Hi Cecilia, think of happy happenings while the person was in your care. For instance how about a small photo album (6 to 10 photos) from past activities/events where the person was having a good time; sitting with friends, attending a concert, talking to staff or child, smiling, drinking a fancy cocktail. You could also choose one of the craft projects the person had made and laminate it for the family. Further, the family might appreciate receiving a beautiful card signed by staff and the person's peers expressing what the person meant to them.
Hi Nieke, you could put a rosary or any other symbol of the person's religion. Also some green foliage or flowers in a small jar; a battery-operated candle, a laminated short prayer. The table where you composes the 'In Memory' shoud have a nice tablecloth e.g. lace or crochet. Your ideas plus the above suggestions will make a display in honor of the deceased.
Hi Deborah, yes, it is really disheartening when you plan the activities and attendance is poor. One strategy that may help is involving residents’ relatives with ethnic food tasting. Here are other tips you may try: a) invite some residents to ‘help’ supervise their peers (eventually they may give it a try for 10 minutes) b) use individual invitations (made in a craft session by low care residents) c) Invite a friend or staff member with a well-behaved pet to visit d) Talk to the Music/Drama teacher in your local school to rehearse at your facility (most elderly people enjoy watching children) e) Start a gardening club (mainly pot plants and herbs) f) Announce a pic-nic lunch in your backyard g) Promote a Painting Competition with token prizes.
Hi Lisa, what a good idea! Tinkering fires the imagination because there are no instructions and no failures. Here are a few ideas: Pieces of wood for hammer and nail projects, tinker trays: rubberbands, styrofoam blocks, buttons, coins, lids, wooden beads, chopsticks, etc), plastic pipes of different width, old clocks to take apart, Popsicles for constructions, whatever is needed to make simple kites, bits & pieces to make a Scavenger Collage: https://www.goldencarers.com/scavenger-collages/3749/ Remember despite making available safety tools, residents should be supervised at all times.
Hi Virginia, the best activity for demonstration is usually the one you had previous success with. Make sure the participants have roughly the same skills. I think Snakes & Ladders would be fine. You could also try, Carpet Bowls, Gentle exercises, or Gardening. Also, take a look at the link below, it is food for thought. I wish you all the best of luck! https://www.goldencarers.com/tips-for-writing-successful-activity-programs-for-senior-care/3844/
Hi Diane, how innovative you are! Congratulations. Here are a few ideas to think about: Popular Dips Around the World, Cheeses Around the World, Colored Vegetables, Sushi Galore (sample Kelp, Seaweed, Tofu, Tempeh), Meatballs From Around the World (Cajun, Swedish, Tuscan, Greek, Spanish). You may request residents' relatives to bring a sample. Keep safe.
Thank you so much for such an awesome resource and to everyone for sharing their ideas. It takes the pressure off and allows more time to be spent with the ones we are caring for who after all need our time more than anything else. I am looking forward to reading as much as I can get my hands on and finding ways to improve the lives of our valuable community members and bring some sunshine in. Much appreciated :)
Forum