Riverton Quilt Show

Rocky Mountain Riverton is holding a Quilt Show and would like to extend an invitation out to you and your clients!

 

 

More Resources!

Last week we had a FUN workshop with some of the greatest Recreation Therapists from Rocky Mountain Care Center.  Here is some follow up items from this workshop which I thought everyone could use:

• Aliha from Molina came to speak with us regarding Senior Wellness.  Adam is my contact person at Molina, his number is 80-542-7913.  You can schedule with him some great presentations with your seniors regarding wellness programs.  If you have a specific topic then let him know other wise he has some neat presentations.  He and his staff are awesome about getting seniors involved.   
• Here is the link for the 55 Plus Senior Resource Directory: http://www.55plusbook.slco.org/
• Micki Sannar does webinar training with doTERRA CPTG Essential Oils.  Just email her letting her know you are interested in the webinar training’s   mikko.doterra@gmail.com

• Here is the link to the protocols we talked about http://www.trconnections.com/Intervention-Protocols.html

• This is a good format to use when writing protocols:  

 Activity: 

 Category: 

 Objective:

Population:

Group Size: 

Materials: 

Description:

Discussion Prompts:

Variation:

Risks/Considerations:

Submitted by:

• If you would like to share a proctol, please submit it to either myself or Kristina and we will post it.  tracy@trconnections.com or olc@trconnections.com
• I am trying to get a hold of someone from URTA to get more info on the Summer Olympiatrics
• https://twitter.com/TRconnections we are also on Twitter!  Be patient with me as I learn how to post and use twitter!  

Remember to look on this blog or on our Face Book page and Twitter for more fun ideas, discussions and upcoming events!

 

 

 

What is the difference between Recreational Therapy and Diversion Activities?

Are you often asked by your fellow co-workers what Recreation Therapy is?  And then after explaining they still give you a puzzled look?  Here is a brief explanation you can share with them.

According to the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), Recreational Therapy means a treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.

Recreational Therapists work with clients to restore motor, social and cognitive functioning, build confidence, develop coping skills, and integrate skills learned in treatment settings into community settings. Intervention areas vary widely and are based upon client interests. Examples of intervention modalities include creative arts (e.g., crafts, music, dance, drama, among others), sports, adventure programming, dance/movement, and leisure education

Recreational Therapists help people who are injured to get active again. They use sports, games, arts, crafts, and music to help patients build confidence and get back into life.  Diversion activities are conducted by individuals who focus on games and pastimes for fun.

Recreational Therapists find out what patients need. They do this by looking at medical records and talking to other staff. They also listen to the patients and their families. They then make up a program to help the person. For instance, they might help a right-handed girl who can’t use her right arm any more to throw a ball with her left arm.

Let’s look at bowling; while one may look at this activity as just a fun outing for our clients, as Recreational Therapists we incorporate the needs of the client through their care plan.  With bowling a Recreational Therapist can assist a client who may have balance issue regain strength.  Bowling incorporates social skills, leisure education, cognitive functioning and self esteem.

 

At Neighborhood House we have OT interns who

At Neighborhood House we have OT interns who do amazing projects for us.  On of the interns put together this list of Dementia Support Groups for Caregivers.  I have given this to many family members who where so thankful for such a great list!

