Activity Director Why are Administrator and Staff unfair to you

Yes, I have been in that same place many years ago and find it everywhere I have been. You will learn that when praise is given to just give the praise to others instead of self. Just as long as you are doing your job and doing it well and the residents enjoy what you do and love you, it doesn't matter who gets the praise. In this profession, we always get great reviews from families and the residents, in return this always makes your peers feel like you are always wanting attention. But this isn't true, because this is our jobs. Maybe the next place you go, give them oppurtunities to help with events and give them alot of praise for their efforts. I do this all the time, even when something is my idea. I manage 13 people, trust me, they all like attention and try very hard to give them that!!

Thank you, I am still looking for a Activity Director position, I will take your advice. God Bless you!

Some Adminstrator need that power. I have been there here in Arizona, but keep looking there are good adminstrator out there. I pray to the good Lord to Lead me to the right job. You know you are a good wooker so hold your head up high
Good Luck

I am starting a new job as a Activity Director on Tuesday September 2, 2008 I am hoping and praying that I will say and do everything right, hopefully this administrator will be a great one, and will have no problem, pray for me please.

Good for you Lena. It's not easy being an Activity Director. When you start work you need to curb your enthusiasm and just do your job.

Great!!

I don't know if this is a common problem or what. I don't have any trouble with my administrator but feel isolated from supposedly team members. A few have banned together and act like a high school click and I am not included in any part of it. It's like they know whats going on but don't offer any info to me.There are key team players in this group.Various people feel they are jealous of me because I do get recognized by families and residents. I just feel we all have a job to do and our focus is on the residents so naturally you do what you can to improve the quality of their life.A job I looked forward to every day is getting harder and harder to be at.

I know exactly what you mean. I have been through that and am still going through that. I find key people in my staff to associate with and become close with and don't let others bother me. I do from time to time let it, but I have a friend who I confide in and vent. She is my Assistant and Trusting!! Hang in there, pray for them and I promise it will get better. Say hi to them and don't worry about being in their group. Try to make your "own group" and include them in yours. You know you are making a difference in the lives of the people you serve and weigh out the numbers. I know that 95% of residents, staff and families appreciate you and don't worry about the 5%, because you will always have them. Jealousy is a bad thing and they are the ones who have to deal with this in their lives. You be the adult and keep your head up!! Don't worry about any praise, you already have stars in the heavens for what you do and that is higher than any praise anyone on this earth could give you!!

Thank you so much for your reply. I bounce a lot off of my one assistant too. About a year ago I made the decision that just because their work ethics were different than mine it shouldn't affect me sooooo....much.It's only since they hired this one person has there been such a division. I try very hard to not let it get to me. Heaven forbid I have enough to do but makes it hard when you are supposed to communicate with them.
Thanks again. I know we don't need praise but we do get positive feedback from families and residents and I think that is what makes them jealous. They have a choice to pitch in and be part of our things too.

I am so late. I see that the last comment was made 3 months ago, but I really want to congratulate Lena. God knows that I know how you feel. I didn't know this issue was global. I was never an Activities Director, but I was best friends with one at the facility I worked at and it was horrible. A lot of the staff didn't like me because I am bubbly and I knew that my job there was an assignment from God. The activity director had the same personality. She was awesome at what she did and it was like everyone was so negative. I had to defend her a few times. Whenever you have a passion and you are doing what you are assigned to do with joy and a naturalism, there will always be opposition and it sucks because everyone could do and feel the same if they just choose to.

I have been an Activity Director for 20 years and have worked in 3 facilities. Every where I have been, I had problems with others. I have learned to just not let it bother me and go on doing what God called me to do. It has gotten better through the years because I changed my way of thinking (I don't let it get to me anymore and I stand my ground!) Good luck with your position and may the Lord bless your endeavors as you plan meaningful activities for our Older Adult population!!

