leisure or free time, to coordinate and facilitate a balanced activity plan for each resident that will fulfil his/her needs, and enable each person to maintain a sense of dignity and self-worth as a unique individual.

Activities' purpose is not to kill time, but to make time live; not to keep a person occupied, but to keep him refreshed; not to offer an escape from life, but to provide a discovery of life.

Activities deal with the concept of the whole person -- physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual aspects.

Activities are goal oriented. Social activities stimulate positive interaction between residents, volunteers, families and staff. Fun or entertaining activities provide relaxation and enjoyment to the residents.

Physical activities encourage continued or renewed muscle control, strength and coordination. Spiritual activities allow for religious expressions.

Personal growth activities stimulate feelings of self-worth and recognition and provide an outlet for creativity. Intellectual activities serve as a potential for an educational experience. Activities outside the facility allow residents to have community involvement through outings and service projects.

One-to-one activities provide stimulation for residents who are physically or mentally unable to join in group activities.

It is important to encourage independence and freedom of choice. First, residents should complete an interest survey. Here are a few of the questions you would ask: How do you prefer to spend your free time: 1. Alone?; 2. With friends?; 3. With others?; 4. I don't know? What is your favourite time of year? Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? I like it because....? What is your favourite time of day? Morning, afternoon, evening? I like it because.....? When you have free time, what do you like to do...because...? Remember that residents should be encouraged to complete the survey by themselves. Upon completion of the survey, the Activities Co-ordinator will be able to plan a specific activity for that resident.

I involve the residents in the programme planning by letting them choose the activities they would like, and any big event they want at Lefroy House. For example, on Sports Day, the residents put names of all the staff and residents in a bag, and they then draw the names and put them on three teams. The residents had a Gourmet Coffee Day; they also had a Dessert Social and they did the baking and catered to the staff and their relatives.

The Resident Council meets monthly. The residents are given an opportunity to voice opinions, make comments, give suggestions, make criticisms regarding the facility, and most important select the resident and employee of the month.

Suzanne Mahon -- Activities Co-ordinator, Lefroy House.