Location	Address	Phone Number	Schedule	Available to:
Legacy Village of Layton	1205 N. Fairfield Rd. Layton, UT 84040	801-589-7510	Every other Tuesday 4:00 p.m.	Caregivers
Autumn Glow Senior Center	81 East Center Street Kaysville, UT 84037	801-535-5069	2nd Tuesday 3:30 p.m.	Caregivers & People with Dementia
Orchard Cove	485 E. 500 S. Bountiful, UT 84010	801-299-4800	Every Thursday 3:00 p.m.	Caregivers
Golden Years Senior Activity Center	726 S. 100 E. Bountiful, UT 84010	801-525-5088	3rd Tuesday 3:30 p.m.	Caregivers & People with Dementia
VA Nursing Home	700 Foothill Blvd. SLC, UT 84107	801-584-1900	1st Wednesday 2:00 p.m.	Caregivers
Silverado Senior Living	1430 E. 4500 S. Holladay, UT 84107	801-272-8000	1st Thursday 6:00 p.m.	Caregivers
Murray Memory Builders	855 E. 4800 S Ste. 100 Murray, UT 84107	801-265-1944	2nd and 4th Wednesday 1:15 p.m.	Caregivers & People with Dementia
Canyon Creek assisted Living and Memory Care	7235 S. Union Park Ave SLC, UT 84047	801-576-1455	2nd Tuesday 6:00 p.m.	Caregivers
Sandy Senior Center Frontotemporal Dementia	9310 S. 1300 E. Sandy, UT 84107	801-231-3442	2nd Wednesday 10:00 a.m.	Caregivers
Carrington Court Assisted Living	1928 W. 9800 S. South Jordan, UT 84095	801-676-7616	3rd Thursday 6:30 p.m.	Caregivers

                              

 

The Longest Day

Join us on June 21, 2013 for The Longest Day^® , as together we honor those living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Organize a team for this sunrise-to-sunset event and raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

This event is about patience, strength and endurance – but it’s also about a challenge. On The Longest Day, do something you love – or try something new – to advance the cause! For people facing Alzheimer’s disease, this challenge is every day. For you, it’s just one.

On The Longest Day, it’s time to make a difference.

 

URTA Conference Coming SOON!

URTA Conference

2013 URTA Annual Conference – “Becoming Champions”

When: February 21 – 22, 2013

Where: Noah’s Conference Center (322 W 1100 S, South Jordan, UT 84095)

http://www.utahrectherapy.org/conference.php

The URTA Conference is coming up soon.  Remember the early bird registration for conference  is this coming Friday, it needs to be postmarked by the 18^th to get the discount. Also don’t forget that nominations for awards deadline is coming up soon as well, have a say in who gets these awards!!

Ms. Taxin from Dopl will be doing a presentation at the conference on Friday morning. She will be covering what DOPL does, legislative items and CEU info. If you have any specific questions you would like her to address if there is time, please email them to Michele Beal ASAP (before Jan. 30^th) at epuka1@yahoo.com

At the conference URTA would like to have an “information exchange” table.  Bring copies of some of your favorite groups, activities, crafts, ways to process etc. URTA will put them on the table for everyone to share.  Please give on copy to Michele so she can either make more or post them on the website if we run out!

And last but not least we are looking for sponsors for our meals. If your facility wants to donate a portion or full meal let Laura Bennion know atlbsnowboard@gmail.com  The facility or persons name who donated will be put on a poster)

Can’t wait to see you at the conference!!!!

 

CEU Clarification

With the new changes in the CEU’s there have been some confusion to how many CEU’s RT’s need to obtain before May, how to get CEU’s, who can present CEU’s, and where to get CEU’s.  Hopefully I can help clarify these questions and answer any others you may have.

Let’s start at the top with this new law and what it says:

Rule R156-40. Recreational Therapy Practice Act Rule.

As in effect on December 1, 2012

R156-40-304. Continuing Education.

In accordance with Section 58-40-304, qualified continuing education requirements are established as follows:

(1) All licensed MTRS, TRS, and TRT’s shall complete 20 hours of qualified continuing education or provide a current CTRS certification during each two-year period of licensure.

(2) Qualified continuing education hours for licensees who have not been licensed for the entire two- year period will be prorated from the date of licensure.

(3) Continuing education under this section shall:

(a) be relevant to the licensee’s professional practice;

(b) be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training and experience to provide recreational therapy continuing education; and

(c) have a method of verification of attendance and completion.

