Celebrating Activity Professionals Week: Making Meaningful Moments Through Engagement and Joy
As part of National Activity Professionals Week, we are proud to highlight the dedicated individuals who bring connection, creativity, and joy to residents in long-term care communities. This week, we’re spotlighting five activity professionals around the state.
Janis Noland, Aliceville Nursing Home
With almost 30 years of experience in long-term care, Janis Noland says the heart of the job has always been about one thing: people.
“I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh and have fun,” she shared. “What I enjoy most about being an activity professional is spending time with my residents. They are very wise and knowledgeable about life, and I love learning about their past experiences.”
Over the years, she has created countless moments that bring residents together, but two events stand out as her proudest accomplishments: the Senior Prom and annual fishing trips.
The Senior Prom has become a highly anticipated tradition, giving residents the chance to dress up, dance, and feel celebrated. “Watching the residents pick out their attire gets them so excited,” she said. “They also really enjoy dancing and taking professional pictures.”
The annual fishing trips offer a different kind of connection—one rooted in memories and reflection. Residents spend time sitting on the dock, reminiscing about past fishing experiences, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being outdoors. “They could stay for hours reeling the fish in,” she said.
At Aliceville, some of the most popular activities remain classics, including Bingo and Penny Auction, which continue to bring strong participation and excitement.Keeping residents engaged requires both creativity and connection. “I try to stay connected with residents by talking with them about new activities and ideas they would enjoy for the upcoming month,” she explained. “Their input really matters.”
While the role can be demanding, she believes the rewards far outweigh the challenges. “A lot of hard work and time goes into being an activity professional. Making sure each individual resident’s needs are met can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
Thank you, Janis!
