By
Haley
Recreation Therapist And Writer
Recreation Therapist And Writer
16 Ways to Encourage Negative or Pessimistic Residents to Attend Activities
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Have you ever worked with a resident who was irritable or pessimistic?
It’s common to have a few residents who may think that all of your activities are silly or not worth their time. Here’s how to make your interactions more productive and pleasant.
In this article we cover:
- 7 Reasons Why Residents May Be Negative About Activities
- 16 Ways to Encourage Activity Participation
- When They Still Won’t Participate
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A friend just phoned, we were talking about it and she plays Wordscapes. I will try that with my mom.
Hi Tammy
Thank you for your insightful input
Hi Margie thank you for your input
I had one resident that refused to go for walks, he wont move from his chair to joint the others, and always have excuses. We would ask our male staff to ask him but he still refuse. He wont do anything, just watching TV. He will chat to others next to him, but he wont join in. Im still trying to find a way to 'lure' him away from the TV, so I can take him for a walk.
We have one resident who only comes out of his room for meals and then requests a table only for himself. Recently, I received in a mail a 2021 calendar from Veterans Affair of various wartime ships. Recalling he was in the navy, next mealtime I asked him if I could join him for a few minutes. Then I brought out the calendar. We had about a 15 minute conversation about his ship and one months picture was similar to the one he served on. He pointed to the areas of the ship where he would do the welding. I have also been using the new year calendars I receive in the mail as prizes for some games. The residents love them for the pictures.
It’s about finding that connection and that’s not easy and takes time but anything worthwhile is worth the energy and time. But once you have a chance to made that relationship working out activities you can plan together
Hi Elaine
Thank you for sharing this
It gives us hope that there is something for everyone
I agree that every effort should be made to connect with the residents whom we care for, to get to know them as much as they will allow and to open ourselves to being known at our own comfort levels. I do not label residents however. They are who they are. labeling one "grouchy" or " resistant" or even "pleasant' sets up a road block to experiencing the PERSON as a whole. Once it's clear that a resident does not wish to particiapte,that decision should be honored while leaving the door open should they change thier mind.
Victoria
Thank you for sharing this information
For 2 months I invited a patient to recreation therapy groups. He refused repeatedly. One day he came when we had patients finishing weaving baskets that other patients had left. He completed the basket and would weave every chance he got.
I have one grouchy resident who made a suggestion of "Events of (a particular year) exp. 1949" every week we would do a new year. I found online thepeoplehistory.com that gives all the info for a year. Important News and Events Stories, Cost of Living, Technology and Pop Culture, trends, fashion etc. It became quite a popular activity.
We have one resident who only comes out of his room for meals and then requests a table only for himself. Recently, I received in a mail a 2021 calendar from Veterans Affair of various wartime ships. Recalling he was in the navy, next mealtime I asked him if I could join him for a few minutes. Then I brought out the calendar. We had about a 15 minute conversation about his ship and one months picture was similar to the one he served on. He pointed to the areas of the ship where he would do the welding. I have also been using the new year calendars I receive in the mail as prizes for some games. The residents love them for the pictures.
Haley has submitted a new article: 16 Ways To Encourage Negative Or Pessimistic Residents To Attend Activities