Long-term Care Activities Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of Long-term Care Activities Directors has become increasingly pivotal.

As the needs of our aging population continue to grow, the demand for compassionate, creative, and dedicated professionals to enrich and safeguard their lives becomes paramount.

But what does it really entail to be a Long-term Care Activities Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to comprehend the core of this position,
• A hiring manager conceptualizing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the nuances of long-term care activities management,

You’ve landed in the perfect spot.

Today, we reveal a customizable Long-term Care Activities Director job description template, engineered for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight in.

Long-term Care Activities Director Duties and Responsibilities

Long-term Care Activities Directors are responsible for developing and implementing programs and activities that cater to the interests and needs of long-term care residents.

They work closely with the medical staff, resident’s families, and other departments to ensure that residents have a stimulating and engaging environment.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess the needs and interests of residents through direct observation and communication with the residents and their families
• Plan, schedule, and implement regular and special events and activities which may include games, parties, field trips, outdoor activities, and cultural programs
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure that all activities are properly resourced and safe
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and staff who assist with activities
• Monitor residents’ participation and response to activities and adjust programs accordingly
• Maintain a calendar of events and ensure that it is accessible to residents, families, and staff
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards pertaining to resident activities
• Document and report on resident’s participation and progress
• Facilitate communication and interaction among residents to foster a sense of community
• Advocate for residents’ rights and ensure all activities respect their dignity and preferences

 

Long-term Care Activities Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Long-term Care Activities Director to join our team.

The Activities Director is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating recreational programs for our long-term care residents.

This role involves assessing individual resident’s needs and interests, and ensuring programs are appropriate and engaging.

Our ideal candidate has a background in therapeutic recreation or gerontology and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our residents.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement recreational programs based on residents’ needs and interests
• Perform initial and ongoing assessments of residents to determine individual needs
• Coordinate special events, outings, and therapeutic activities
• Ensure activities comply with federal, state and local regulations
• Maintain activity department budget
• Train, supervise and evaluate activity department staff
• Communicate with family members and other healthcare providers regarding resident participation and progress
• Maintain accurate records of resident participation
• Ensure all safety and infection control practices are followed

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Activities Director or similar role in a long-term care setting
• Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Gerontology, or related field
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to assess resident needs and develop appropriate programming
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Experience with dementia care preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Long-term Care Activities Director
• Work Environment: Long-term care facility. This role involves regular interaction with residents, their families, and healthcare providers.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Administrator or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Long-term Care Activities Director Do?

A Long-term Care Activities Director is typically employed in senior living facilities, nursing homes, or adult daycare centers.

Their primary role is to plan, coordinate, and implement activities that enrich the lives of the residents or participants.

They are responsible for developing an activities program that is comprehensive and caters to the different needs and interests of the long-term care residents.

This can include social activities, physical exercises, recreational games, creative arts, educational classes, and special events.

Long-term Care Activities Directors work closely with the care staff, volunteers, and often the residents’ families to ensure that the activities are suitable, engaging, and beneficial to the residents’ physical and mental well-being.

They often conduct assessments to determine the residents’ needs and preferences and use this information to plan the activities calendar.

Long-term Care Activities Directors also ensure that the activities are compliant with the guidelines and regulations of the facility and health care laws.

They may also be involved in budgeting for the activities department.

In some instances, they may have to offer one-on-one activities for residents who cannot participate in group activities due to physical or cognitive limitations.

Their ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for the residents by providing them with stimulating, engaging, and enjoyable activities.

 

Long-term Care Activities Director Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Long-term Care Activities Director should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Experience in planning, coordinating and implementing a calendar of activities that cater to a variety of resident interests and capabilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage with residents, their families, and staff, and to foster a supportive community within the long-term care facility.
• Strong leadership and management skills to direct the activities team and to ensure the successful execution of planned events and activities.
• Sensitivity to the needs and preferences of elderly residents, including those with physical, cognitive or emotional limitations.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with other departments, residents, and their families, as well as to advocate for the importance of recreational activities in resident care plans.
• Problem-solving skills to address any issues or challenges that may arise during the planning and implementation of activities.
• Knowledge of long-term care regulations and guidelines, particularly as they pertain to resident activities and engagement.
• Physical abilities that allow them to facilitate activities, including the ability to assist residents as needed and to set up and tear down event spaces.

