A wide variety of reminiscence and conversation products to enhance the wellbeing of care home residents, designed to encourage people to talk and share.
Nursing Home Entertainment Ideas for Seniors
When I started my first Activity Director job, I was only a few years out of college. While I had worked with seniors in a skilled nursing community before, nothing quite prepared me for taking on an Activity Director role. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me in those first few weeks, months, and years.
Don't forget to schedule fun activities during the evening hours to keep your residents entertained and engaged. Here are a few activity ideas to add to your senior activity calendar. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
This care home looks like so much fun 😂👏
This article provides a guide to creating Activity-Based Care Plans for residents in long-term care.
Usually right after lunch, residents seem to be very relaxed and are inclined to go to their rooms, switch on their televisions, and take a nap. Try to keep your residents awake and energized with a few of these activity ideas. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Since my post highlighting creative activity carts, I’ve gotten lots of questions about how to create said carts. Thankfully some very wonderful Activity Professionals from Connecticut reached out to me and accepted my offer of an interview. (interview was conducted via video call, answers to questions have been summarized/paraphrased and approved by all participants) Meet Kathleen, Jordana and Sharon from Glen Hill Center in Danbury, CT. Kathleen – Director of Recreation at Glen Hill Center. She has 23 years experience working in recreation and a total of 35 years working in the senior population! She began her career, working as a CNA for 12 years in a skilled nursing facility. She was approached by close friend and Assistant Administrator, about a position in the Recreation Department knowing how creative Kathy was and what a caring heart she had for her elderly residents. She decided to go for the change in career and went back to school for Therapeutic Recreation. She remained at that facility for the next 3 years as a Recreation Assistant. She came to this facility when she offered the position of Director of Recreation and will be celebrating her 20th anniversary here in June! Jordana – Recreation Assistant with a total of 4.5 years experience in Senior Activities. Her prior career was in daycare services. She really enjoys the planning process, especially for big events and decorating. She loves working in the elderly setting and finds a lot of fulfillment in bringing joy to her residents. Sharon- Recreation Assistant with a total of 27 years experience in Senior Activities. Believe it or not, she was a bank teller in her former career. She really wanted to follow her creative compass and help people. After seeing a help wanted ad for a caring and creative person to work with the elderly, the rest is as they say, history. LLB (LoveLaughandBingo) : How long have you been doing these activity carts? GHC (Glen Hill Center) : We started in April of last year, 2020, about a month or so after the Covid lockdowns started. LLB: What was the first cart you designed and created? What was your inspiration? GHC: Our first cart was Spring Time in Paris. Our company sometimes sends us ideas or themes and that’s what sparked the idea. Sharon sewed some berets and we added snacks to fit the theme. The residents just loved it and it inspired us to really push ourselves creatively. LLB: Let’s talk about the planning process, walk me through where you start and how you manage your time. GHC: We come together a month prior to plan as a group. We get a lot of ideas and inspiration from The National Days Calendar (*link), Activity Connection (*link) and Pinterest (*link) of course! We are especially inspired by the National Days, for example March 14th is PI Day, so we will do a themed cart with a play on word for pie or a St. Patrick’s Day cart, or a Star Wars Cart (May the 4th, May the force be with you). We always add some themed snacks and plan out our decorations in advance. If we can dress up, we plan our outfits or costumes also. The themed snacks and costumes really add to the “experience” of the carts. We order everything we may need to create all aspects of the cart ahead so we have plenty of time to assemble. We try to plan 2, no more than 3 carts each month. We are Skilled Care, so we have other programs, assessments, progress notes, care plans, etc to do regularly. While it does take time, planning in advance and doing a little at a time has made making these carts possible for us. LLB: What are some tools or methods you’ve learned along the way? GHC: First, we have an very supportive Activity Director, which helps so much. We definitely like to see how far we can push it creatively, so we use our creative strengths. Sharon sews, so she makes a lot of the awnings and some accessories, ie. Oktoberfest/Lemonade cart. Pretty much every cart begins with a tablecloth (plastic ones from the dollar store https://www.orientaltrading.com/pleated-table-skirts-a2-13601695.fltr?categoryId=553743&rd=Table%20skirt great!) and a table skirt as a base. (You can find table skirts at www.orientaltrading.com) We use lots of packing tape to secure everything. We use foam boards to give a wider top so we have a little more