Activities aides build relationships with residents and families
From bible study to social media training hours, the time skilled nursing residents spend with the activities teams is the most meaningful part of the day. SKLD activities teams work tirelessly to continually plan creative and fun activities to make residents smile.
Eva Brinich joined the SKLD family in March 2018 as an activities aide at SKLD Bloomfield Hills. She says, “It can be challenging at times, but when I’m assisting residents and can be there for them, it’s very rewarding.”
Eva Brinich, activities aide at SKLD Bloomfield Hills
Eva enjoys working at SKLD with the residents. “My job is so fulfilling, and I really enjoy it here. The residents love me, and I love them right back.”
There are so many exciting activities that Eva has helped coordinate, but one of her favorites is bible study. Eva shares, “I pick a topic and then make handouts for the residents to have a bible group. I also love anything to do with music because I like to sing and dance with the residents.”
Eva’s secret to connecting with the residents is through authenticity. She says, “I just am myself around them and go the extra mile to help them with anything they need. If a resident is having a bad day, just listening to them can turn it around. I also have a wacky sense of humor that they appreciate.”
She continues, “I’ve learned how to really have empathy for others here. Just being there for them makes me a better, more patient person. I learn so much from them each day.”
Monique Bell joined SKLD Bloomfield Hills in November 2018. She previously worked as the activities director of another facility and joined SKLD as an activities aide while she studies in nursing school.
Monique starts each day by greeting residents. She says, “Right when I get in, I spend time with the residents. The little things can make their day. First thing in the morning some residents are a bit cranky, but it changes how they start their day when you spend time and do activities with them.”
She continues, “You really see how one person’s role affects another person and learn the process of teamwork. If I don’t get something done, it could affect housekeeping and if nursing doesn’t function, none of us could do what we do.”
Activities teams teach skilled nursing residents new skills
Monique is able to find creative ways to bring activities to residents. “I love doing mani pedi days with the residents because they really enjoy them. Any time we throw parties or have social interaction, it makes them happy. One resident loves to paint so we bond over that. I’m considered the crafty one of the bunch, organizing activities like painting and jewelry making.”
SKLD Bloomfield Hills activities aide Monique Bell.
One activity that may seem surprising is when Monique does social media hour with residents. She says, “Social media hour is where we teach residents how to use the internet so they can use Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat mainly to keep in touch with their grandkids. The residents love when I log them into the WiFi so they can explore and learn.”
Monique quickly learned that age certainly doesn’t mean residents aren’t already savvy, though. “There was recently a resident in his 90’s who wanted to start doing yoga. I put on a beginners’ yoga from Youtube, and he complained that he and his wife do yoga and that it wasn't challenging enough for them,” says Monique.
Monique’s way of connecting with residents is through empathy, as well. She says, “When you understand just how challenging it is, you are motivated to be there for them. No matter what cognitive ability level, I always talk to them as a person, never belittling them to give them a safe space.”
Monique has learned that compassion is the most important way to be present for residents. She says, “It helps you put things into perspective. That could be us tomorrow, and I believe you should treat everyone how you would want to be treated. What you put out is what you’ll get back.”