DAPHNE, Ala. — The Assisted Living Association of Alabama awarded Catherine Place’s Activity Dollar Auction first place, $500 and a plaque at the “It Works for Me” conference that shared successful programs or processes corresponding to the needs identified in the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living. Catherine Place’s Activity Dollar Auction has improved the quality of life for many residents and has been chosen as a best practice in the state of Alabama.

The winning program was developed by Mendi Niblett, a long-time activities director for Catherine Place, a Mercy Medical assisted living community. Niblett’s program was one of 22 submissions of best practices that were narrowed down to five contestants. The five finalists presented their concepts at the inaugural “It Works for Me” conference in Birmingham, Ala. on July 29, 2011. Niblett and Ashley Raia, Catherine Place activities assistant, presented a video, made in cooperation with the Catherine Place residents, explaining how the Activity Dollar Auction works, its features and benefits. They also created a mock live auction for attendees to understand the thrill of competition, excitement of bidding, and why the residents have become so motivated.

The winning program was judged on the following criteria: the program addressed a clearly defined need, problem, or situation; the program corresponded to a need identified in the ADPH Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living; the program involved residents and a variety of staff; the program can be applied in other facilities feasibly and effectively; the cost for implementing the program is feasible for other facilities to use; and innovativeness of the program in assisted living.

Niblett’s Activity Dollar Auction has significantly increased participation in activities at Catherine Place.

“Residents can earn one activity dollar for every activity they participate in and up to five activity dollars a day, but not on religious services or meals. The live monthly auction lures residents into higher participation in activities and enhances their socialization, ambulatory abilities and cognitive skills,” stated Niblett.

The activity dollars are coded monthly, and only good for the auction scheduled at month’s end. The live auction preview is available for half an hour. Auction items are donated, purchased and highly sought. Items include candy, food items, planters, toiletries, personal items, jewelry, gift certificates, local artist prints, glass collectibles and items of yesteryear. Residents claim auction items make great gifts and they look forward each month to spend the activity money they worked so hard to earn. Residents readily admit to loving the thrill of competition in bidding wars.

“We here at Catherine Place just love the auction. It gets us ready every month and requires us to come to activities to earn activity money to bid on auction items,” stated Bill Lauten, a resident of Catherine Place.

“I enjoy coming to activities,” said Birdie Commiskey, a resident of Catherine Place. “I like to participate because it keeps me from being bored and I don’t want to miss any. I love getting dollars.”

Catherine Place is located on the 38-acre campus at 27440 County Road 13 in Daphne.

For more information or if you are interested in donating to the Activity Dollar Auction call 626.2540 or go online at www.mercymedical.com/catherineplace.