(4) Credit for continuing education shall be recognized in accordance with the following:

(a) unlimited hours shall be recognized for continuing education completed in blocks of time of not less than 50 minutes in formally established classroom courses, seminars, lectures, conferences or training sessions which meet the criteria listed in Subsection (3) above, and which are approved by, conducted by, or under the sponsorship of:

(i) the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing;

(ii) recognized universities and colleges; or

(iii) professional associations, societies and organizations representing a licensed profession whose program objectives relate to the practice of recreational therapy;

(b) a maximum of ten hours per two-year period may be recognized for teaching continuing education courses relevant to recreational therapy;

(c) a maximum of 12 hours per two-year period may be recognized for continuing education that is provided via the internet and/or webinar which provides a certificate of completion;

(d) a maximum of six hours per two-year period may be recognized for continuing education provided by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing;

(e) a maximum of four hours per two-year period may be recognized for CPR and first aid certification through a live course, not online; and

(f) a maximum of six hours per two-year period may be recognized for publications in an article, journal, newsletter or other professional publications.

(5) If properly documented that a licensee is subject to circumstances which prevent that licensee from meeting the continuing education requirements established under this section, the licensee may be excused from the requirement for a period of up to three years. However it is the responsibility of the licensee to document the reasons and justify why the requirement could not be met.

(6) A licensee shall be responsible for maintaining competent records of completed qualified continuing education for a period of six years and if requested, demonstrate the licensee meets requirements under this section.

Now that we have what it say’s, what does it all mean?  This came into effect on December 1, 2012 which means CUE’s will be prorated and RT’s will need to get six hours by May 31, 2013.  Every two years RT’s need to get 20 hours.  CEU’s can be obtained by attending ATRA conference, URTA conference, Therapeutic Recreation workshops, seminars. webinars and online training to name a few.  There are a few things you need to keep in mind when attending these venue’s in order to get the CEU’s.

1.  The presenter needs to be “qualify to teach” recreation therapy context.  This does not mean the presenter needs to be a Recreation Therapist.  For instance an SSW would be able to teach context relevant to recreation therapy but a Hospital Administrator would not unless they have qualifications.  You need to make sure you have the qualifications of the presenter so there is no misunderstandings and keep this information in a file.

2.  Online presentations and webinars apply to the the same qualifications.  When participating in an online/webinar training’s make sure the creditials are clearly outlined as to who put it together and what resources were used.

3.  You can only get a max of 12 hours of CEU’s from internet based presentations.

4.  Calculating CEU’s is as follows:

1 contact/classroom hour = .1 CEU or 10 contact/classroom hour = 1.0 CEU

If you attend a conference for 4 hours then you will receive .4 CEU’s.

5.  You are responsible for keeping track of you CEU’s.  On the home page of trconnections.com click on training and under the documentation section you will find an RT CEU Tracking form button.  You will be able to pull up the tracking sheet and utilize this in keeping track of your CEU’s.  Place this in a file you are keeping all your CEU information.

I hope this clears up some of the muddy waters on this new law.  If you have any more questions please feel free to ask and we will find out the answer for you. 

 

New Years Resolutions For The Recreation Therapist

“All of us every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all our lives.”
Steven Spielberg

Often when we think of New Years Resolutions we think of the things we need to change or improve in our lives. As a Recreation Therapist we need to set New Years Resolutions not only to improve ourselves but also our departments and the outcomes we provide for out clients. Here are a few tips to help you with your New Years Resolutions:

