Friday - Laugh day?

I've had a few people mention to me that they aren't sure telling stories about things that happen on their properties that involve residents is a good thing.

This whole blog is a learning in progress, so I appreciate the suggestions and comments...although, I would love to hear more from you on the blog. Let your comments help others...

So once again, I am asking for your help. What should Fridays be about?

I had thought about maybe moving the Q&A to Friday and leaving the weekend open...

Thanks,

Thursday - Your Staff

Recognition is a motivating tool that is easy to do and can go a long way. Here are some ideas:

Most employees want individual recognition and that doesn't necessarily mean money.

Make sure you give the recognition soon after your employee does something. Match the recognition with the performance.

Make sure you are specific about what you are giving recognition for. It helps the employee know what they did and helps them continue to do them.

And make sure you know your employee. Some employees don't want to be the center of attention, so making a big deal out of something in front of everyone can do more harm then good.

Wednesday - Extras

Bulletin boards can be a great feature in a community room or laundry room. Have one with a theme for each month. Hang up recipes, or craft instructions, make copies and put them in a wall file folder so your residents can enjoy them.

You can have one that has information on it about activities that are happening in your area, financial help fliers, information about flu shots and where they are giving them out, activities pertaining to your elderly. This bulletin board is your information area, so make sure the information that you post here will help your residents.

Another bulletin board can be used as a classified bulletin board. This is where your residents can post things that they have for sale or things they want to buy, etc.

Bulletin boards can be fun and interesting and something that your residents just might enjoy!

Tuesday - Move-ins

Send a survey to your new move-ins. Find out what they like or didn't like about the whole process and about their apartments.

Surveys can help improve ideas that you are already doing, and it lets your move-ins feel like what they have to say is important.

Make sure your questions are yes or no and give them a comments section.

Monday - Keeping Your Residents

Late again...sorry.

I think I've touched on this a little bit in other posts, but it is worth saying again...

Don't forget the children! If you have a complex with children then you know that they can sometimes be a handful. If you keep them active and give them things to do that are fun, then I have found that you have less trouble with them. And if the children are happy, then the parents will be happy.

So what ideas will entertain the children:

1. When it is time to plant flowers, give the children their own flower bed. Let them plant the flowers. I found that the children didn't run through my flowerbeds after they saw how much work went into planting the flowers.
2. Have coloring contests. This is something that is so simple and you can have a theme for just about every month. Give away a $10.00 gift card to the winner.
3. Have parties. A Fall Party can be great time to have a party. The children have just started back to school. They are half way between summer and Winter Break. Have games for them to do and fun food to eat.
4. Do a contest that helps the children in school, or if they volunteer.
5. Set up an "Adopt a Grandparent" day with your local nursing home. This is where the children will do activities and spend time with the elderly at the nursing home. Or if you have an elderly complex near by, see about setting something up with them.

Letting children have a little fun doesn't hurt and it can help a lot!