Resources for
activity professionals
in elder care

Mother

Published on Friday 3rd of May 2013 by Solange

Sunday, May 12 is Mother's Day


More cards for mother's day

Messages for Mother's Day cards

How to plan a Raffle for Mother's Day

Decoupage on Glass

Pressed Flowers

French Toast for Mother's Day Breakfast

Scent Guessing

Wonderful cooking aromas

Aromatherapy Inhalations

Baths or Spa Baths

Mother's Day Flowers Craft

Reminiscing on Mother's Day

Lovely Hanging Paper Flowers

Homemade Cards for Mother's Day

Paper Beads for Mothers Day

Beauty Therapy

Mother's Day Quiz

Mother's Day Word Finder

Flower pot colouring-in

Daisy Photo Frame

Footbaths

Compresses

Vaporisation

Scent for Pleasure

Tissue flowers for Mother's Day

Thank you for your feedback...

We appreciate the feedback we receive each day. Don't forget to comment on activities you have tried for the benefit of the whole community. Below are a sample of some recent comments...

Pauline on Questions | 29th April 2013

Hi
Just wondering if anyone is doing the Cert IV Health and leisure Course I would love to hear from you, Iam doing it DE and finding it a bit hard....
Cheers Pauline

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Coralie on Word Games | 28th April 2013

I do this activity every week. We had a list provided by someone, but now the residents are providing the words themselves. Once we are finished the residents look at all the words on the board and try to guess how many words they found. The person who gets the closest gets a prize.

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Morena on Feedback | 26th April 2013

Hi there, I've just become a member, I am so excited. I work in Cumberland Vie Hostel. Hope this web will help a lot.

Regards
Morena

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patricia on Mother Earth Word Search | 22nd April 2013

My residents enjoy doing word searches. Can you recommend any free websites to go to.

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Lyn on | 19th April 2013

I know where I used to work and we had a lady just like this we got her a doll that looked and felt like a baby, it took her mind off thing and diverted her attention to the baby....

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sandra on Questions | 18th April 2013

Hi everyone, iv got a question for u, I have been a D.T for 2 and a half years and have just this week changed jobs and I have gone from working in a rest home to working in a day care unit for the disabled, the house that I am working in is high care, soooo different from working with dementia, does anyone have any suggestions for activities, noting that a lot of these clients don't respond to a lot of the activities im used 2 doing, (HELP), And a lot of them don't respond at all xx

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Helen on Questions | 18th April 2013

Hi I have just started at a new facility and they have a full size oven for cooking activities. what are some things or recipes D.T's cook for their residents? I made jam drops and they enjoyed that.

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Jane on | 18th April 2013

Hi, where I worked previously we did around 4 dinner dances a year, and these ran successfully over 5 years.

I'm hoping to introduce the same at my new workplace. After a bit of trial and error we worked out that a later afternoon ( start at 4.45pm) time was best. The residents spend the afternoon getting ready, we had much competition amongst the ladies for the best dressed prize. We would start with some light background music and welcome everyone to the room. The entertainer would start whilst a ligh meal (finger food only) was served, then after a sweet treat he would begin to play some songs to dance to.

We found if we had entertainers who did Elvis, Neil Diamond, 50's and 60's stuff that would get people up dancing. We invited families and friends (for a small charge) and encouraged them to dance, we also invited volunteers who helped get residents up on the floor, if residents couldn't stand up we danced with them at the table or in their wheelchairs.

It takes a lot of planning but is definitely worth it to see the joy the residents get from being there. We usually had about 1 hour of music and most of the time we were finished up by about 6.30pm. The staff also got involved and came along to dance as well.

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Recreation Therapy for the Elderly | May Activities

Published on Wednesday 3rd of April 2013 by Solange

Here are some activities for events to celebrate in May.

