Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre

Group Name:  OUTINGS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

A program designed to allow residents the opportunity to experience an outing in the community.

GOALS:

• To maintain and/or improve socialization and social skills
• To increase recreation participation
• To decrease institutionalization
• To maintain and/or increase motivation
• To maintain and/or increase self-confidence

CRITERIA FOR RESIDENT SELECTION:

• Residents who have appropriate physical endurance to tolerate this activity.
• Residents who have expressed an interest in this group.
• Residents who are socially isolated or have minimal social contacts.
• Residents whose behaviors would not be disruptive to the group.
• Residents who have little opportunity to leave the facility.

FREQUENCY / LENGTH PER SESSION

• Once or twice a month as deemed appropriate by the Recreation Therapists
• 90 minutes to 4 hours per session

GROUP SIZE:

• Minimum – 5 residents
• Maximum – 10 residents

FORMAT:

Recreation staff book outing in advance with input from residents.  Staff collects necessary fees from residents and/or family members.  Snacks or meals may be necessary depending on the destination and length of the outing.  Staff and volunteers will socialize with residents throughout the outing.

STAFF/VOLUNTEERS:

• Two recreation staff
• Volunteers will vary with destination and number of family members

Recreation Therapy Assistant Staff Outing Responsibilities:

•       Meet volunteers in the Volunteer Services’ waiting area at 1:30 p.m., or an alternate time, as communicated.

•      Porter residents, with volunteers, from unit for van loading, and back to unit upon return.

•      Provide direction and support to volunteers, specifically: diet restrictions, spending restrictions, decision making capabilities.

•      Complete Communication Cards for volunteers who are leaving the main group with a resident.

•      Staff may direct independent residents to toilet.

Volunteers:

• Will take direction from Recreation Therapy staff.
• If away from the main group, the volunteer will call #911 in case of a medical emergency and then call outing RT staff cell # 780-289-3640 (on Communication Card).  Wait with resident until EMS and/or RT staff take over.
• May assist with un-fastening passengers from their seats only.
• Porter residents back to the units