The Louisiana Nursing Home Association invites individuals seeking certification as Activity Directors to attend a four-day training on March 10-13, 2026, at Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville. Presented by Jeff DeMars, LNFA, ADC-EDU, ACC-BC, CDCS, CDBS, this course will teach participants how to assess and meet the activity needs of each resident. Attendees will learn creative techniques and strategies for planning, developing, and delivering meaningful, life-enriching activities in a nursing facility setting. It is recommended that certified Activity Directors retake this course every two years as a refresher to stay up to date with evolving policies and best practices. The deadline to register online is March 4, 2026.

Hotel Information
The sign-in table opens at 8 a.m. and the workshop is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT all four days. Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day. To make a hotel reservation and receive the group rate starting at $109 for a room, call the Paragon Casino Resort at 800.642.7777 and mention code LRM09GR. The deadline to receive the group hotel reservation rate is February 26, 2026. 

Certification Information
This certification course is recognized by the State of Louisiana as an approved training course for activity directors. The course is also approved by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) for nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, Intermediate care facilities, dementia care specialty units, group homes, adult and senior day care programs, hospital-based SWING bed units and hospital-based skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

This workshop consists of four days of nine-hour sessions. Registrants must attend all sessions in their entirety to receive certification. Upon completion of this certification course, participants will be certified to work as an activity director in Louisiana nursing facilities. 

Questions and Cancellation Policy
If you have questions, contact Julie Ory at 225.927.5642 or email jory@lnha.org. Written cancellation received at least 10 days before the event will be refunded in full. Cancellation after this date will incur a fee equal to one-third of the registration cost.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond the control of LNHA, such as a pandemic-related circumstance, severe weather event, etc., LNHA reserves the right to cancel or modify this seminar and issue refunds.  Refunds will not cover other expenses such as hotel or travel fees. 

Click here to view the program.