Coronavirus (Covid-19) Resources for Senior Care. Activity ideas for senior care workers, aged care facilities, and the elderly in isolation.
It takes a lot of dedicated help to serve your Activities department, and your residents, well. Here are a few ideas for expressing your appreciation for their efforts
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Save DownloadSocialization with peers is imperative for healthy aging. In this article we provide some tips for article provides some ideas for helping residents connect and form friendships with one another.
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Save DownloadThe internet is a weird place and while it can feel like the wild, wild, west, sometimes the internet is downright hilarious. Here are some funny comments and photos from the internet that could be a good addition to your next humor club.
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I got this idea from my 2nd grader's after school program. I created a sheet to go along with the cards with instructions on how to play some single player games. Enjoy
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Save DownloadAdd a positive word to the Gradtitde Jar that starts with first letter of your name
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Save DownloadA Pantomime (or 'Panto' for short) is a traditional British Christmas play. Christmas Pantomimes are immensely popular in the U.K. and deeply rooted into British culture. They are so joyful and entertaining! This is a wonderful tradition that is well worth embracing in senior care homes.
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Save DownloadHere are 6 of our favourite dice games to enjoy that have been shared by members. Thank you to all who share! Some are modified versions of existing games and some you may not have tried before. These games are so easy to play and so much fun! Simply print & play!
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Save DownloadHi all - I'd just like to share this activity. An adaption of the ever popular game of Bingo. I find it a great intergenerational game, also very popular with Dementia and complex Clients due to the simple visual nature of the game.
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Save DownloadCreate a board that shows the location of your care home and where residents and staff come from. On individual arrows put the country of origin and how many kilometres they are from their birth place to where they now live.
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Save DownloadAdd some levity and laughter into your community’s day by planning some comedy events.
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Save DownloadThe 2020 theme for Assisted Living Week, which runs September 13-19 in America, is “Caring Is EssentiAL”. We love this theme as it reminds all of us that our roles in senior care are essential and crucial everyday, but especially during the days of COVID-19.
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A reminiscing magazine for every day in November! Enjoy a full page of information about every day of the year, including important historical events, short biographies, jokes, quotes, and fun brain teasers.
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Save DownloadA is for Apple, and B is for Boat, that used to be right, but now it won' float.
Age before Beauty is what we once said. But let's be a bit more realistic instead.
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Save DownloadHave 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.
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Save DownloadI ordered he truck from Amazon and I worked with Our Plant Operations Director to put it on a electric scooter.
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Save DownloadUse the clues provided to guess the type of cake alluded to!
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Save DownloadFamilies and other visitors are more 'out of the loop' with their loved one's care now that coronavirus visitation restrictions are commonplace across the globe. Learn how to keep them feeling connected with their loved ones and with your team.
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Save DownloadI recently tried paper quilling with my residents and they really enjoyed it!
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Save DownloadThis was a very sucessful activity! So much fun and great for residents that don't want to join in with group activities and also ones that are in bed, just attach the picture to a clip board and help/guide them with placing the stickers.
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Save DownloadHere is an easy peasy activity that everyone can participate in -- hand colored bookmarks!
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Save DownloadWe are currently working on a We Are Connected project. Each client fills in a puzzle piece and then we piece together our puzzle.
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Save DownloadYour memory care unit is a busy place, bustling with resident, staff, and visitor activity. Unfortunately, too much stimulation can create an emotionally unhealthy environment for residents. Here’s how to keep things calm.
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Save DownloadFacilitate these activities to support residents in isolation in August
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You can install games on all platforms these days, from your phone, computer, laptop, tablet, you can buy dedicated consoles like an xBox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch. Some TVs even come with games. Here are 3 positive aspects of gaming for seniors!
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Save DownloadAs a 1:1 activity, I visit each resident and we make a paper quilt square. We attach them all together and eventually when we have restrictions lifted, we can all enjoy the "quilt" we made together. I call it the "We are in this Together Quilt".
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Save DownloadCarts are not only a fun way to reach every resident throughout your community, but they have become especially crucial to engagement during pandemic precautions.
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There is something special about sitting down comfortably with some popcorn to watch a good movie with a few friends during the festive season; especially if the movie makes you laugh, lifts your spirits and inspires you.