1st - General Activities - May
Brain Teaser NEW
 
5th - Cinco de Mayo (Mexican celebration)
Pinata Game
How to make a Pinata
Mexican Fiesta
Mexican Quiz
Mexican sangria and bean dip
 
6th - May Day (QLD)
May Day Word Search
Professions that no longer exist
Guess the Profession Quiz
Labour Day Word Search 2
Labour Day Word Search
May Pole Dance for 'MAY DAY'
 
12th - Mothers Day (Australia, NZ, US & Canada)
Decoupage on Glass NEW
Pressed Flowers NEW
Beauty Therapy
Mother's Day Quiz
Mother's Day Word Finder
Flower pot colouring-in
Daisy Photo Frame
French Toast for Mother's Day Breakfast
Scent Guessing
Wonderful cooking aromas
Aromatherapy Inhalations
Baths or Spa Baths
Footbaths
Compresses
Vaporisation
Scent for Pleasure
Tissue flowers for Mother's Day
Mother's Day Flowers Craft
Reminiscing on Mother's Day
Lovely Hanging Paper Flowers
Homemade Cards for Mother's Day
Paper Beads for Mothers Day
More cards for mother's day
Messages for Mother's Day cards
How to plan a Raffle for Mother's Day
 
12th - International Nurses day
Recycled Puzzle Photo Frame
Nurse Quiz NEW
Nurse Trivia NEW
Happy Nurses Day Poems NEW
Show Your Appreciation on International Nurses Day NEW
Nurses Jokes NEW
International Nurses Day Word Search NEW
 
13th - National Volunteer Week (Australia)
Poems for Volunteers
Volunteers Luncheon Ideas
 
15th - Cannes Film Festival
Fun Movie Quiz
USA Movie Quiz
Cannes Film Festival Quiz
Where in the World Quiz
 
22nd - International day for biological diversity
Marine Trivia
Marine Word Search
 

Thank you for your feedback...

We appreciate the feedback we receive each day. Don't forget to comment on activities you have tried for the benefit of the whole community. Below are a sample of some recent comments...

Di on Questions | 2nd April 2013

Hi, I have been given the task of compiling thank you cards/letters and photographs to be put together for visitors,families,friends and staff to browse through.. Has previously hap hazardly been put into photograph albums which is a convenient way of presenting them but I would like it to have a bit of pizazz to be of more interest any ideas please ???

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Julie on Questions | 2nd April 2013

Hi all. Quick query - how often do you hold concerts/entertainers in your facility? Thanks

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Christina on Who wants to be a millionaire? | 1st April 2013

That is awesome. Quizzes are our most popular activity at our respite centre and I am always looking for a new way to use them. Mintyaire is a great idea. Thanks Cheryl-ann

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debbie on Brain Teaser | 1st April 2013

looks good I will try this at our day centre ...they love quizzes
cheers Debbie

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Julie on Monthly Activity Attendance | 1st April 2013

We currently use a monthly form, (by 80 residents) but I am thinking a daily form with each resident on that form would be more productive. It would use less paper, and you would be able to check off each activity daily as you go. Also good for viewing what activities are well attended or not. Opinions please welcome.

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Michelle on Alzheimer's Disease - 16 practical activites | 30th March 2013

Sounds great, will use in my group assignment on activities for Alzheimer's Disease.

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Janette on Fun Riddle II | 30th March 2013

Love the 'fun riddles' the residents have fun doing these. We discuss the various words along the way as well, very entertaining and stimulating.

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colleen on Ivy Wreaths for Remembrance/Anzac Day | 28th March 2013

Hi Suzy. you will usually find one or two people will find it too upsetting, i have one in my facility and we let him know that we are preparing the Anzac day activity so he can choose not to be there, he also chooses not to attend the service, others love it and do have a cry with the memories it brings but they wouldn't have it any other way, just find something else for those dementia clients to do that do have trouble with it.

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The full list of May activities are available here: May Activities

Cheers,

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Easter Activities & Community Feedback

Published on Tuesday 26th of March 2013 by Solange

The 31st of March is EASTER SUNDAY


Easter Quiz - Religious

Recycled Easter Baskets

Easter Word Finder

Easter Banner!

Easter Crossword - Secular

Easter Quiz 2 - Mixed Religious / Secular

Tissue Paper Sun Catchers - Easter Bunny

Recycled Crayon Sun Catchers

Egg carton Spring Flowers

Easter Egg Decorations

Easter Colouring-in Templates

Easter Bonnets

Festive Wall Art Craft

Easter Bunny Baskets

Hopping Bunnies
Thank you for sharing activity ideas

Below are some recent activity ideas submitted by Golden Carers Members.
Please share your ideas and activity photos here!

