NAP Week Jan. 22-28, 2012
In January we celebrate activity professionals during National Activity Professionals (NAP) Week,
January 22 to the 28. This year’s theme is: Staying in Tune with Activities. Normally it is the activity department's
job to plan celebrations, but in this case the activity professionals are the honorees, and someone else should plan the celebration.
NAP Week was created by the National Association of Activity
Professionals (NAAP) to provide a format for facilities to honor and recognize the dedicated activity professionals who contribute
significantly to the residents’ quality of life. As activity professionals, we should use this week to provide education
to the interdisciplinary team, volunteers, and families about the role we play in the residents’ lives. This can be
done through in-services, speaking to the Family Council, designing fun activities for the interdisciplinary team to participate
in, hosting an activity-based "fair" similar to a health fair, etc.
One way to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team is to take this opportunity to have the activity professionals
distribute Hershey's "hugs and kisses" to everyone assisting with the activity program and/or helping the residents
pursue their leisure interests. Have your staff keep track of everyone receiving the "hugs and kisses" and then
make certificates for each helper, acknowledging them as an "official member" of the activity team. Distribute the
certificates at the end of the week during a special social honoring the activity professionals.
Be sure to make this week special for yourself and your staff. You deserve it!
