Despite the new PDPM regulations adding a new level of stress on therapists across the nation, Katie Johnson-Evers and her therapy team at a south Kansas City RehabCare facility wanted to do something special for their residents this year.
The therapy staff of nine full time therapists were brainstorming ideas for Fall group therapy when their SLP came up with the idea for a “No-Fall Festival”. The OT staff took the idea and ran with it. They planned several different stations for their unique event.
The residents loved it and family members thought it was a clever idea. The staff morale was definitely higher as a result.
The activities of the day included:
Bobbing for Apples (they used reachers)
Making chili in the Instant pot (They used peppers and tomatoes from the garden that therapists and residents helped grow.)
Fall scavenger Hunt
Fall Charades
Decorate the pumpkin (This station had Velcro pieces that residents could attach while standing or using walker for TUG test distance.)
Pumpkin Ring Toss
Katie says that she will definitely use this group activity in the future. They are already making plans for next year. Also in the works…plans for Thanksgiving. They are throwing around the name for that event…”Rehabs-giving” seems to be the consensus for now!
Do you have a creative group activity you would like to share? Please email me. Darla@msgardenia.com and let me know what you are doing in your facility.
Looking for more group therapy ideas?
Find them HERE on my SNF speech therapy page.
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