How to Be Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 14, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Lack of activity and social engagement can lead to a number of negative effects on elderly nursing home residents. In order to combat this, many nursing homes have begun hiring activity coordinators to create engaging activities and programing for their residents. By providing meaningful activities, social interaction and entertainment, activity coordinators can help nursing home residents stay active, engaged and connected to their community.

This can lead to improved physical, mental and emotional health, increased self-esteem and improved quality of life. activity coordinators can also provide critical stimulation, intellectual stimulation and mentoring to help nursing home residents stay engaged in the world around them.

Steps How to Become

Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing. Becoming a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator typically requires applicants to hold an associate degree in nursing. Nursing programs offered at community colleges and universities teach students the basic principles of nursing, anatomy, and physiology, as well as medical terminology and pharmacology.
Obtain a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License. After completing an associate degree, graduates must obtain an LPN license in order to practice nursing in a long-term care facility. To do this, applicants need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). This exam tests the knowledge of prospective nurses in various areas such as anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
Obtain Work Experience. To become a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator, it is important to have some work experience in long-term care settings. This could be through internships or volunteer positions in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
Obtain a Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Administration. A Bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration is beneficial for those seeking to become Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinators. This degree teaches individuals how to manage resources and personnel in healthcare settings. It also helps enhance communication and organizational skills.
Obtain a Certification. After completing a Bachelors degree, applicants may choose to obtain a certification from the National Council of Certified Activity Professionals. This certification is designed for professionals who wish to specialize in geriatric activity coordination and administration.
Gain Work Experience as a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator. Once the necessary qualifications are met, individuals can start working as a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator. This role involves developing activities for elderly residents in nursing homes, assisting them with daily life activities, and maintaining records of their participation in activities.

Geriatrics nursing home activity coordinators must possess a high degree of skill and efficiency to be successful. These professionals are responsible for planning and implementing activities for elderly individuals that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. To be effective, activity coordinators must have the ability to motivate seniors to participate, understand the needs and interests of the elderly population, and create activities that are tailored to their needs.

they must be organized and detail-oriented so that all activities are conducted safely and efficiently. With these skills, geriatrics nursing home activity coordinators can ensure that their elderly residents lead healthy, fulfilling, and enjoyable lives.

You may want to check Geriatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Geriatrics Clinical Care Manager, and Geriatric Health Care Administrator for alternative.

Job Description

Create and implement engaging activities for seniors in a nursing home setting.
Develop an activity calendar that includes programs to meet the physical, mental, and social needs of nursing home residents.
Lead group activities such as games, music, art classes, and field trips.
Provide one-on-one activities with residents when necessary.
Monitor the activities to ensure resident safety and enjoyment.
Assist nursing staff with physical exercise programs for residents with mobility issues.
Maintain records of participation, attendance, and feedback from activities.
Monitor resident participation in activities and make appropriate adjustments.
Liaise with other departments to ensure activities are tailored to the needs of the residents.
Train, supervise, and evaluate activity volunteers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of geriatrics care and the needs of the elderly.
Ability to assess residents physical and emotional needs.
Ability to develop, plan and implement activities for residents.
Creativity in developing engaging activities for different types of residents.
Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations and standards.
Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with other staff members.
Proficiency in using computers and activity software programs.
Patience and compassion when dealing with residents and their families.

As a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator, the most important skill to have is the ability to develop and implement activities that meet the individual needs of each resident. This includes understanding the personal interests and capabilities of each resident, as well as developing activities that are appropriate, engaging, and stimulating. The successful implementation of activities can have a positive impact on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of residents, helping to reduce feelings of isolation, depression, and stress.

Furthermore, activities can also improve cognitive functioning, enhance socialization skills, and provide a sense of purpose for residents. By equipping themselves with the necessary skill set, a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator can make a meaningful difference in the lives of nursing home residents.

Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse, Geriatrics Behavioral Health Technician, and Geriatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric populations?
How would you handle an irate resident in an activity program?
What strategies do you use to encourage participation in activities?
How do you ensure that activities meet the individual needs and abilities of each resident?
Describe a successful activity program you have implemented in the past.
What methods do you use to assess the effectiveness of activity programs?
How do you ensure the safety of residents during activities?
What challenges have you encountered when coordinating activities for geriatric populations?
How do you handle requests from residents to participate in activities that are outside your scope of expertise?
How do you ensure that activities are age-appropriate and engaging?

Common Tools in Industry

Intergenerational Activity Program. A program that engages seniors in activities with younger generations, such as art classes, music lessons, or computer classes. (eg: Intergenerational dance classes with a local high school)
Life Story Interviews. A series of interviews to gather information about the residents life and family. (eg: One-on-one interviews with the residents family members)
Memory Games. Engaging activities designed to stimulate memory and cognitive functioning. (eg: Name That Tune trivia game)
Group Outings. Planned trips to local attractions or events. (eg: A trip to a local museum or art gallery)
Arts & Crafts Projects. Creative activities designed to help seniors express themselves. (eg: Decorating holiday cards with the residents)
Exercise Programs. Exercises designed to help seniors maintain their mobility and independence. (eg: Chair yoga or water aerobics classes)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP)
American Society on Aging (ASA)
National Association of Gerontological Nurses and Practitioners (NAGNP)
Aging Life Care Association (ALCA)
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
American Council of Activity Professionals (ACAP)
National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP)
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Association of Professional Activity Directors (APAD)

We also have Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Geriatrics Dietary Aide, and Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Resident-Centered Care. Care focused on the needs of each individual resident, including physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Basic self-care activities such as dressing, eating, and bathing.
Therapeutic Recreation. The use of recreational activities to improve physical and mental health.
Cognitive Impairment. A decline in cognitive functions such as memory, language, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
Physical Impairment. A decline in physical abilities due to injury or illness.
Socialization. The process of developing relationships with other people and learning to interact in social situations.
Community Resources. Local services and organizations that can be used to provide activities and assistance to residents of a nursing home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator do?

A Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator plans and implements activities for elderly residents in a nursing home setting. This includes organizing events, outings, and recreational activities to promote physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.

What qualifications are needed to be a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator?

Qualifications for a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator typically include a degree in gerontology, psychology, or a related field, as well as experience working with the elderly. Some states may require certification in activity coordination.

What kind of activities do Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinators plan?

Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinators plan activities that are tailored to the interests of the residents. This can include arts and crafts, music, cultural events, outdoor activities, physical fitness classes, and social gatherings.

How many hours does a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator typically work?

The amount of hours that a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator works depends on the size and type of nursing home. Generally, coordinators work full-time hours, from 8am-5pm.

What is the average salary for a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator?

The average salary for a Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator is around $32,000 - $45,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on experience level, qualifications, and location.

Web Resources

What Is Geriatric Nursing? | CU Online online.campbellsville.edu
Home | Geriatrics geriatrics.ucsf.edu
The Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence » Penn State Nursing www.nursing.psu.edu