 

Long-term Care Activities Director Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of a Long-term Care Activities Director typically require at least 2-3 years of experience working in a long-term care setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.

This experience allows them to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of this population.

Entry-level roles such as Activity Assistant or Recreation Coordinator can provide valuable experience in planning and implementing activities for seniors, and can serve as a stepping stone to the Activities Director role.

Many employers also require that candidates for the Activities Director role have some experience in a supervisory or leadership position.

This experience helps to develop the necessary skills to manage a team, oversee program budgets, and coordinate with other departments within the facility.

Further, certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) or Certified Activity Professional (CAP) may also be required.

These certifications typically require additional years of experience in the field, as well as ongoing professional development and education.

Candidates with 5 or more years of experience in long-term care activities and a proven record of leadership may be ideal for the position of Activities Director.

This experience level often equates to a deeper understanding of resident needs and desires, as well as the ability to effectively manage staff and resources.

Finally, those with more than 10 years of experience and expertise in the field may be ready for senior-level management positions, such as a Director of Resident Services or Executive Director of a long-term care facility.

 

Long-term Care Activities Director Education and Training Requirements

Long-term Care Activities Directors typically have a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, gerontology, healthcare administration or a related field.

Such programs provide knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, geriatric diseases, management, and communication, which are crucial for this role.

In addition to a degree, many employers require that Activities Directors have a certification in therapeutic recreation or a similar field.

The most common certification is the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), which requires a bachelor’s degree and successful completion of an exam.

Furthermore, some states require that Activities Directors in long-term care facilities be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state but generally require a certain amount of experience and passing an examination.

Ongoing training and development are also important, as it allows these professionals to stay updated on the latest techniques and trends in patient care and recreational therapy.

Previous experience working with the elderly or people with disabilities is also often desired.

In addition to formal education and certification, successful Long-term Care Activities Directors are compassionate, creative, and possess strong leadership and organizational skills.

 

Long-term Care Activities Director Salary Expectations

A Long-term Care Activities Director earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual compensation can vary greatly depending on the geographical location, years of experience in the field, and the particular institution for which they work.

 

Long-term Care Activities Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Long-term Care Activities Director need?

Long-term Care Activities Directors need to have excellent organizational and planning skills, as they are responsible for arranging a variety of activities.

They should also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with residents, staff, and family members.

Sensitivity and understanding of the needs of elderly or disabled people is also crucial.

They should also be creative to devise engaging activities suitable for the residents’ abilities and interests.

 

Do Long-term Care Activities Directors need a degree?

While some facilities may hire individuals with a high school diploma and relevant experience, many prefer candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fields such as recreational therapy, gerontology, or social work.

Certification from the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals can also be an advantage.

 

What should you look for in a Long-term Care Activities Director resume?

Look for a combination of relevant education, experience, and certification in the field of geriatrics, recreational therapy, or related fields.

Experience in planning and conducting activities in a long-term care facility is a big plus.

Necessary skills such as communication, leadership, empathy, creativity, and patience should also be evident.

 

What qualities make a good Long-term Care Activities Director?

A good Long-term Care Activities Director is compassionate, patient, and has a genuine interest in improving the quality of life for the residents in their care.

They are creative in coming up with diverse activities that cater to various interests and capabilities.

They also exhibit strong leadership and communication skills to effectively coordinate with staff, residents, and family members.

 

What is the daily routine of a Long-term Care Activities Director?

On a typical day, a Long-term Care Activities Director may meet with staff to plan and schedule activities, conduct special events, interact with residents to assess their interests and needs, and document resident participation and responses to activities.

They may also meet with family members or healthcare providers to discuss the residents’ progress or any changes in their health that could affect their participation in activities.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a Long-term Care Activities Director.

Surprised?

It’s not just about organizing activities.

It’s about shaping the quality of life for residents, one activity at a time.

With our comprehensive Long-term Care Activities Director job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step into this role.

But why stop here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job postings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every activity planned contributes to the overall well-being of the residents.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

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