I know that a lot of it comes down to changing my own attitude but sometimes it is hard because as a dept head I like to have everyone on the same team. I don't expect to be friends with some of these people but I don't see where looking at them and saying good morning is too much or when they walk by your room they can't let you in on who's coming in or things that concern me also. I don't see it changing so I will focus on my reason for being there and that is the residents'. It's only a couple bad apples and I have made the decision that their work ethics aren't mine. When I go home at the end of the day I can honestly say "I did the best I could"

Ugh..I just got out of a meeting...the oppositon is so annoying and disheartening. Prayer gets me through...I always go in with it and I leave with it.

Everything said so far by other directors is true. I have been doing this for about 8 years now. I have developed a very warm but focused attitude- but even still, some days I just can not believe the nonsense that goes on around me & the lack of support ...I guess thats what makes it work...because everything else I enjoy. Thats our role..to bring joy, love and care to the residents..in a world that truly is apathetic. Maybe the resistance keeps us in check. Because that resistance to love & joy & true effort is going on all around the world..not just at work. People who are in darkness flee from the light..It is the light of God, we are in a very privledged position to be with people at the end of life and bring comfort to them as much as we can/do..Its just so amazing how many mean spirited there really are..and getting paid to do not much else. That is our edge..and our purpose..to be stealth in our ability to overcome..and some days its easier than others...Whenver you are acting in a healing/comforting role you have to have faith/prayer...because prayer is the best weapon when the enemy wants to attack you. And we will be attacked in some way for spreading joy..its just the way it is..but how awesome to have that joy to begin with..it is to be shared..and obviously some people will fear it..Keep going back to prayer because it is restorative and essential when your job is giving of yourself. It also can put protections in place to ease some of the difficulties..obstacles do dissolve over time with a sincere heart. I wish everyone peace & Strength to continue the good fight by bringing joy & sustaining amid the dark detractors!! Amen. Blessed Be.

I am a Lifestyle Director in an Active Adult Community, I should say Active Children's Community because my residents act so immature. In case you're wondering what an Activie Adult Community is I guess you can say it's more like a retirement community where residents purchase their homes and embrace an activie lifestyle, golfing, fitness, social events trips/excursions, etc.
It's funny reading all your comments because ironically I just asked the question today what is the common thread that Activity Directors/Lifestyle Directors face in trying to make the residents and families happy. All the opposition we face not to mention the long hours, weekends we spend ensuring that someone elses experience is greater than our own often times. I just finished updating my resume and I'm thinking long and hard before I push the button. One thing I'm sure of is that you get what you receive, meaning that if you give your best then the best is sure to come your way!

What kind of salaries do Activity Directors make? I am a registered dietitian and so sick my role and wanted to do something more fun. After reading your posts, I am thinking that maybe it is not as much fun as it seems. I have consulted in long term care in my past experiences and all I heard was complaints about the food. The documentation required is so rediculous and takes away from patient care. Is there much documentation required for activity directors?.

susan in Spring, Texas said: What kind of salaries do Activity Directors make? I am a registered dietitian and so sick my role and wanted to do something more fun. After reading your posts, I am thinking that maybe it is not as much fun as it seems. I have consulted in long term care in my past experiences and all I heard was complaints about the food. The documentation required is so rediculous and takes away from patient care. Is there much documentation required for activity directors?.

Susan,
I am good friends with our dietary manager and I know she makes more money than I do. Activity directors are not paid as well as anyone else in the facility but thanks to more recognition of it as being a profession the salaries are coming up. I make 17.99 which I don't know if it is real comparable or not. Our facility is rural and also only 55 beds. I feel like it is a good wage for me.
Yes there are many meetings and lots of paperwork and documentation to do. With it being considered more of a profession the paperwork goes with it. I think every dept in these times has a lot to keep track of: Staff, budgets etc.
I can't think of a profession I would rather be in though. I know we make a difference even when we don't always feel that way. For me my work is a passion. I love the elderly.
Sue

Hello. I enjoyed your encouragement to the person that was fired, but I have a couple questions of my own. Can you provide me with a list of duties for an Activity Director?

