DH Special Services
Education for the Activity Professional |
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October 2015
NJ Edition
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MEPAP I Classroom Starts this Month |
MEPAP Part I begins in two weeks in Middlesex County. There is still time to pre-register. The brochure is attached to this  email or you can enroll on line. ~For all the dates, registration information and to register on line - go to DH Special Services or check out the brochure attached to this email.
The Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (Part I) is a qualifying credential to be an activity director in NJ.
MEPAP is also available through independent study which can be started at any time and completed at your own pace. Feel free to e-mail me to discuss whether independent study is right for you.
~The Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP) is a required component to become nationally certified as a director.
~If you are interested in certification through the National Certification Council for Activity professionals or the MEPAP Courses but are unsure as to how to proceed - feel free to contact me. I will be happy to assist you in defining your path to professional growth and certification | |
October is Resident Rights Month |
 Resident Rights Month is an annual event introduced by National Consumer Voice. It is a month to acknowledge and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect and the value of each individual resident, specifically those living in our care communities. The theme for this year is "Care Matters". The Consumer Voice web site has many resources available to assist you in promoting Resident Rights and educating others on the topic. They have promotional materials, educational materials and interactive games focusing on increasing awareness to Resident Rights. Check out the free resources on their site and plan some specific programs for your community today.
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CMS Extends Comment Period for Regulation Revisions |
As mentioned in last month's newsletter - the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published proposed changes to the regulations for nursing homes.
They have extended the comment period to October 14th which gives our profession additional time to offer our input.
One of the areas that CMS is seeking input is regarding the qualifications for the activity director. NCCAP has developed a position statement advocating for specific mention of NCCAP certification and the MEPAP class within the regulations. Since NJ is the #1 state with the most NCCAP certified professionals and the MEPAP class is the standard in NJ regulations, having specific mention of these credentials within the Federal rgulations would increase our standing. If you would like assistance in submitting your thoughts to CMS or you would like a sample template, feel free to email me. This proposed rule is available to view at the Federal Register website. Activity professionals, state/local activity associations along with other healthcare professionals, will be able to submit formal comments on the rule from now until October 14th, 2015 through the Federal Register site. Please take the time to read the entire document and consider your suggestions. Now is the time to speak out and share your opinion. Every comment matters and it is your right to share it.  ADDRESSES: In commenting, please refer to file code CMS-3260-P.
You may submit comments
Follow the "Submit a comment" instructions.
2. By regular mail.
~You may mail written comments to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-3260-P, P.O. Box 8010, Baltimore, MD 21244. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of the comment period.
3. By express or overnight mail.
~You may send written comments to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-3260-P, Mail Stop C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. |
NJAPA's Fall Forum is October 23rd in East Windsor.  There are some great speakers scheduled so don't miss it.
The workshop and conference page on my site has been updated. There are many other educational offerings available through the fall - check it out. Feel free to send me seminar and conference information to post on the Workshop and Conference page. All conference/workshop info is shared at no charge. In the meantime - if you are still in need of continuing education hours - visit the independent study continuing education page. We have over 29 programs on a variety of topics to meet the educational needs of the activity/recreation professional working in the long term care continuum. Most of the programs are based on books which you get to keep after completing the program. If you already have the book, the course can be taken at a discount. The programs are portable so you can complete the program around your busy schedule. |
I have been proudly NCCAP certified since 1987 and NJ has the distinction of being the #1 state in the world with the most NCCAP certified activity professionals. The NCCAP has grown with our profession, introducing clear and acheivable standards which have strengthened our role in the long term care continuum. I have proudly served on the NCCAP board for the past six years, with the past two years as President. My term is ending soon but not my support for this certification.
If you are not NCCAP certified - check out the requirements. You may have some of the qualifications and it is only a matter of gathering some documents and sending them in.
 √ Visit the NCCAP site and download the NCCAP application √ You may already have some of the requirements needed to apply today.
√ For personal assistance in d efining your path toward certification, e-mail today.
If you are interested in certification through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals or the MEPAP Courses but are unsure as to how to proceed - feel free to contact me. I will be happy to assist you in defining your path to professional growth and certification. |
The job board remains an active place to seek a job or seek qualified individuals to work in your department. All jobs are posted at no charge. I am listing the most recent director postings here but you can read more about these on the job board . There are also countless assistant positions (full and part time) listed. I just updated the board so if you find any of the positions filled, please let me know.
1. Director of Activities for Our Ladies Residence in Pleasantville (Atlantic County). This is a non profit long term care community. Apply to Kara Dutton, HR via e-mail.
2. Director of Activities for Lakeland Health Care Center in Haskell (Passaic County). Long term care community. Apply to Ben via e-mail. or call 732-358-6883 x212
3. Healthcare Marketing/Admission Coordinator for Regency Memory Care Club in River Edge (Bergen County). Check out the job board for all the details of this position. Apply to Miri via e-mail or call 732-886-1900
4. Director of Activities for Chelsea Senior Living. Chelsea Senior Living is growing and we are seeking dynamic activity leaders to direct and manage the lifestyle programs within the assisted living neighborhood in Central NJ area. Apply to Chris Slavicek, Regional Lifestyle Director via e-mail or call 732-322-9313
5. Director of Activities for Senior Care of Trenton in Trenton (Mercer County). Send letter of interest and resume to ; sdervech@seniorcarectrs.com
6. Recreation Coordinator for Parker Home of Piscataway (Middlesex County). This is a coordinator position and requires some credentials (see job board for details). Great opportunity for experienced assistant seeking additional responsiblities. Apply to Angela Santos via e-mail.
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Facebook continues to be the on line meeting place for activity professionals and it is wonderful to be able to reach out to others for ideas and resources. My page is a celebration of what we do - promoting opportunities to live a good life no matter your age or living situation. My favorite posts get "smile of the day" and "age is just a number".
 ~ I love this story of college students dorming in a nursing home with the requirement to volunteer their time with the elders. Such a simple idea that meets so many needs. ~This month my page has been very active with people sharing ideas about elders who are difficult to engage (short attention span, ambulating behaviors, etc.). There have been happy videos shared about 100 year young birthday celebrants, therapy dogs visits, new age sensory interventions and coloring tables. Too many to share so join my page to keep updated on the news.
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I find and post many articles and items of interest to activity professionals on a few sites. You are invited to join, like, follow or contact me through any of the following sites:
Facebook My facebook page is very active with several postings daily, not only from myself by by the group members. This is a great place to get the latest news in activities.
Linked In My group here mainly focuses on articles of interest related to aging, dementia care, industry news and similar topics.
Google + I post articles of interest that I find here as well but also updates about my classes. There is a place to review the classes which is a nice feature.
Pinterest My Pinterest page continues to grow daily. If you are not on Pinterest - you should check it out. It is a free resource and a quick avenue to find countless ideas and resources for programming. This month I have been adding to my Autumn Fun page.
Twitter - Tweet me a hello if you are on Twitter too.
Hope to "see you" on one page or another.
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to a specific era. I've been posting the various interpretations as they pop up. 