Session Descriptions for SCAAP Fall Symposium, October 16th

Topic: Meeting the Activity Needs of the Baby Boomers and Self-Directed Residents

Speaker: Cathy Allen, CTRS

Session Description:

As Baby Boomers and increasingly self-directed residents enter long-term care and senior living communities, their expectations for meaningful activities are reshaping the way we deliver engagement. This session will examine how to design programs that honor individuality, promote autonomy, and reflect the diverse interests and lifestyles of today’s residents. Participants will explore strategies for balancing group programming with personalized choices, integrating technology, and fostering resident-led initiatives. By the end of the session, attendees will gain practical tools to create activity programs that not only meet but exceed the needs of Baby Boomers and self-directed residents, enhancing both satisfaction and quality of life.

 

Topic: Enhancing your Programming and Communication with Dementia residents

Speaker: Judith Levy, Ed.M., O.T.R.

Session Description:

Working with a resident, client, or family member with Alzheimer’s Dementia or cognitive loss can present daily challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining meaningful interaction. This session will explore practical ways to use activities as tools to improve communication, comfort, and connection. Participants will gain insight into how issues such as sundowning, positioning, and self-care affect engagement and learn how to adapt person-centered activities that foster dignity and quality of life. Through discussion and examples, participants will discover strategies that promote positive interactions, reduce stress, and support stronger relationships between caregivers and individuals living with cognitive decline.

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Topic: Innovative and Creative Game Day Fun with your Residents

Speakers: Patty Loessberg and Jennifer Dorr

Session Description:

At GameDay Fun brings joy and excitement to senior audiences through live gameshow-style entertainment. They focus on creating engaging experiences that promote friendly competition and memorable moments for residents in health care environments.  You will learn the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits of using these creative game show type games. These games engage multiple senses while supporting overall engagement for all residents. Instructors will provide hands-on and interactive game play with participants.

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Topic: The Activities Critical Element Pathway, An Evidence-Based Tool for Measuring Program, Survey perspective on resident rights, resident council, and AD role in all environments

Speaker: Wendy S. Hall Graca, RN, BSN, Retired CDPH Surveyor Lecture

Session Description:

Attendees will learn how the health facility oversight review focuses on the evidence-based

Federal Activities Critical Element Pathway (CEP). The CEP includes direct observations,

resident, family & staff interviews, record reviews, and compliance determination criteria that

can be adapted for all levels of senior living for quality assessment purposes. Other CEPs that

crossover into Activities will be highlighted, including Dementia Care, Nursing & others.