Standards of Practice

Definition of Activity Services

Introduction:

The activity profession, the clients we serve, the settings in which services are provided, and the services we provide have changed over the course of time. To meet the ever-changing needs of the clients and to reflect these changes, the Definition of Activity Services has been revised.

Activity professionals may provide some, many, or all of these services to the clients within their chosen setting. The extent to which services are provided is directly related to the setting in which the activity professional works.

Activity Services: An Activity professional's first priority is to deliver programs to clients that focus on physical, cognitive, social, spiritual, and recreational activities.

Additionally, as part of the interdisciplinary team, activity professionals:

  • work closely with rehabilitation professionals to design individual interventions to help clients maintain and/or regain use of extremities, speech, and the ability to read and write.
  • adapt services and approaches to meet the needs of clients with dementia disorders.
  • assist the professional team with client behavior management.
  • assist in the transition from life in the community to life in the facility, and facilitate community integration.
  • help keep the clients and families connected through family events, newsletters, the internet, and regular correspondence.
  • encourage social interaction and help clients make new friends.
  • help clients maintain or help establish strong intergenerational bonds.
  • teach new skills such as using a computer to play games or keep in touch with the client's loved ones through e-mail, or to provide new activities of interest.
  • are good listeners, able to ascertain their client's needs, and offer support when coping with difficult situations.
  • work closely with clergy to provide spiritual opportunities within the facility, encourage continued involvement with the clientıs church, and provide religious materials
  • assist with promoting good nutrition and hydration.
  • offer support and encouragement with pain management.
  • help the clients die with dignity and provide support to the family through this difficult time; help facilitate the grieving process, and take an active role in providing palliative care.

    • Revised December, 2004
    Adopted by the Board of Trustees, April 19, 1997, Buffalo, New York
    Copyrighted. Use only with permission

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