Create an Account to use the Forum, it's free!
Enjoy meaningful activity ideas that you can use with your clients straight away.
A 12 month membership with unlimited access is just $59.99 USD! It’s quick and easy to sign up.
Join NowI co-own and operate a small assisted living home in Pittsfield, NH (U.S.A.). We consistently seek ways to improve upon our senior activity program, providing a diversified balance of a purposeful and enjoyable time of recreation, crafting, exercise and others to reach all of our residents. I must say, it's been a challenge. This past October I began researching options online and came across your site, subscribing for a year to see what you were all about. Let me tell you, you have not disappointed! Your site is a priceless resource that we are extremely thankful for. We find a significant increase in resident participation and look forward to the new ideas that each month brings. Our residents love the changes!
Linda Small
Caregiver
United States
I just love love love this site - each time I'm glued to the many and awesome ideas to engage with our seniors. I recently downloaded some of the crossword puzzles and these seniors are fabulous to work with. That is just the tip of the iceberg. In this new chapter of my life, as semi-retired, I am so enjoying my time with seniors and watching them light up; I feel I've found a new niche. It's extremely gratifying. As to the cost of membership, it came out of my pocket - I rationalised that it was only about $3/month, less than many magazines. So keep up the GREAT work!!! Thanks again Golden Carers!!!!!
Sally Hagy
Member Feedback
Volunteer
It's quick and easy!
12 months just $59.99 USD
✓ No Automatic Renewals ✓ Money Back Guarantee
I run planned group activities between 2PM and 4PM but after this the environment in the lounge tends to become 'unsettled'. During this period the lounge is quite full/busy and can get a bit noisy, residents who have short attention spans and are not able to engage in planned or group activity begin to 'start looking for something' . They will often wander around in the lounge and interfere with other residents or other residents belongings (newspapers etc) Any contribution that you could make that would help me find a solution to settle people during this period would be welcome . Thank you.
I like a sing-along because just about everyone can participate and it is easy
1.5 hours is probably too long for one sing-along
But you could sing for a half an hour
Then do household chores for half an hour such as folding clothes sorting socks or maybe setting the table
You could have busy boxes around for those who like to fiddle with things such as
https://www.goldencarers.com/sifting-and-sorting-bins-for-dementia-care/6040/
The last half hour I could be sing sway and Clap
These are only suggestions try them out see you what works best for you
Let us know what you decide now
I always called this period of time late day fun
Familiar sing a longs are helpful then you could switch the music to a softer tone afterwards. Keep a variety of magazines or fun fidget items about the space for those who need to keep busy.
Maybe do a group walk in the hallway after your afternoon tea to look at and discuss artwork on your walls. A little disguised exercise helps nervous energy.
Try some easy trivia mixed with stories about the trivia question. Find or make your own trivia questions about the area you live in then add some stories related to the trivia to engage them. Hopefully the residents can relate or hear something that triggers their own memories and will share. Good luck and share what you find helps.
All the best,
Gina
Your ideas sound great
Of course it’s up to Jean as to what she wants to do
For example you can sing if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
Usually in the song The participants clap their hands stamp their feet and shout horsy but you can add sway back-and-forth
I like to ask resident what else we can do such as wave to your neighbor
March in place etc. it’s totally up to you whatever the residents like to do
I think poetry can be a great idea also and I am all in favor of animation in your face and voice because it adds so much to the reading and I think it makes the residents pay more attention to what we’re doing
During this period 4PM to 5:30PM I will implementing a program of small groups and self- engagement that will include jigsaw puzzles, sorting, dominoes, pamper nails hand wash/massage, foot spa etc. We also have several tablets that have personalised programs & play lists on them that will be used with headphones. This will all culminate in a sing along.
I will use this medium and give you some feedback after some 'trials'
Thanks again
As you know it is probably trial and error
Also it will probably change depending on the change in your residents
Thanks for sharing your plan
I hope it works
As you know it is probably trial and error
Also it will probably change depending on the change in your residents
Thanks for sharing your plan
I hope it works
If Not you can reevaluate again
Thanks for sharing I wish you continued success