[humanser] [humane] best practices

Thu Oct 1 20:06:51 UTC 2015

Hi Erica, 

I trained to work as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and ended up
working as an Activities Director for a couple of facilities. I never worked
as a TRS because I didn't have the protections of the ADA and I lost my
national certification. Both Activities Director and TRS positions often
require the ability to transport clients to community outings... In theory,
I should have been able to swap tasks with other TRS and Activities staff;
not the reality. There was always the issue of supervising frail elderly
folks who sometimes wandered off. In theory, a nurses aid should have been
present; not the reality. It pains and it also depresses me to reflect on
that area of my life. My vocational calling was to work as a Nationally
certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, NCTRS.  I'm 51 years-old and I
am less willing to bang my head against the wall to prove that I am right
and that I can do whatever I set my mind to doing. This doesn't mean that
I've thrown in the towel. It means I pick and choose where I invest my
talents, time and abilities. I'm more inclined to lean toward group
education, facilitating discussion groups, warm line work and learning how
to do case worker related tasks. 

Best,
Lisa Irving 

-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ericka via
humanser
Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2015 11:22 AM
To: Human Services Division Mailing List
Cc: Ericka
Subject: Re: [humanser] best practices

Lisa, JD is right. One of the best jobs I ever had though part time, was
activity assistant at a nursing home.
There are lots of day programs out there for people with Alzheimer's and
other dementias. I think you're probably well-qualified for something like
that. It may not be well-paying but the experience alone would be worth it.
I volunteered on and off for several years in these type of programs. Most
of the time they were very welcoming to someone with a disability. I'm
talking about the staff. The attendees usually are thrilled to have someone
different like they are. They can relate to you more than someone
able-bodied.

Don't give up! I've never worked full-time and I mostly volunteered because
my seizure meds have been screwed up on and off. I'm in the same place you
are. I am looking to get back into the job force. I worked mostly with
seniors but I'm looking for a different turn. I wish you the best of luck
and keep us posted.

Ericka Short
"Friends are like flowers in the garden of life"

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 27, 2015, at 10:30 PM, JD Townsend via humane <humanser at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> 
> Hello Lisa,
> 
> 30 years seems like two lifetimes, however your insight and skills 
> have grown with you.  Do not look at the time laps as a problem, as 
> the time you spent away from your field has added to your person.  I 
> have a good friend who received her degree at age 65, but her life 
> history gives her an advantage over the young ones out there.
> 
> There are multiple ways to do the work you wish, as a psychotherapist 
> with a 2-year master's degree, as a case manager with no college 
> degree, or something in the middle.
> 
> Activity directors at skilled nursing homes, assisted living 
> facilities, and in adult day care all need committed folks.  Larger 
> psychiatric hospitals often have gerontology units and need mental health
techs.
> 
> Most colleges have "Women's Centers" that offer assistance in 
> figuaring out a good career focus.
> 
> Be what you wish to be and do good work.
> 
> 
> 
> JD
> -----Original Message----- From: Lisa Irving via humanser
> Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2015 6:55 PM
> To: humanser at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Lisa Irving
> Subject: [humanser] best practices
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I After a long absence from the workforce I am making efforts to 
> reinvent myself and return to my original vocational calling; serving
older adults.
> Eventually, I would like to begin working as a Recovery and Wellness 
> Educator for older adults living with mental illness/mental health 
> challenges.
> 
> 
> 
> Although I have two undergraduate degrees and a couple of certificates 
> I consider myself a para professional. Due in part to my college 
> degrees being almost 30 years old. My certificate in gerontology is 
> about twenty years old. I have mixed feelings about pursuing higher 
> education. On the other hand, I have toyed with the idea of perhaps 
> earning a graduate degree in gerontology. Is anyone familiar with 
> National University's online Gerontology M. S. degree program? I've 
> also toyed around with the notion of getting different B. S. degree; 
> perhaps a degree in Human Services as a case worker. Meanwhile, I've 
> got bills to pay and need to work. I welcome hearing from you.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Warmly,
> 
> Lisa Irving
> 
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> 
> JD Townsend LCSW
> Helping the light dependent to see.
> Daytona Beach, Earth, Sol System
> 
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