Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Meets State of Oregon certification requirements for Activity Directors in long term care facilities, with successful students receiving State of Oregon Certificate (OAR411-086-0230 (2)(a)(D)). Students must provide proof of high school diploma or GED. Course is required for the Activity Professional Certificate and for the Therapeutic Horticulture Activity Specialist Certificate. It is also required for the Healthy Older Adult Fitness (HOAF) Certificate in Exercise Science.

Prerequisite for GRN264 Advanced Activity Professional Training.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1.  Prepare for work as an activity director in a long-term care setting, including memory care, to provide appropriate and effective activity programs that enhance quality of life for older persons and persons with disabilities.
2. Provide activity programming on cognitive, social, and physical functional levels, which are appropriate to the individual and inclusive of personal interests.
3. Provide adaptive equipment or assistance for success and safety needs as required by state and federal regulations.

To have a solid knowledge and skill foundation to work as an Activity Director and to advance to the activity professional level.

To move toward achieving National Activity Professional-Board Certified status with the National Association of Activity Professionals-Credentialing Council (NAAPCC.net).

The course is organized into 11 weekly Learning Modules, readings from the required text: Activity Director: The Best You Can Be. 7th edition (electronic text) including discussions, form and documentation completion, essay and practicum assignments:

LM1: Purpose and Management of Activity Departments

LM2: Importance of Documentation

LM3: Implementing Documentation

LM4: How the Body Ages

LM5: Special Communication Needs and Implementing Activities

LM6: Sensory Stimulation - Purpose and How to Present

LM7: Importance of Daily Rounds and other Special Needs Activities/Groups

LM8: Understanding and Providing Effective Memory Care Activities

LM9: Resident Council

LM10: Behaviors as Expressions of Needs

LM11: Volunteers and Time Management

Completion of these Practicum and Discussion Topics to show application of knowledge learned plus successful completion of the Final Test.

1. Discussions demonstrating application of knowledge on these topics: Ensuring Quality of Life, Person-Centered Care and Culture Change, Resident Rights and Observations, Adaptive Equipment Use, Memory Care Activities and other Special Needs,
2. Assignment-Practicums: 1) Resident Interview Process using Documentation Forms and Methods, 2) Master Calendar Planning/Calendar Development and 3) Interview/Advocacy for Quality of Life and Activity Programming
3.  Successful Completion of the Final Test, meeting State of Oregon requirements

Topics covered in the course include:

* Management and Purpose of the Activity Department,

* Documentation of Resident Abilities and Outcomes,

* Age-Related Biological Development,

* Program Planning and Implementation for Different Populations including those with cognitive decline or dementia,

* Use of adaptive equipment,

* Person-Centered Programming and Culture Change,

* Resident Communication and Behavior Patterns,

* Resident Council Meetings,

* Staff/Time Management for Implementing the Activity Program,

* Professional Burnout Issues.