Teamwork is a word used often in healthcare, but do we really understand what it means to work as a team?  Unfortunately, many Activity Professionals feel they are working independently, not part of a team. Activity departments are usually small and many times, overlooked, making teamwork a necessity. Teams can be found within the Activity Department itself, as well as outside of the department.  There is much talk lately about the role of facility staff in providing meaningful activities to long term care residents. 

First, it is important to define “teamwork”. Stockley (2007) defines teamwork as, “A group of people, contributing their individual knowledge and skills but working together to achieve a common goal or task.” Many tasks, goals, projects etc. entail that people cooperatively work together. Therefore, teamwork has become a fundamental element of long term care and other healthcare facilities.

According to Stockely (2007) teamwork is important because it can increase employee moral and motivation, as well as increase productivity. Many Activity Directors and professionals, work alone, which can lead to stress, lack of morale, feelings of inadequacy, and eventually, a high turnover rate.  For some reason, Activity Professionals tend to shy away from asking for help, and at the same time, have the inability to say “no” when asked to take on additional assignments. 

Stockely also suggest that teamwork is essential because individuals often do not have all of the knowledge and skills necessary.  Activity Professionals can highly relate to this because the job requires a vast array of leisure talents, skills and knowledge. Since not everyone is good at singing, doing a craft, cooking, and so on, there is a need to share talents, expertise, resources and such.  Once, again, teamwork becomes a vital component of providing meaningful activities that meets the individual needs and interests of the residents, patients, and clients in health care facilities.

Before we begin to develop teams it is important to understand the process. Team Technology (2006) identifies the team building process. First, the team leader must clarify the team goal. What is the team expected to do? Perhaps the team will organize a community event, create a recreation room, or increase CNA involvement in activities. Next, the team leader must demonstrate goal commitment. If the team leader establishes a particular goal, then there must be evidence of commitment such as memos, posters, flyers, minutes of meetings, etc. The next step is very important and involves identifying any inhibitors. What factors may act as a barrier to the development of the team? Is it a certain staff member, lack of time, lack of interest, etc? Once these inhibitors are identified, remove them and watch your team develop!

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The official Blueberry month for US is in July and Canada is in August.

Blueberry picking – If you cannot take the residents to a farm, then how about a Farmers Market or to the fresh produce stand to let them pick out a small container of blueberries for them to use in their cooking class. If none of these are options for your residents, then how about letting them help plant a blueberry bush in the courtyard or somewhere next to a window so the residents can watch it grow. It may take a couple of years for it to produce, but in years to come you can share the fruit of this year’s labor with them or future residents.

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Let the summer games begin. In this free zipped folder, I share some fun summertime activity worksheets. This bundle includes 8 activities: 2 crossword puzzles, 2 word search puzzles, 2 word scrambles, A-Z worksheet, and a beach sensory guide.

Just download and print!

Go grab that right now!

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