How often did you try out new activities at your previous facility?
How often an Activity Director tries out new activities depends on the facility's guidelines, the residents' wishes, and staffing. If an Activity Director is understaffed, new activities may not be added as often. It also depends on the cognitive level of the residents or if the residents accept or are resistant to change. Describe your methods and frequency of trying out new activities at your last place of employment.
"At my previous facility, the residents were very resistant to change. When asked, the residents were happy with the activities schedule and would become upset if their routine changed. I would try out a new activity once a month, but I did not have much participation. If hired here, I would like to try out new activities once or twice a month and see what response I receive from the residents. If they wanted new activities more frequently, I would respond to their wishes and incorporate new activities more often."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I regularly added or adjusted activities to suit the needs and desires of the residents. For example, when some residents did not have access to cash or could not afford to spend money on Bingo, I changed our Friday game to a free game where the residents could win small prizes. Also, I changed up the locations of our twice-monthly outings to include places that the residents had never had the opportunity to visit.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! It sounds like you tried to run activities that were beneficial and enjoyable to the residents, which will impress the interviewer. Can you provide examples of some of the places you took the residents to for outings? This will make your answer even more memorable to the interviewer. Nice job!
Unlock all 35 Activity Director questions
Unlock expert responses for senior living and recreation facility interviews.
Get Started