Amanda M. Fisher in Saint Louis, Missouri said: Yes, I have been in that same place many years ago and find it everywhere I have been. You will learn that when praise is given to just give the praise to others instead of self. Just as long as you are doing your job and doing it well and the residents enjoy what you do and love you, it doesn't matter who gets the praise. In this profession, we always get great reviews from families and the residents, in return this always makes your peers feel like you are always wanting attention. But this isn't true, because this is our jobs. Maybe the next place you go, give them oppurtunities to help with events and give them alot of praise for their efforts. I do this all the time, even when something is my idea. I manage 13 people, trust me, they all like attention and try very hard to give them that!!

Everything from planning 5 calendars of events for different levels of care, cleaning up, setting up, paper work, filing, hiring, firing, supervising 13 staff. I wear many hats around here!!

Okay. Wow. Well, how about a typical year for you. Say, your most hectic year. How far in advance did you plan and what were your activities?

I usually plan for the upcoming year around October and November. I have several main events that we do yearly. Easter Egg Hunt, Mother and Daugher teas, (We do two of these), National Nursing Home Week, Monthly Birhtday Parties (2 of these), entertainment monthly, Potlucks' for Independent Living, Father's Day Luncheon, Volunteer Luncheon, 4th of July Party, August and September are my slow months, this is when I can breath a little. October we have dress up day for the staff and celebrate Halloween with the community, Christmas Parties for all level of care, entertainment for all these. I am sure I left something out. But, I have help doing all this. If I didn't have such a great team, I couldn't do it.

yea.... Im going to start as an activities director for the first time and I am a bit nerves I really dont know where to start hopefully everything will turn out to be okay. Id like to have some advise

im going to start out as an activity director for the very first time and honestly Im very much dont know where to begin Id like some advise out there pleeeese.

gina lou29 in Pocatello, Idaho said: yea.... Im going to start as an activities director for the first time and I am a bit nerves I really dont know where to start hopefully everything will turn out to be okay. Id like to have some advise

I have been thinking about applying for an Activities Director position- I am nervous too!

gina lou29 in Pocatello, Idaho said: im going to start out as an activity director for the very first time and honestly Im very much dont know where to begin Id like some advise out there pleeeese.

It is a very hectic lifestyle and your family will have to understand that there will be times you will be working on weekends and weeknights on occassion or in a "hurry". Don't be scared. If you like excitement, changes, and making other people happy, you will be fine!!

The place that let you go? What kind of job did you do?

Thanks, Amanda in the STL. That is encouraging.

Question for Sue Sidman in North Wales, Pennsylvania: The place that let you go? What kind of job did you do and was the work hard? did you work over overtime?

I seem to be running out of ideas lately. We are person center care now and the staff are suppose to get involved with doing activiites. Since the new Ftag has came out, if activities has any defencincies they go on to the Administration shoulder instead of the Act. Dir. Does anyone have anything they could share with me? Right now we are doing a program called "Wish Upon A Star". The residents requests what they would like to do and the staff grants their wishes. But, there are only a few that are dedicated in doing so. HELP! How can we get the nursing, dietarty, housekeeping and Maintenance on board with Person Center Care Philosophy?

What do you do about burn out? I have bbe in activities for 18 years, still love the resident's, although the demands from corporate & state/Fed regulations is so I cannot seem to spend quality time like I did in the years past. Between care plans/ M.D.S./ progress notes, meetings ( lots of them . It has gotten crazy. I don't want to leave my profession but it is getting VERY stressful. We have a 90 bed facility with Rehab to home being one of our main focuses at this time. Resident's just come in, you get their assessments done then it is time to go home. I know they are in therapy a lot and we offer check in visits and one on one but there are STILL the low/Middle and high functioning that their need are also needing to be meet. I have just also just been ask if I could go over to our separate building (Assisted Living ) and do activities and assessments for their resident's (18). I only hav one full time assistant. Any Thoughts ??

grampapest in Kansas City, Missouri said: What do you do about burn out? I have bbe in activities for 18 years, still love the resident's, although the demands from corporate & state/Fed regulations is so I cannot seem to spend quality time like I did in the years past. Between care plans/ M.D.S./ progress notes, meetings ( lots of them . It has gotten crazy. I don't want to leave my profession but it is getting VERY stressful. We have a 90 bed facility with Rehab to home being one of our main focuses at this time. Resident's just come in, you get their assessments done then it is time to go home. I know they are in therapy a lot and we offer check in visits and one on one but there are STILL the low/Middle and high functioning that their need are also needing to be meet. I have just also just been ask if I could go over to our separate building (Assisted Living ) and do activities and assessments for their resident's (18). I only hav one full time assistant. Any Thoughts ??

