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The Curious Bag
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An activity director is a professional who designs programs for residents at personal care homes and skilled nursing facilities for entertainment and therapeutic purposes. The federal government mandates that activity directors employed by facilities that receive Medicare funding have a license or certification from an organization like the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals.
Function
Licensed activity directors design games, outings, crafts and special events for residents at long-term care facilities.
Features
The activities that a licensed activity director designs often include art, music, drama and light physical exercise.
Benefits
Licensed activity directors provide opportunities to maintain mobility and muscle tone, practice fine motor control and improve cognitive function, while engaging in enjoyable activities. Directors also contribute to a higher quality of life for residents by encouraging socialization during activities.
Requirements
When planning activities, directors take into consideration the needs and limitations of residents and plan accommodations for those who may have difficulty with a particular task. Activity directors must be sympathetic, creative and enthusiastic to be successful in their roles.
Education
To become certified, post-secondary education is required in recreation therapy. Most licensed activity directors have a two-year associates or four-year bachelor's degree.
Source:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Recreational Therapist
National Certification Council for Activity Professionals: Certification
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