Activities in Action

Book excerpt: Here is an invaluable resource for activities professionals specializing in geriatrics. Activities in Action reflects the goals of the National Association of Activity Professionals in that it serves as a catalyst for professional and personal growth and provides a national forum on geriatric and activity issues. Some of the highlights of this significant volume include a historical perspective of the activities profession, its growth and current contributions to the life and care of nursing home residents, and an overview of a national organization representing activities professional and how this organization has contributed to the growth of the profession. An extensive aging and leisure bibliography of timely publications related to activities and aging is also included. Specific chapters emphasize a variety of topics such as the impact of federally mandated nursing home resident assessment for activity professionals; the growing concern for the quality of life and its definition for nursing home inhabitants; the role of activity professionals in providing for the spiritual needs of the elderly whom they serve; how to deal with relocation stress and territoriality in nursing home occupants; and practical guidelines on how to employ and supervise activity assistants and work effectively with other staff as well as an activity coordinator. Activities directors, coordinators, assistants, and supervisors from all levels of experience will benefit from the insightful information in this innovative book.