Input from the leaders is actively solicited to find out which programs are working and which ones are not. Some programs that were tried did not work. Crafts were difficult to program since residents have a very short attention span. They cannot encompass the project from pieces into a finished object. Research into lifestyles of the residents were found to be important.
Residents are uncomfortable doing something now which they never did or never wanted to do.
With a changing resident population, constant updates are needed to keep the program relevant to the current population. The benefits to the residents can be seen when comparing the atmosphere and milieu of today with the unit one year ago. Positive resident interaction has increased. Staff morale has increased. The anxiety level of the residents has decreased.