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Meadowbrook Skilled Nursing & Rehab Honored Emily Mahon During National Activity Professionals Week for Her Success in Engaging Residents

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

Jan 31, 2023

Meadowbrook Skilled Nursing & Rehab, the 66-bed subacute and skilled nursing facility, honored its activity director, Emily Mahon, for her work in creating a stimulating and engaging resident environment.

The recognition came 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 Mahon every day. “I most enjoy working with the elderly of our community because they are full of wisdom and knowledge,” she said. “My residents have so many life stories to share and I look forward to spending my time with them from day to day!”

At Meadowbrook, Mahon said three of the most popular resident activities include:

• Bingo
• Cooking
• Crafts

Focusing on Quality of Life

Professionals like Mahon are key players in a facility's care team, creating innovative programming that positively impacts the lives of residents, and 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 Meadowbrook 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 Mahon defines her mission.

“I am passionate about my job because I enjoy bringing quality of life to our residents during the time spent with us. Knowing that I made my residents smile makes my time and effort worthwhile,” said Mahon.

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.