surface area (foam boards can be found at most dollar storeshttps://www.dollartree.com/readi-board-white-foam-boards/809955 We have also taken some images, enlarged them and printed them to create character cut outs. We just glue them to the foam board and cut them out. We did this on the Wizard of Oz cart. LLB: Can you tell me some specific examples of materials you’ve used? GHC: For the Wizard of Oz cart we used cardstock to make the yellow brick road. We used tissue paper to make the poppies in the poppy field. For the Valentine’s Day cart we used foam board to make the candy box. We painted coffee filters and tissue paper to make the candy wrappers. We use a table top awning frame we purchased from Oriental Trading as a skeleton for most of our carts. We just change out the awnings and decoration for each cart. https://www.orientaltrading.com/black-and-white-awning-tabletop-kit-a2-13958562.fltr?keyword=AwningWe mostly shop for supplies at the dollar store and www.orientaltrading.com LLB: What would you tell other Activity Professionals wanting to try adding carts to their programs? GHC: Use your team’s strengths and let each other shine. Start small, check Pinterest for inspiration, plan ahead, even copy someone else! Do a little each day. The residents really deserve the extra pizzazz. Any effort made is so appreciated. The smile it brings to their faces is so worth it. It breaks up the monotony Covid can bring. It’s even a morale boost for the staff too! It makes us see each resident each week also which is helpful for progress and care planning. LLB: Will carts continue after Covid lockdowns are over and things are back to “normal”? GHC: Oh yes, definitely! After seeing how happy it has made them, we have to keep it going. It’s now another asset to a great activity program. Thank you so much to Kathleen, Jordana and Sharon at Glen Hill Center for taking the time to share your process and resources. It was so wonderful to come together and share with Activity Professionals who clearly have such passion and pride in their careers. Feel free to show them some love and like their facebook page! …..https://www.facebook.com/Myskillednursingcare/
In most senior care communities, there are residents who prefer solitude or have introverted tendencies. These individuals enjoy being in their bedrooms and often choose not to actively seek interactions with others. In this article we cover: Loners vs. Introverts: An Important Distinction Common Reasons for Choosing Solitude Mental Illness and Social Alienation Considerations Isolation in Senior Care: Addressing the Challenges 15 Activities for Loners and Introverts
We all want to feel special. With a few, inexpensive supplies, you can make your residents feel special too! Here are a few ideas for creating personalized gifts for your residents. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
As your residents' dementia progresses, it can be challenging to find appropriate activities that are simple, yet meaningful. Try providing activities that appeal to their five senses. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Miss M has been very interested in investigating her senses lately. Through investigating her senses she is becoming more self ...
What I personally love about this game, is that everyone knows about money, they love looking at it and counting it!
Not every resident attends group activities, and it can be a serious struggle to find ways to get them engaged with recreation. Intentionally curated carts and baskets can increase your reach and keep your residents happily active. In this article we cover: Carts for Short Term Stay Residents Carts for Long Term Stay Residents Technology Cart Library Cart Something To Do Cart Hydration Cart Holiday Cart Family Visit Cart
Use memory boxes that contain everyday items to jumpstart a discussion with your residents. Here are a few memory box ideas to get you started. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Learn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies extracted from resident care plans.
While it can be a challenge to keep your residents entertained on the weekend when things are slower and quieter, use some of the following tips to make your residents' weekends a bit more fun. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
In most senior care communities, there are residents who prefer solitude or have introverted tendencies. These individuals enjoy being in their bedrooms and often choose not to actively seek interactions with others. In this article we cover: Loners vs. Introverts: An Important Distinction Common Reasons for Choosing Solitude Mental Illness and Social Alienation Considerations Isolation in Senior Care: Addressing the Challenges 15 Activities for Loners and Introverts
Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and to maintain self worth. It is also a stimulating mental activity, promoting good social interaction and strengthening friendships. Residents may benefit from listening to the wonderful and touching stories of their peers. Reminiscing stories may be video recorded with the resident’s permission and as per facility protocols. If this is not possible, chronicle the memories in a scrapbook to share with members of the families. Reminiscing sessions give staff a better understanding of their clients' needs, leading to improved care. In this article we provide 13 meaningful themes for reminiscing.