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Save DownloadI made my own dominoes game. I laminated it, bagged it up and sent it out in my activities packs.
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Save DownloadResidents can feel lonely and isolated, whether or not they are in the midst of a global pandemic. Here are a few ways you can validate those feelings of loneliness and find new ways to connect with residents who are feeling alone.
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Save DownloadDue to Covid-19, the usual celebrations have been cancelled for this year. Still, we can adapt activities to celebrate the Allied troops, and remember what this victory cost them.
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I copied 90 - 4”x5” bingo cards (we have 90 units here), keep that as a master copy, copy a second batch then tape their paper copy to their door...
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Save DownloadInternational Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 each year on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Here are some ways you can celebrate the occasion under Covid-19 restrictions.
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Save DownloadSocial events don’t exactly meet social distancing guidelines, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still create a feeling of community with your residents. Here are ideas on how to share events without sharing contact.
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Save DownloadI've created a brief scavenger hunt for the residents to complete on their own (between being in their rooms and meal times). I've created a brief scavenger hunt for the residents to complete on their own (between being in their rooms and meal times).
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SaveSpiritual pursuit can be especially important for some of your residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a quick roundup of ideas that could benefit your community.
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Save DownloadNow is the perfect time to encourage creativity among your residents. You don’t need a lot of fancy supplies or even a group setting to make it happen. Create your own arts & craft to-go packs using ziplock bags for residents to enjoy in their rooms!
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Save DownloadBird watching is an easy in-room activity! I created a 2-page Publisher document with names and pictures of birds (and other creatures) to look for outside. You can easily adapt to your community by adding your community's name, and birds that are common around your part of the world.
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SaveI work in a Care Home that has been closed to non-essential staff for 3 weeks. One person is now trying to meet the social inclusion needs of 36 residents, and doing a great job. While we cannot go into the home, each of us is supporting the home in whatever way we can - and there are lots of ways.
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Save DownloadFollowing the coronavirus lockdown in the UK, people have been creating rainbows for their windows to cheer up passers by and to convey a message of solidarity.
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Save DownloadThe global COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our day to day duties with residents. However, there is a bright side to get you through these tough times: people really want to help.
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Save DownloadDaily exercise groups are an activity department staple, but with most communities discouraging group activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be wondering how to keep it up. Here are a few ideas to get everyone up and moving together (while separate).
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Save DownloadThe infographic provides activity suggestions for using music with older adults for the purpose of: cognitive stimulation, reminiscence, socialization, maintaining / strengthening relationships, exercise, emotional health, and quality of life.
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Save DownloadIf you are working as an Activity Professional in a memory care neighborhood right now, you are facing even more unique challenges in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping a calm and peaceful atmosphere, including activities, can feel overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to keep you and your residents engaged.
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Save DownloadAs I'm sure many of you are also experiencing, residents are now stuck in their rooms and we also have to maintain a 2mtr distance. This makes providing activities very difficult. I made this hand out and gave it to every resident as all the things listed don't require someone to sit with them.
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SaveDue to the current situation the Grand National in UK has been cancelled. We normally have a sweep stake amongst the residents, so have devised a game that I can take around instead.
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Save DownloadThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed your activity calendar, and you might be struggling to find new ways to connect with your residents. If you have technology readily available in your community, you can begin to spice up your programming by using virtual activities.
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Save DownloadThe COVID-19 pandemic is downright stressful and overwhelming. Taking care of yourself is probably low on your priority list right now, but you won’t be able to take care of your residents if you are struggling. Here are a few easy ways to be gentle with yourself and focus on self-care during these trying times
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Save DownloadThe coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing chaos worldwide and this is a hard time for so many. We need to hang in there - these crazy times will pass. Here are some in-room activitiy ideas for residents to enjoy while in isolation.
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Save DownloadCOVID-19 has drastically changed life inside of senior living communities throughout the globe. Here is how to maintain a sense of calm as well as how to connect with residents during this time.
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Save DownloadHelp resident to write a message to their family then take a picture of them holding said message. Template can then be emailed with picture to family so that they can do the same back.
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Save DownloadMost people enjoy growing indoor plants. Seniors in long term care facilities should be encouraged to immerse themselves in this wonderful hobby. Dozens of inexpensive plant species can blossom inside small rooms and apartments, so long as they are well cared for.
