To: Rebecca Agosta From: Natoya Lacy Date: 2/21/14 Subject of Inquiry: Identity of an activity director Initial Inquiry

Subject: I want to look at the identity of an activity director at a nursing home. I want to see how this job can shape a person and if it affects a persons home life. My mom is an activity director, and Ive volunteered at her job so I know some of what goes on. I know that my mom plans out the activities for the residents each month and transfers them to a calendar. She also participates in the activities with the patients. She has to interview residents to see what activities they like and dislike. I would like to know what motivates a person to do this job than providing for his/her family. I would also like to know how others view this occupation.

Methods: I am going to observe my mom at work. It is best that I get first hand experience and see some things she does that I do not already know about. I am also going to observe her behavior when she gets home from work to see how her job affects her at home (what she is like after a bad/hard day vs. a good/easy day). I am going to observe the patients as they participate in the activities to see how they like them. I will also look at the answers to the interviews my mom gives to also see how the patients like activities. I may interview some coworkers of my mom just to see how others view her. I am also going to interview my mom. I know that I will be able to learn more by just asking questions. Of course, Ill have to be home to do this, so I plan on getting a lot of this information during spring break. Questions: 1. What characteristics define a good activity director? 2. What do people expect from this department? 3. How can this job shape/affect home life? 4. Does this job go beyond planning, picking, and participating in activities with patients? 5.Can spiritual beliefs affect how this job is done? 6. What does the title, activity director, suggest/mean? 7. Does this job shape a persons personality? 8. Are the residents pleased with the activities planned for them? 9. What kind of relationships are built between worker and resident and worker and family members?

10. Why would a person want to become an activity director?