Solange

Hi Kara, if you want to do this manually you could use a monthly sheet, one for each client, using a tickbox for each activity attended and space to record engagement, absenteeism, enjoyment. For example:

Monthly:
https://www.goldencarers.com/monthly-activity-attendance/3247/

Daily:
https://www.goldencarers.com/daily-attendance-forms/4119/

Online tools can really simplify the process too. See the short video on Golden Care Tools home page to see how it works:
https://www.goldencaretools.com/

Hope this helps.

Hi Joan, when your client is sitting down I would try to engage him in 'doing' something. For instance, give him a box of colourful milk tops and four smaller Tupperware containers. Ask him to 'help' you to sort them out into separate colours. Also, find out his past interests and get books on the subjects. When he is pacing, you could (if possible) accompany him for a little while to build rapport. I would also try to awaken his interest in gardening; watering plants, or giving him a pair of pruners to prune a shrub. I hope this helps. Cheers.

Hi Abigail, interesting group you have there! Activities with music will go well for the group; sing-alongs with popular country music, Top 40 of the 1940s and 1950s, Nursery Rhymes. You may also offer some easy activity and engage those more physically and mentally fit to ‘help’ others more ailing. Activities suitable are Word Search, Drawing, Dot Painting, Pot Luck quizzes, The Price is Right, Things That Go Together, School Day Reminiscing Cards, Recycled Dream Spring/Autumn Tree, and more. The best of luck with the group.

Hi Myrtle, there are some excellent WWII Medleys on You Tube, all you need to do is connect a laptop to a large TV with a HDMI cable, or use a device like Apple TV or a Chromecast. Here is one of them; 25 minutes of great songs with the words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wANrGvrDjg4
Also Sing-along DVDs are plentiful in your local library to borrow, just make sure you ask for the ones with the lyrics. Cheers.

Hi Christine, I know what you mean, sometimes clients are so frail and despondent it is hard to motivate them to engage in any activities. You may try choosing some music popular in their era and play 'Name the song', all you need is a CD player and some CDs or use YouTube: start the music and let it play for 15 seconds; stop and wait for a response. You may also use play the game 'What's in the Bag?', place familiar items inside a bag, let client touch and guess. Place mobiles and wind chimes in their rooms for stimulation and change them every fortnight. Cheers.

Hi Kimberly, frail older clients going through a hard time need someone to listen to them and empathise. Your proposal is really meaningful. You may also encourage them to engage in simple activities such as conversation, watching TV, looking at photos and magazines, watching a beautiful mobile, listening to nature sounds in the garden or through music, sharing a story from the newspaper, laughing together after sharing a joke, and more. The visit should be evaluated regarding demeanour, alertness, mood, body language. During visits you may identify empty spaces in client’s room and think what to do with these for the benefit of client, like an extra table, a hanging plant, a large clock. Visits get easier as you develop rapport with clients.

Hi Amy, here are some sensory activities ideas for you to try: hot and cold drinks to share, Touch & Feel different fabric textures, sensory ‘toys’ – age and stage appropriate. You may also find some sensory activities on the link below. Good luck with the re-doing. Best wishes. https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?searchterm=sensory+games

Hi Rene,

That is a great date to celebrate with themed events, parties, and concerts, for both residents and staff.

Here is a small list:

- Invite a Fire Brigade truck for a few hours
- Remember Elvis Presley (with or without an impersonator)
- Wheelchair Race
- Have a Luau party
- Invite a Spanish folk dancing group to perform (or any other folk group)
- Staff Line Dancing
- watch a wonderful movie together
- Food Festival
- Hillbilly Day, and more.

Enjoy Nursing Home Week!

Hi Ria, PVA glue is fine for rock on rock, as long as it is not left in the rain. You can buy rocks in Landscape Supply shops. Cheers.

Hi Kathy. I assume your memory group's main activity is reminiscing. We have some great reminiscing themes like School Days, Yesteryear Song Quiz, and Name the Love Songs.. Also, the link below has 13 difference ideas for reminiscing:

https://www.goldencarers.com/13-reminiscing-themes-for-seniors/4293/
https://www.goldencarers.com/school-days-reminiscing-cards/3831/
https://www.goldencarers.com/name-the-love-songs-quiz/4931/
https://www.goldencarers.com/yesteryear-song-quiz/4561/

Regarding socialisation you may try:
Wine & Cheese Party – Discuss a TV show or a documentary – Group cooking pizzas and cookies – Picnics – Travel Talks - Tai Chi class – Card games.

Hope this helps. Cheers.