16 Ways to Encourage Negative or Pessimistic Residents to Attend Activities

16 Ways to Encourage Negative or Pessimistic Residents to Attend Activities

User Profile By Haley Burress   United States

Found In: ›Activities ›Articles ›Coronavirus: Covid-19

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.

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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Comments   Post a Comment

Lora 26th Aug 2020 Retired
A friend just phoned, we were talking about it and she plays Wordscapes. I will try that with my mom.
Susan 25th Aug 2020 Activity Director
Hi Tammy
Thank you for your insightful input
Susan 25th Aug 2020 Activity Director
Hi Margie thank you for your input
Petrie 25th Aug 2020 Lifestyle Co-ordinator
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.
Elaine 25th Aug 2020 Activities Director/ Speech Path
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.
Susan 25th Aug 2020 Activity Director
Hi Elaine
Thank you for sharing this
It gives us hope that there is something for everyone
Merryn 25th Aug 2020 Lifestyle Officer
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
Victoria 25th Aug 2020
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.
Susan 25th Aug 2020 Activity Director
Victoria
Thank you for sharing this information
Margie Fletcher 25th Aug 2020
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.
Tammy 24th Aug 2020 Life Enrichment Director
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.
Elaine 24th Aug 2020 Activities Director/ Speech Path
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 23rd Aug 2020 Recreation Therapist And Writer
Haley has submitted a new article: 16 Ways To Encourage Negative Or Pessimistic Residents To Attend Activities
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