Go to your Administrator and be right up front. YOU NEED MORE HELP!! Let them know what all you are doing and it is getting stressful for you there and in your personal life. Learn to say NO too. You have way too much on your plate, You need at least 2 part time people or another full timer. Ask and you shall receive. Don't be afraid and push for some more help!!

I've been reading all your posts. I started out as a Cruise Director and professional entertainer. I've been 40 years in some aspect of this business.
I so agree with many of you and your findings of this position. Being a sensitive person I found the insensitivity alot to handle. Not only from residents but mainly from corporate - I had a 27 year old boss who made it known SHE was the boss!! She was not nice and not nice to work for but, but corporate loved her! Of course, they did not know the real person she was!! When a person knows it all....you don't have much of a chance. On the other hand - I loved my job and the residents happiness with the many events and activities they enjoyed. After all, that is the job! We are working holidays, and working hard I might add, when others are enjoying....that goes with the job too! Good luck to those of you starting and those of you that "know the ropes"...you earn your money!! God Bless!

wow, thought it was only me in this boat, have been at my job combined 16 yrs., back twice to the same building, now 6 yrs. have a new boss who brought her best friend to marketing with her, OMG, I was getting written up all the time, never doing anything right, never had a problem before my "NEW" boss, she isn't a people person, so the residents and families really rebelled, got scared thought that I was leaving, threw the place in a tail spin,long story short, I had to get corperate involved, talked to my bosses boss, but nothing is ever going to change, i'm not leaving, I love my job, just them "other people" you have to work with will always be jealous of our relationship with our people, not a thing will change, so I changed my attitude, won't let them bother me, and just do my job to the best of my ability , and remember without us activity angels most of these residents would not stay in your buildings!!!!! Activity's ROCK!!!! and don't you all forget how special you are!!!!!!

I Have been an Activity Director for several years no Home is alike
no administrator are the Same you just Have to have faith and alot of
prayer and continue to say that you are a activity Director and no one
can take that away from you.

wow. there is no doubt acitivities can be stressfull and demanding. I am a 22yr old activities assistant at an assisted living/retirement home in Kentucky (for 5months or so now!)and i can say i love it! I have worn many hats at the same facility for 4 years now, and i never knew until now how much work goes into planning, budgeting, and modivating clients to participate! Our activities director is great at what she does, (yes. she can be demanding and a lot of our other employees dont agree with how she handles herself around some clients,but in a way i can understand why she can be that way...)other than that, i know she tries very hard to arrange activities to keep us busy ALL year round!(ex. dancing, plays,concerts,lunches, outtings, fall festivals,men and wemans clubs, morning activities, CANT FORGET BINGO!!, volunteering around the community, crafts,cooking, bake-offs, shopping,celebrating holidays...hehe (WOW) and thats just the tip of the ice berg!!I know for a fact the clients love her for it!To me the opportunity to have this job is a blessing. I love getting to know the clients and making their day just a little bit brighter by encouraging them to participate in different activities! I also believe that you have to love what you do in order to be happy..and at this point i am happy!

I was wondering where can you go in illinois to get certified for an activites director?

I have been working in activities for 7 years. Activity Director for 5 years, different states NY and Florida. No matter where you go there will always be "professionals" who don't like you because your job duties are so different from theirs. I take it as jealousy because I get to play bingo, paint, and go out on trips. we do wear many hats, sometimes I think I'm more of a Social Worker than anything. people don't like when you know things especially about the residents, they trust us more than their own nurses, or Social Workers. I work in a 160+ bed building with one full time asst., and one part-time asst., we always get complaints from other departments, BUT THE RESIDENTS AND FAMILIES LOVE WHAT WE DO, THATS ALL THAT MATTERS!