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Save DownloadI have set this up for the unit that I work in and our CEO loves it so much she wants me to set one up for each of the units over different sites. Customize them to suit you. Look forward to seeing what you all do.
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Save DownloadGive your clients a boost with some simple neurobics brain exercises! These mini-mentals are equivalent to cross-training your brain!
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Save DownloadNot every resident attends group activities, and it can be a serious struggle to find ways to get them engaged with recreation. Intentionally curated carts and baskets can increase your reach and keep your residents happily active.
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Save DownloadIn today's world, with an ever-expanding demographic of residents entering long term care homes, it is critical to develop strategies that promote diversity and inclusion.
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Save DownloadYour morning exercise program helps residents gain strength and weekly yoga classes help them increase their range of motion. But do you have a brain exercise program in place? Brain exercises are just as important as physical exercise for our residents. Learn a bit more about neurobics and why these interventions are key to keeping brains fit!
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Save DownloadYou spend your workday caring for others. In between all that, you complete paperwork, make staff schedules and decorate the community room for the next party. Then, you head home to care for your family. One important question - who takes care of you?
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Save DownloadI've worked in activities for over ten years, and I have found that there are some activities that you just have to have on the activities calendar! While these activities may be staples, they can easily lose their charm for both you and the residents when done over a long period of time.
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Save DownloadI'm about to start a new job as an activity coordinator and one of my ladies loves the nine letter word puzzles in the newspaper so I thought I'd make her some.
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Save DownloadA matching game with trivia to stimulate conversation and cognitive functioning!
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Save DownloadWhiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!
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Save DownloadWe all know that exercise is good for us but for some reason, the older we get, the less we do. Contrary to popular belief, poor balance and muscle weakness has a lot more to do with inactivity than age.
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Save DownloadWith existing hardware your facility already has (like laptops, projectors, tablets), activity coordinators can access a multitude of free online resources and tools that will usher in a wave of new, fun and unique experiences for residents.
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Save DownloadOur brains, just like our bodies need exercise! Neurobics is a type of exercise designed to stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive performance. Here are 13 simple and stimulating mind activities for seniors in nursing homes.
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Save DownloadHere is another lovely and engaging creative group activity for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Create a beautiful sunflowers poster in a group craft session!
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Save DownloadFor the elderly who loved to read all their lives, listening to someone read to them can bring profound comfort and joy. Why not start a Read-Aloud Readers Group activity at your facility; a Book Club with a difference! Read-aloud activities are an intervention well worth pursuing.
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Save DownloadThis fun and simple game is great for seniors including people living with dementia. Includes well known sayings, idioms and proverbs that they will remember from their past.
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Save DownloadThese touchy-feely sensory pouches (also known as squish bags and sensory pads) are a wonderful way to explore the senses. They are also so easy to make! Making sensory pouches is a quick and inexpensive way to make an engaging and relaxing sensory activity for people living with dementia.
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Save DownloadHang hearts from ceiling with strings or attach to walls and glass windows with blue tack. If you want to make garlands use the small heart template.
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Save DownloadCreativity is a skill to be developed and cherished. There are endless ways to train and exercise the brain! The following exercises are good practice for creative thinking.
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Save DownloadHere is an over 80s song list. It includes lyrics to over 80 popular songs from yesteryear to enjoy in a sing-along. Sing the first line, and then ask residents to sing the next line!
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Save DownloadFriendship Day should be promoted and commemorated.
Here are some ideas for you to use and make this day special!
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Beautiful scrapbooks made from recycled magazines. Make them to suit the interests of individuals. A wonderful activity for seniors living with dementia.
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Save DownloadThere are two ways to play this game. Great for people living with dementia!
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Save DownloadArmchair Travel takes people to faraway places without leaving home. It provides a sensory experience and the opportunity to learn about exotic lands and important past events in a meaningful manner. This is a wonderful activity for seniors living in nursing homes and suitable for people with dementia.
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Save DownloadUse Google Maps and the Street View option to take your resident's back to their original homes or on tours of famous World landmarks! It's almost standing room only as residents are now bringing in their children's addresses along, staff are also showing us their abodes.
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