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Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab Honors Coombs During National Activity Professionals Week for Success in Engaging Residents

Activities Directors are a Key to Resident Happiness at Skilled Nursing Facilities

Jan 27, 2023

Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab, the 96-bed subacute and skilled nursing facility, is honoring its activity director, Stephanie Coombs, for her work in creating a stimulating and engaging resident environment.

The recognition comes during National Activity Professionals Week, Jan. 23-27, 2023. Activity Professionals Week - established by the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) - is a national week-long celebration that honors the efforts of activity directors at healthcare facilities. These professionals enhance residents' daily lives by providing opportunities to engage in recreational, intellectual, and creative activities.

Addressing the needs of the community's senior population is what motivates Coombs every day. “I most enjoy being able to bring joy and laughter to my residents every day,” she said. “Being able to go home at the end of the day knowing I made a difference in their lives gives both them and me significant satisfaction.”

At Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab, Coombs said three of the most popular resident activities include:

• Bingo, which is the number 1 favorite activity
• Trivia played on a big screen display
• Special events, especially entertainment from the community, which are huge hits with the residents

Coombs became an activity director in 2019. “I chose a career in skilled nursing when I started as an Activity Assistant in 2018 and had the opportunity to move to director, so I took the leap,” she said. “I'm so thankful I did. It is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Working in skilled nursing is something you have to love in order to make a career out of it. Once you start, it's hard to leave. The residents and staff become your family. Skilled nursing is a unique career field.”

Focusing on Quality of Life

Professionals like Coombs are key players in a facility's care team, creating innovative programming that positively impacts the lives of residents, while identifying new ways to collaborate and support the community. Every day, she strives to support the mission, vision, and commitment to providing quality care and innovative services for which Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab is known.

Research from the National Library of Medicine reports that social engagement promotes physical and mental health in older adults. Keeping her residents inspired, involved, and connected is how Coombs defines her mission.

“I am passionate about my job and I love going to work.” said Coombs. “I love doing what I do. Not everyone can say that they love their job. Plus, I get to have fun, and who doesn't love a career where you get to laugh and be involved every day? It's always something new every day and never the same thing.”

To become an activities director, it takes patience and compassion. Professionals working with an aging population meet certain professional standards to become adept and finally certified. They are masters of multi-tasking - providing opportunities for residents to engage in stimulating activities that improve their quality of life while creating a sense of community.