Thanks for the comments. Sounds like you are excellant at what you do and take great pride in your work YEH !!!

activity directors rock!!! been one for 7 years and still loving it,
need some advice at new community cant gethelp from staff to bring residents out have lots of wanders angry residents but all in all most residents just enjoy simply things like book club social time I can get a few to paint and sort have to do most crafts for my residents, just got some pom poms for "workouts" sing a long cds,and a few band instruments along with a couple of puzzles and a few lace and latch crafts they love balloon toss my problem is my ed, her boss and some family members think its not enough I need advice I have to put chairs in a cirlce for "workout" than it takes about 10 minutes or more to rearrange the chairs back so we can have a snack I am not allow to change times on my calander Help me PLease

Sue Warmka, ADC in Dodge Center, Minnesota said: Susan,
I am good friends with our dietary manager and I know she makes more money than I do. Activity directors are not paid as well as anyone else in the facility but thanks to more recognition of it as being a profession the salaries are coming up. I make 17.99 which I don't know if it is real comparable or not. Our facility is rural and also only 55 beds. I feel like it is a good wage for me.
Yes there are many meetings and lots of paperwork and documentation to do. With it being considered more of a profession the paperwork goes with it. I think every dept in these times has a lot to keep track of: Staff, budgets etc.
I can't think of a profession I would rather be in though. I know we make a difference even when we don't always feel that way. For me my work is a passion. I love the elderly.
Sue

Not true. Activity Directors are almost always paid more than Housekeeping Directors, so your contention that they are paid less than anybody else is not true. I'm assuming that you mean managment, because obviously activity directors are paid more than CNAs and Housekeeping and Dietary aides.

Tim in North Fort Myers, Florida said: Not true. Activity Directors are almost always paid more than Housekeeping Directors, so your contention that they are paid less than anybody else is not true. I'm assuming that you mean managment, because obviously activity directors are paid more than CNAs and Housekeeping and Dietary aides.

I am sorry about this comment. I meant the other managers. I'm not sure what the housekeeping manager gets because at our facility maintenance,housekeeping, and laundry are combined with one manager. I realize CNA's and dietary aids etc make less than I do.
I am so sorry. I also know that it takes all people to make it work and NO job is more important. I have held positions in other depts and I realize how hard of work it is.It takes everyone to make a home.Same as it takes all players to make a team. Hope you will accept my apology
Sue

I am a former Activity Director, and interested in offering my skills and talents to Assistant Living Facilities for their Residents. What is appropriate Job title and hourly rate as a:
storyteller, singer, games, etc.

I am one of the best Activity Director around over 26 years experience, I would like to work for a healthcare facility that really care, and let you do your job, a place where I can train and have my own worker in activity.

I find it hard to work for facility that do not let you hirer your own worker, the problem is people that are in unions are lazy and the facility don,t want to get rid of worthless worker.

looking for a excellent healthcare facility that will pay me what I am worth $50,000 a year.

I am currently working as an activity assistant. My supervisor is a woman who apparently likes living on the edge. She waits until the last minute to set up events, forgets to pay entertainers, and generally runs around like the proverbial chicken without a head. This retirement facility is very upscale. I've been taking over for her while she's been on vacation for a couple a weeks. I havent' done everything (there is a fair amount of paperwork with the job) but it seems to me that the job could be run much more efficiently if she just sat down and planned things out. She can be in the middle of something and leave to go do something else. Very ADD. But it's making me crazy. Frankly, I don't know how much longer I can stand working for her. I'm looking around. But honestly, I don't know how she keeps the job. She's had it for several years. She's really a mess. I really love the residents and the job itself. It'd be great if she wasn't around. Any ideas how to handle this?

I am a great activity director and I go threw so many things @ Saint Agnes, my prayer is that you will become the activity director their or somewhere else.

