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.
Caregiver created list of dozens of dementia activity ideas.
As an Activity Coordinator, things can get really busy and there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. It’s hard to sneak away time at your desk for notes or planning because every activity is so hands on. Well, I have come up with a list of 10 activities most seniors should be able to do independently so you can take some time to work at your desk, plan activities or just catch up on emails. 1. Gardening Club I just set out supplies on a table, zip lock of dirt, flower pot, seeds, water, maybe some small plants. Sometimes I leave markers, stickers or paint so they can decorate the flower pots. They come in, chat, share stories and enjoy getting their hands dirty. I put down plastic table cloths I get from the dollar store to make clean up a piece of cake. 2. Card Games Again, I just set the tables with any supplies they need, (cards, card holders, automatic shufflers, score pads, list of rules and pencils) and let them enjoy. The games most popular with my group is Hand & Foot, Bridge and Spades. 3. Travel Video Experience This one is really fun for my group. I use a travel video, sometimes documentary style, sometimes just images/vlog style. I pick a food from that location, ex. for our video about Berlin, Germany I put out a selection of sausages and some pretzels. I also put out some beer or an apple juice punch (for those who can’t have alcohol). I decorated the snack table with little German signs and little volkswagon toy cars and such. Again, I just set the table and start the video, they help themselves to snacks. I’ll try to link some of the videos we have done, the Travel Experiences have been a really big hit with them, and it’s a nice little break for me too! 4. Word Games/Picture Finds I have several of these on my site, sometimes I download them from www.teacherspayteachers.com. It’s an easy activity they can do on their own. They like to sip coffee and gossip while they work on them. 5. Card Making I just set out the supplies on the table that they like to use (cardstock, glue sticks, scissors, stickers, stamps, scrapbook paper, etc.). We have a resident who keeps a list of anyone that is sick or has a birthday coming up and each person in the group picks a person on the list to make a card for. 6. Happy Stitcher Group We have a group of ladies that enjoy knitting. They get together about once a week and knit baby blankets which we later donate to local charity groups. This is a very independent group activity. 7. Prayer Group We have a box in our main hallway that residents drop prayer requests into. Each week our Prayer Group meets to go through the requests and pray together for each other. I usually provide them some refreshments but otherwise this is a resident led, independent activity. 8. Flower Arrangements This is not an activity that we are able to do terribly often, but it’s great fun when we do. I have established a rapport with some of our local florists in our area. When their flowers get to a point where they can not sell them but they are still good for a week or so, or they may be cut short and were scraps from another arrangement, they donate them to us. We usually get a fair amount so I just spread them out on the table, give my ladies some recycled plastic bottles and let them go to town. 9. Put on a Short Play This is something my residents are doing right now. It’s a very short comedic play (3 scenes) or so. Not much props (I am helping with those). They have weekly play practice on their own and I just help with the set up. 10. Laugh Lines Group This group meets to laugh and socialize together every 2 weeks or so. I look up a bunch of appropriate jokes, print them out and stick them in our Funny Fish Bowl. They take turns taking out jokes and reading them to the group. I usually leave out punch and maybe some pretzels or goldfish. They love reading the jokes and laughing together. It’s always a great time! Hope these inspire some activities at your facility!
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 ›
Caregiver created list of dozens of dementia activity ideas.
Discover 10 easy crafts you can do as a senior citizen from home or nursing home. Suitable for seniors with Dementia and Arthritis.
Need to get your seniors up and moving this season? Then add several movement therapy activities to your monthly senior activity calendar. Provide physical activities for your residents that are also fun and entertaining. This promotes physical health while also … Read More
Discover 10 easy crafts you can do as a senior citizen from home or nursing home. Suitable for seniors with Dementia and Arthritis.
These exercises to improve your balance were created for seniors to help prevent falls and aid in your everyday movements.
Discover thousands of free activities for seniors to enjoy in aged care. Engage and entertain the elderly with a range of enjoyable quizzes, arts and crafts, social reminiscing, exercise and more.
Explore physical exercise options, mental stimulation, social engagement, and spiritual growth for a holistic approach to senior well-being.