• Write done your Resolutions. Write your Resolutions up on paper and post where you and others can see it EVERYDAY!  Think of this as a care plan…  If it is documented then it will get done, right?  Write your Resolution in one column, your approach in another with deadline and the last column write who is responsible for that approach. 
• Be accountable.  Give a copy to your administrator to let them know you have set up goals for your department.  In doing this your letting your administrator know you want to achieve these things.  As you complete each resolution follow up with your administrator so they will know how your doing too.
• Set your Resolutions for success not failure.  Instead of thinking of them as “Resolutions”, think of them as “Goals For The Year”.  When setting your goals make sure they are obtainable for yourself.  Give yourself a time frame you know you can reach, if you can’t reach your goals then you are more easily to give up. 
• Team work your resolutions. Don’t think your resolutions need to be done all by you!  Get your staff involved and ask them for ideas and a team plan.  If your the only one in your department then get with your volunteers to help you.  Everything doesn’t need to be done by you, it’s okay to delegate projects out.
• Check it off when your done. When you have completed the Resolution check it off or highlight it out so you know it is completed and your staff knows.  You may also want to have a little celebration you completed that resolution.
• Regroup and re-plan.  As Recreation Therapists we get business and things don’t always go the way we plan.  One thing we are good at is thinking on our feet and re-planning.  Same concept here, if it is pass your deadline and it is not completed then it’s okay to stretch it out further.

So now what?  If you have not already written down your resolutions then do so now, it’s never too late.  Here are a few starters for you:

• Organize yourself.  Some of the best Recreation Therapists are those who are organized.  Start with your desk.  Clear off all those papers on your desk by putting them in file folders.  Get yourself a binder and place all your every day papers/documentation sheet in the binder so you have a “walking desk”.  This binder should also include your monthly activity calendar and staff/volunteer schedules, audit sheets, daily planner sheets  and any other papers you need on hand.  Everything else just file away.
• Clean. Next goal would be to clean and organize your office and supply cabinets.  Ask central supply for their extra boxes, label and box your decorations.  If it is decorations you don’t use every day ask maintenance if they have somewhere you can place these boxes until that holiday comes around.  The dollar stores have those nice shoe box storage containers, I love using these for arts and crafts projects.  Place all your glues, pom poms, glitter, crayons ect… in separate storage containers.   If you have not used something for over a year either USE IT or throw it out.
• Client interest sheets.  When was the last time you did a client interest sheet on your whole building?  I am not talking about the one’s we do on admission, annual or for SCOC but one that is broken down into specific activities or groups you offer in your building.  If you haven’t done one do one.  This an excellent idea if your wanting to revamp your program because it will let you know what activities the residents are interested in and which one’s they are not.  A little word of advice on revamping your program, don’t do it ALL in one month.  This is an overwhelming task for yourself and your clients won’t be very excited with you either.  If you work in geriatrics you will know they do not do will with changes so change two or three activities a month and make sure the are aware of the changes in resident council.  Make them a part of the process and your program will be successful!
• Take time for yourself.  You are a caregiver and sometimes we don’t realize we are burnt out till it is too late.  Make sure you are taking days off when you need to or leaving work on time and not taking work home.   Remember your own well-being is important too!

http://blog.alz.org/the-caregiver-solution-to-new-years-resolutions/

 

Help for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.

Help for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.

Misinterpretation of situations is a common behavior in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which results in inappropriate responses.  For example, accusations of stealing their money makes sense to them because they don’t have money at their disposal and it’s easy for them to make the leap that it has been stolen. Or, if they can’t see food right in front of them, they might say that they haven’t been given any food for days.  Of course, they say this when you have company!

In both cases we could argue the point with your loved one, “No one is stealing your money, Mom”, or “you just ate a huge lunch Dad, how can you say that?” Instead, step back, look at the situation and recognize how short term memory problems are a big part of the disease and causing these behaviors.  Trying to reason with them only makes the situation worse.  In addition, they need concrete anchors to reality because of the loss of abstract thinking.  So, give bogus checks in the first situation and hand them some crackers with the promise of dinner in the second.  No argument.

                    It’s easy to “knee jerk” and get sucked in when problem behaviors occur and simply respond to the moment, but taking a step back and going with the behavior will make all the difference for everyone involved.

 

Timeslips

Alzheimer’s Patients Turn To Stories Instead Of Memories