Where I work at the Director of Nursing and others are people that don,t like people to do their jobs they are very controlling and enjoys lieing on people and I am told they have been at Saint Agnes for ,why the administrator and owner keep them around, I don,t understand. But I have faith in God that you and I keep doing what is right and do what we can for the residents we will be bless, and hopefully one day they will no longer be around.

Alicia in Palm Bay, Florida said: I am so late. I see that the last comment was made 3 months ago, but I really want to congratulate Lena. God knows that I know how you feel. I didn't know this issue was global. I was never an Activities Director, but I was best friends with one at the facility I worked at and it was horrible. A lot of the staff didn't like me because I am bubbly and I knew that my job there was an assignment from God. The activity director had the same personality. She was awesome at what she did and it was like everyone was so negative. I had to defend her a few times. Whenever you have a passion and you are doing what you are assigned to do with joy and a naturalism, there will always be opposition and it sucks because everyone could do and feel the same if they just choose to.

I Just recently moved from florida to virgiia. In florida I was an Activity Director and I adored my job, but I did encounter the same attitude from some of the staff. And now that I read some of your comments, I realize there wasn't something wrong with me ! I used to feel guilty almost, that the family members appreciated me for taking care of their loved ones. I am currently looking for the same position, but it is becoming difficult to find an Activity Director position in virginia. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Thanks for the great comments so far! Maree in Virginia

I always pray and keep doing the best I can, people seem to dislike you, because you are good @ your job.
Don,t stop continue to be your best, and treat people the way you want to be treated. God Bless you! Lena

pacebene in Paramus, New Jersey said: Ugh..I just got out of a meeting...the oppositon is so annoying and disheartening. Prayer gets me through...I always go in with it and I leave with it.

Everything said so far by other directors is true. I have been doing this for about 8 years now. I have developed a very warm but focused attitude- but even still, some days I just can not believe the nonsense that goes on around me & the lack of support ...I guess thats what makes it work...because everything else I enjoy. Thats our role..to bring joy, love and care to the residents..in a world that truly is apathetic. Maybe the resistance keeps us in check. Because that resistance to love & joy & true effort is going on all around the world..not just at work. People who are in darkness flee from the light..It is the light of God, we are in a very privledged position to be with people at the end of life and bring comfort to them as much as we can/do..Its just so amazing how many mean spirited there really are..and getting paid to do not much else. That is our edge..and our purpose..to be stealth in our ability to overcome..and some days its easier than others...Whenver you are acting in a healing/comforting role you have to have faith/prayer...because prayer is the best weapon when the enemy wants to attack you. And we will be attacked in some way for spreading joy..its just the way it is..but how awesome to have that joy to begin with..it is to be shared..and obviously some people will fear it..Keep going back to prayer because it is restorative and essential when your job is giving of yourself. It also can put protections in place to ease some of the difficulties..obstacles do dissolve over time with a sincere heart. I wish everyone peace & Strength to continue the good fight by bringing joy & sustaining amid the dark detractors!! Amen. Blessed Be.

Thank you so much for this beautiful and insightful message. I was just fired today for this very reason.

Sorry to hear it. My last place gave the Activity Department a large budget; my new place has us moving to a smaller office in the basement, though I admit, so are a couple others. Our morning activity room gets taken over without notice for webinars and the only other rooms get cleaned at that time. I get paid well enough, but I could use more help and would take a little pay cut to get it.

Do you mind me asking if you have a 4 year degree? I have activity director experience in florida, but here in virginia, you have to have a 4 year degree to make average money. So I'm underpaid with little respect from faculty.

I thought I was the only one going through the same thing. Im working as a Activity Director for a hospital and I pretty much do Activities, ER registration, CNA...I do A lot..and I still get attitudes from some of the staff. Im a really sensitive person and I love helping our patients. Our patients love the things I do with them and they open up and talk to me. It really gets to me how some of the staff rolls their eyes at me and makes gestures when Im just doing my job. Also, just found out that a few has actually tried to get me in trouble for stuff that wasnt my fault. I love what I do..but I dont know how much more I can take of this.