National Activity Professionals Day

National Activity Professionals Day is observed the fourth Friday in January since 1984.

History of National Activity Professionals Day

In order to understand the position of Activity Professionals, it is essential that we understand the National Association of Activity Professionals. We must acknowledge the efforts of the Professionals from over 38 years ago who had a vision to see how NAAP will play a vital role in the lives of our nation's elders. . We should appreciate those individuals, applaud their dedication and foresight, and continue to grow.

Nationally active associations were surveyed in November 1980 to determine if there was an interest in forming a national association. The results of the survey, a letter sent out on February 2, 1981, and an expedition meeting were announced. On Saturday, March 21, 1981, the meeting happened at the Regency Nursing Center in Niles, Illinois. Attending the meeting were twenty active professionals from eleven states. With this small but dedicated group, the National Association of Acting Professionals (NAAP) began.

By February 1982, the NAAP began its first political action campaign against federal deregulation of threatened long-term care and operations. That same month, national members elected a Board of Directors from a select group at its third holding meeting. The first NAAP President was Sister Pat Murphy, who held the office for the next four years. The first annual NAAP Convention was held on April 29 and 30, 1983 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

NAAP is retired and 1984 will be another busy year. To honor Activity Professionals nationwide, the first National Professional Activity Day was held on January 27, 1984. The fourth Friday in January is designated to celebrate Acting Professionals yearly and then it is expanded to include the whole week.

How to celebrate National Activity Professionals Day

Are you planning any activities for National Activity Professionals Day? If you're wondering how to recognize your operations staff, let refer some below activities:

Say Thank You

One of the easiest ways to celebrate National Activity Professionals Day is to say "Thank you!" You can do so by asking residents and administrators to sign greeting cards for each of your operations staff. If you want to get your residents involved instead, consider organizing a craft activity in which residents make their own DIY cards using markers or crayons. They can even create watercolor greeting cards using the watercolor set.

Host an Awards Ceremony

Host an award ceremony where you can honor your employees in front of other employees, residents, and family members. First, pick out a unique trait for each employee (e.g. most active, best karaoke leader, most likely to get residents up and dancing, etc.) to distribute to each employee your activities during the ceremony. Also, don't forget to reward caregivers who help get your residents to and from activities, as well as those who step in to help lead operations when needed. (Be sure to let their boss know how helpful they are in your agenda.)

Take a Trip

National Activity Professionals Day is the perfect time to plan an exciting “field trip” for your operations staff. For example, invite your administrator to join you when you entertain your operations staff at a local restaurant. Instead, especially if your employees are competitive, treat them to pizza and bowling at your local bowling alley or an afternoon at a Dave and Buster restaurant and video game locally.