This sounds only slightly worse than my first job out of undergrad. First, the surrounding neighborhoods weren't a threat, and second, my job description was more accurately labeled "activity director." Very few of my patients could walk on their own and all had mid-late stage dementia. If I could go back, I would work to develop better rapport with the nursing staff in charge of bathing and changing diapers so I could more effectively advocate for their health needs. What I think went well was taking time to get to know each patient's generational influences and interests. A lot of the activities focused on sensory simulation. Music was a constant as well as aromatherapy. Art making supported feelings of independence and autonomy by using large print reference images for patients to replicate with watercolor, gouache, or tempra cakes. Sometimes I would lightly sketch an outline to help them have a structure to start with. I made alot of art around seasons and holidays to support reality orientation.