How to celebrate Harmony Day
NEW

Anzac Day Wreaths made from plastic spoons

NEW

Number Plate Quiz

NEW
Thank you for your feedback...

We appreciate the feedback we receive each day. Don't forget to comment on activities you have tried for the benefit of the whole community. Below are a sample of some recent comments...

Michelle on Birthday Celebration Song | 27th March 2013

This is fantastic, I am going to try it out with my hostel residents tomorrow, thanks Debbie

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Bev on Questions | 26th March 2013

We have been using the same sit dance program for our morning exercise for years and it is very repetitive. Does anyone have any suggestions for something new except not zumba?

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Fiona on Feedback | 25th March 2013

Thanks for a wonderful site. It was by accident that I came across your site when I was trying to find suitable activities for our 20 bed rest home in New Zealand. All activities I have tried have all been very successful. Just love this site. Many Thanks

Fiona, Activities Co-ordinator, New Zealand

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karen on ANZAC Day Service | 21st March 2013

we always hold our service the day before and have the local r.s.l come in and assist as they alsoarrange a wreath laying service this works very well for our residents
regards
karen n.s/w

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Joanne on Story Book Reminiscing Activity | 21st March 2013

I have previously done this activity...I borrowed books from the Library, checked out the second hand shop and borrowed books from around the facililty and photocopied the covers (in A3), laminated them and used them as prompts for the residents to remember...some even borrowed the books to read later. It also makes you want to read them again too...especially the children's ones.

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SUZY on Ivy Wreaths for Remembrance/Anzac Day | 21st March 2013

I love the idea of the wreaths.............am experiencing some opposition to do this activities as there are some comments that it would be somewhat disturbing/bring about sad memories.............i personally don't agree............has any one had a bad experience with there dementia clients??? totally enjoy the Golden Carers site
suzy

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Karen on April Fool's Day Word Search | 20th March 2013

great activity ideas

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Kaye on Questions | 20th March 2013

can anyone help with names of entertainers in the Brisbane area who would come to our respite centre please?
Cheers Kaye

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Trish on Themed Sing-along - Songs starting with: I'm | 20th March 2013

Hi, what a great idea. Cheers Trish

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Helena on Treat Trolley | 19th March 2013

I am in the process of getting this setup with the help of a resident who will walk around our village for me. Can't wait to see how it goes.

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Julie on Questions | 19th March 2013

Hi All
I am in Brisbane, Qld. Working in low care unit with small dementia population.
I am looking for some entertainment - especially would love something like a performing dog act etc.
Please feel free to contact me with your ideas or links

