Try to find out WHY ur residents do not want to participate. That is your first challenge ... It maybe as simple as one resident doesnt want to sit next to another particular resident, maybe they cant hear/see whats being done. And find other things for them to do. They may not have been a very social person in the past.
I'm so happy I found this site. It's been very helpful to me for my job and for the residents I care for. Many thanks to GoldenCarers you're doing an excellent job!