You are on the right track, a sing-along is a very good idea.
You could also try a game of balloons where the whole group keeps the balloon on the air as much as possible. The racket for the game should be very light, if you don't have them, you can make some with plasticized wire, stockings and duct tape.
Another idea is to place pieces of paper with numbers under a half dozen chairs and surprise them with token prizes. When you announce the number everyone looks under their chairs for them.
You can also find 3 or 4 groups of staff/residents/relatives to sing or read poems and the residents would be the judges (you could give residents numbered cards to lift up according to preference, after each performance).
Hi Carla, don’t be too hard on yourself; I am sure you are doing your very best to engage your clients. However, there will be always those who do not respond for reasons of their own; which eventually may or may not be revealed. Some people are by nature alert and others lethargic; theses are traits difficult to change. To alleviate social isolation here are a few ideas to try: - Keep informed of new activities, Residents' meeting and outings. Don’t give up! - Schedule room visits to listen to them. Elders thrive in being 'listened to'. - Encourage and support residents’ family to visit more and facilitate visits. - Enlist their 'help' in activities; everybody likes the feeling they 'are making a difference'. Washing dishes, peeling potatoes, hanging washing.
Hi Paul, interviews vary a lot, however, you may be asked some of the following: • talk about yourself • Why do you want to join us? • What are your strengths? • What do you think about 'person-centre' care? • Have you had a conflict at the previous workplace? • What do you understand about work ethics? Good luck, I hope this can help.
You could try radio plays, audio books, a pet of her liking (bird or cat), sorting by size (buttons, lids, beads), molding clay, and gardening – a tomato plant to water every day.
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!!!!!
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You could also try a game of balloons where the whole group keeps the balloon on the air as much as possible. The racket for the game should be very light, if you don't have them, you can make some with plasticized wire, stockings and duct tape.
Another idea is to place pieces of paper with numbers under a half dozen chairs and surprise them with token prizes. When you announce the number everyone looks under their chairs for them.
You can also find 3 or 4 groups of staff/residents/relatives to sing or read poems and the residents would be the judges (you could give residents numbered cards to lift up according to preference, after each performance).
All the best, good luck with Father's Day.