Cheers
Julie

View comment thread (4) / Respond to comment


The full list of April activities are available here: April Activities

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Older Articles

Mar2013Recreation Therapy for the Elderly | April
Mar2013How to plan a Mother's Day Raffle
Mar2013International Women's Day & Feedback
Feb2013Recreation Therapy for the Elderly | March
Feb2013Valentine's Day activities and community feedback
Feb2013Seniors Week and Chinese New Year Activities
Feb201310 Activities for Seniors Week
Jan2013Record the life stories of the elderly in your care.
Jan2013Recreation Therapy for the Elderly | February
Jan2013Australia Day activities for the elderly
Dec2012Holiday Movie Recommendations for the Elderly
Dec2012Recreation Therapy for the Elderly | January Activities
Dec2012The Benefits of Colouring-in for the elderly
Nov2012Word Lists for Group Games
Nov2012Elder Care Activities for December
Nov201214 tips on how to talk to people with hearing loss
Nov2012Get into the spirit of The Melbourne Cup
Oct201210 Fun Halloween Activities
Oct2012Elder Care Activities for November!
Oct2012Community Feedback October
Oct2012What is goal-directed behaviour?
Sep20123 fun activities to celebrate in the first week of October!
Sep2012Elder Care Activities for October
Aug2012Get Ready for Father's Day!
Aug2012Elder Care Activities for September
Jul2012Fun ways to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games!
Jul2012Elder Care Activities for August
Jun2012July Activities: Olympic Games, 4th of July, Bastille Day & More!
May2012Elder Care Activities for June
Apr2012Elder care activities for May
Mar2012Elder Care Activities for April
Feb2012Elder Care Activities for March
Jan2012Elder care activities for February
Jan2012How to get organised for Creative Craft Activities
Dec2011Elder care activities for January
Nov2011Activities for December Calendar Events
Oct2011Activities for November Calendar Events
Oct2011Upcoming Event in Brisbane: Caring for Older Australians
Oct2011Dementia Specific and Multicultural Activities Workshop
Sep2011Activities for October Calendar Events
Aug2011Activities for September Calendar Events
Aug2011Activities for the Brisbane Ekka Show Day
Jul2011Activities for August Calendar Events
Jul2011Activities for NAIDOC week
Jul2011Activities for July Calendar Events
May2011Activities for June Calendar Events
Apr2011Activities for May Calendar Events
Apr2011The Royal Wedding and Easter Bonnets
Mar2011Activities for April Calendar Events
Feb2011Activities for March Calendar Events
Jan2011Operation Recovery
Jan2011Activities for February Calendar Events
Jan2011Activities for January Calendar Events
Dec2010Pink Ribbon Breakfast
Dec2010Cross-Cultural Training
Nov2010Employer of Choice 2010
Nov2010Special Days in December
Oct2010Activities for Guy Fawkes Night
Oct2010Special Days in November
Sep2010Special Days in October
Aug2010How to fund-raise for Aged Care, Schools, and Respite Centres
Aug2010Great News on Neurodegenerative Disorders
Aug2010Postcard Exchange Program
Aug2010Special Days in September
Jul2010Special Days in August
Jun2010An Activity To Warm The Hearts
Jun2010Golden Carers 1st Year Anniversary!
Jun2010Special Days in July
May201010 Tips for One-on-One Visits with Seniors
May2010How to start a Leisure & Lifestyle Program for Aged Care
May2010Special Days in June
Apr2010Special Days in May
Mar2010Special Days in April
Mar2010Mothering Sunday
Feb2010Special days in March
Feb2010Celebrate International Women's Day
Jan2010Special days in February
Jan2010Special Days in January
Jan2010Thumbs Up for the Recreation Therapy Community!
Dec2009The Benefits of Pet Therapy
Dec2009Christmas Tips for Recreation Therapists
Nov2009A short history of Thanksgiving
Nov2009Identifying Needs of clients entering aged care facilities
Nov2009Remembrance Day & Thanksgiving
Nov2009Alzheimers and Dementia Staff Education Week (US)
Oct2009Celebrating Melbourne Cup!
Oct2009Remembrance Day
Sep2009October Events - 2009
Sep2009Unattended Dementia
Sep2009How to write Progress Notes
Aug2009Responding to concerning behaviour
Jul2009Enhancing the lives of people with advanced dementia
Jul2009Sensory Environment for Dementia Clients
Jul2009Job Satisfaction
Jul2009Dementia Seminar
Jul2009New Forms
Jul2009Upcoming Events in Brisbane
Jun2009Website Relaunch
Jun2009End of Line
May2009Dracula Sneeze
Apr2009Culture & Alzheimer
Apr2009Changed Profile of Residential Aged Care
Feb2009Of Droughts & Flooding rains...
Feb2009Dementia Research
Feb2009Strategies to Survive Stress
Dec2008Quizzes
Sep2008My Favourite Things
Jul2008Conflict
Jun2008RCS Assessments
May2008Good documentation
Jan2008 National Dementia & Recreation Conference November 2007
Jan2008Australia Day celebration!
Jan2008Back in business!
Nov2007Merry Christmas!
Nov2007Conference Update
Nov2007More music activities
Oct2007Dementia & Recreation National Conference
Oct2007Care Plan samples available to download.
Oct2007Tips to make your clients feel good
Sep2007Upcoming Events in Brisbane
Sep2007Townsville Workshop
Sep2007Multicultural Facilities
Aug2007Care Plan
Aug2007PDF Printing
Aug2007Community Outings
Aug2007Cat predicts death
Aug2007Welcome to Golden Carers!

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