Using old time radio programs for the elderly to Reminisce.
The benefits of sensory activities in dementia care cannot be underestimated. It can be as simple as taking your resident to the garden or using a diffuser with some lavender and geranium essential oils in the sitting room.
Doll therapy is so beneficial for those who are drawn to it. Having therapy dolls displayed in visible locations on memory care units, and particularly in a nursery life station setting, provides t…
Use memory boxes that contain everyday items to jumpstart a discussion with your residents. Here are a few memory box ideas to get you started. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Each assisted living facility has certain residents who wake up hours before breakfast and are looking for things to do. Here are 9 activity ideas to incorporate into your activity program before breakfast for your early risers. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Tired of doing the same activities over and over again? Consider adding a variety of activities to shake things up a bit. Here are a few types of activities to consider. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Resident Councils are meant to be a tangible way for residents to advocate for themselves, be a part of the decision making process around your community, and feel empowered. Unfortunately, many Resident Councils are not as active as they could be. Here are a few ways you can encourage and empower your Resident Council to start making a bigger impact around your senior community. In this article we cover: 8 Reasons Why Resident Councils Fall Flat 15 Tips for an Active Resident Council
There are two ways to play this game. Great for people living with dementia!
Laughing doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter has been clinically proven to strengthen your immune system, activate and relieve your stress response and stimulate many organs. In this article we cover: Sometimes Laughter is the Best Medicine 10 Benefits of Laughter Tips for Adding Humour to your Facility 12 Activities to Make People Laugh The Importance Of Laughter In Long Term Care Facilities ›
Golden Carers adds new activities for seniors weekly to help you keep things fresh and stimulating. Be inspired with meaningful ideas for any occasion.
Reminisce with an older family member with these questions about summer.
One of the best advantages of getting older is that you also get wiser. And while many youth-obsessed people would choose wrinkle-free skin over wisdom anytime, they are yet to understand where mistaken. So, to teach youngsters a lesson on life, Birch Creek Senior Living community decided to ask for advice those who have seen it all - its senior residents.
Activity Professionals know first-hand just how much fun can be had in care homes and how vital their role is in keeping the residents in their care actively engaged. Laughing together as a community is what will bring the brightest smiles to your activity. Here are 5 activities that encourage laughter and active participation of the whole community!
You have to be a certain age to appreciate this one. I can hear my mother now...
Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and to maintain self worth. It is also a stimulating mental activity, promoting good social interaction and strengthening friendships. Residents may benefit from listening to the wonderful and touching stories of their peers. Reminiscing stories may be video recorded with the resident’s permission and as per facility protocols. If this is not possible, chronicle the memories in a scrapbook to share with members of the families. Reminiscing sessions give staff a better understanding of their clients' needs, leading to improved care. In this article we provide 13 meaningful themes for reminiscing.
Do your residents enjoy watching television game shows? Consider adding the game shows to your monthly activity calendar with these following tips. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Ideal for men, this activity will foster friendship and bring much laughter. It would be helpful if you could find a male volunteer to sit with participants and remind them of different ways to make paper airplanes.
If you are working as an Activity Professional in a memory care neighborhood right now, you are facing even more unique challenges in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping a calm and peaceful atmosphere, including activities, can feel overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to keep you and your residents engaged.
Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and to maintain self worth. It is also a stimulating mental activity, promoting good social interaction and strengthening friendships. Residents may benefit from listening to the wonderful and touching stories of their peers. Reminiscing stories may be video recorded with the resident’s permission and as per facility protocols. If this is not possible, chronicle the memories in a scrapbook to share with members of the families. Reminiscing sessions give staff a better understanding of their clients' needs, leading to improved care. In this article we provide 13 meaningful themes for reminiscing.
Questions for reminiscing about work life with the elderly