This is a very popular light exercise game to play in aged care, it can be played standing and also seated on a chair. There are a few variations of the game, depending on which way you would like to play you can follow a few of our examples below. Equipment needed: A mat –...
Caregiver created list of dozens of dementia activity ideas.
One of the best things about party games is that they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, senior citizens often have the most fun, as they are not afraid to let loose and have a good time. Here are some of our favorites that are sure to get everyone laughing and having a great time
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!
Playing sit-down games along with other social activities has been found to be an effective way of reducing levels of depression among the elderly. With their increased safety and fun factor, it's no surprise that sitting down games are becoming so popular amongst seniors.
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
Getting older poses its challenges, but this fun list of hilarious and entertaining party games for Senior Citizens is one of a kind
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd and is a global event aimed at promoting environmental protection and raising awareness about the importance of preserving our planet for future generations. This day presents an opportunity for seniors in aged care facilities to learn about environmental issues and engage in meaningful activities that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Learn how social activities for seniors enhance seniors' health and reduce isolation. Discover benefits like mood lift and brain boost.
March Calendar Senior Activities, Elderly Activities, Activities for Activity Planners, Mardi Gras Party, St. Patrick's Day ideas and more
If you’re planning to host a summer carnival for your senior residents this year at your assisted living facility, be sure to include these 5 elements to make the event fun and memorable! Carnival Games Make sure to include fun … Read More
Golden Carers adds new activities for seniors weekly to help you keep things fresh and stimulating. Be inspired with meaningful ideas for any occasion.
Discover thousands of free activities for seniors to enjoy in aged care. Engage and entertain the elderly with a range of enjoyable quizzes, arts and crafts, social reminiscing, exercise and more.
10 free and easy group activities for the elderly and seniors. Great for nursing homes and assisted living retirement communities, activity directors
Nursing Home Entertainment Ideas for Seniors
Getting older poses its challenges, but this fun list of hilarious and entertaining party games for Senior Citizens is one of a kind
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!
Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning! In this article we cover: The Advantages of Using Whiteboards Types of Whiteboards How Whiteboards can be used by Activity Coordinators Five Whiteboard Games to Play
10 whiteboard activity ideas. A compilation of ideas for activities to do on a whiteboard. A versitile tool for anyone working with others.
When exercise is a suggested activity for people to attend in aged care I find residents usually comment “I’m too old for that” or” I can’t do that” but if you come up with a catchy name for the group you could be on to a winner activity. One of the most popular activities I...
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
Old Wives Tales are thought to originate from the fact older women would pass down their advice to the younger generation.Enjoy sharing these popular wives’ tales with your senior residents in aged care, have a laugh and see if anyone can guess if these are true or false. A printable A4 version of the quiz...
MOVEMENT IS LIFE! 💛 Use everyday materials to bring out playfulness! It really works! 😃💪 @bewegen.is.leven #movement #life #elderycare #nursinghome #play #games #playfulness #happy #letsgo...
Some activity departments are made up of only one employee who does everything. So how can you pull off having a great activity program without a staff? Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
Men’s activities are challenging! The best way to find meaningful activities for men is to uncover past lifestyle choices and history - you can gather this information from residents and their families. Here are 8 tips for engaging men in meaningful activities.
Celebrate National Hobby Month this January by creating several different hobby clubs for your residents to join. Here are 10 ideas from notjustbingo.com to give you inspiration. Latch Hook If you have a small group of residents who like to … Read More
10 easy activities designed to infuse joy and healthy lifestyle habits into the lives of nursing home residents.
Blooming Fun: Spring Trivia for Seniors: As the flowers start to bloom and the birds chirp melodies of joy, it’s the perfect time to embrace the spirit of the season with some delightful spring trivia.
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!
This is a really fun exercise activity for seniors to play in aged care, it’s a game that gives the players a great amount of physical stimulation and the excitement can build into a very competitive atmosphere. Equipment Needed: Some suggestions to buy direct from Amazon: How to Play:
Over time, residents (and staff) can get tired of playing the same games, day after day. To ease the monotony, consider spicing up your bingo games to create more interest for you and your residents. Get more senior activity ideas at notjustbingo.com TODAY!
