ and train personnel. To offer comprehensive care or to assure that all team members have the same path, an activity director may confer with other experts inside the company.

Why are activity professionals so vital to the senior care community?

Below are the top 10 factors that make activity specialists the lifeblood of senior care facilities:

• The level of dedication displayed by activity providers is remarkable. Without volunteers, many areas would not function properly; they are willing to sacrifice breaks and go the extra mile in order to be able to spend more time with locals, their impact on elderly people’s lives being so grand that even their own needs can sometimes be forgotten.
• An activities professional truly is a special kind of hero, getting to know each and every one of their clients on an individual level. With this deep understanding comes the exceptional ability to detect moods, even when times are tough – followed closely by what can only be described as a magical touch for lifting spirits up. Even in moments where it feels like all hope is lost, they create happiness within communities everywhere.
• Well-being is a multi-faceted concept and we recognize that. To ensure our residents reach their full potential, activity specialists lead activities targeting psychological, cognitive, physiological, social and divine well-being. As such, an all-encompassing approach to health care has become increasingly important in today’s world. Therefore, it is vital for any plan of action taken to incorporate each factor holistically.
• Activity pros are among the most creative folks we’ve ever encountered. It is difficult for them to always come up with new and engaging activities. Residents are inspired by their inventiveness, which keeps them enthusiastic and involved.
• Professionals in the field of activities go above and beyond to care for their inhabitants. They not only learn one’s preferences but also ensure that medical, nutritional and mobility needs are met. They serve as a vital link between administration tasks like graph maintenance, while being devotedly connected with those within their community, using all senses available.
• Some seniors interact with activity specialists more frequently than they do with their own families. Seeing one other so continually fosters bonds that endure a lifetime and benefit both parties.
• Activity experts recognize older adults as a valuable asset to our communities. With their unique experiences and insights, they advocate against ageism while also advocating the fact that individuals of any age can contribute positively in society.
• Loneliness poses a serious risk to health and well-being, comparable in magnitude to smoking fifteen cigarettes every day. To help counter that, activity experts are essential in keeping people engaged through electronic communication or even one-on-one connections – effectively providing support during these times of crisis.
• Activity experts strive to deliver remarkable experiences for their residents, despite the overwhelming workload they face daily. Even so, this dedication comes at a price: fatigue is an all-too common consequence of these dedicated professionals’ efforts.
• Activity specialists make life more enjoyable for those under their care with stimulating creative experiences, inspiring physical movement and engagement through exciting trips, or creating calming environments – all in the pursuit of contentment.

How can I show my appreciation to an activity professional?

To ensure your team’s invaluable contributions are properly celebrated, Executive Directors and management should express their gratitude in meaningful ways. From crafting handmade cards to offering new job opportunities, it is essential that recognition be personalized to acknowledge the hard work of activity experts who go above-and-beyond for our people and society as a whole. Show them you care by giving back something useful.

Celebration ideas include:

• On a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, highlight a new employee or volunteer on a bulletin board.
• Hold an awards ceremony where every staff member and volunteer is recognized for their unique contributions to the community.
• Invite local organizations, clubs, and non-profits to create cards of appreciation.
• In appreciation of the action team, plant some trees.
• Highlight the activity team in an email sent to seniors and family and on social media platforms.

This year, show your appreciation to the crew who go above and beyond without expecting anything in return. Make sure whatever you decide is heartfelt and thoughtful – something that captures their hard work for them to cherish long after the holiday has passed. Let’s make it a thank-you season.

Whatever you’re looking for—the right retirement setting or a rewarding career path—Springpoint offers opportunities. A fresh beginning to explore the best life has to offer, living how you want, where you want, doing what you want.