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Free Activity Calendar for Seniors

You can now add Daily Schedules, Icons, and Print at a variety of sizes! This easy to edit activity calendar can be pre-filled with upcoming events and celebration ideas for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. A perfect resource for activity coordinators working with the elderly.

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20 Practical Activities for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease

20 activities for the elderly with dementia. The following ideas may be used on a one-to-one basis and others may be suitable for small groups depending on their abilities. These dementia activities are designed to promote and maintain existing skills.

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Words in Words Game

This game is very popular! It provides mental stimulation, social interaction and promotion of self-worth.

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The Price is Right Game

This is such a fun game! Residents will love reminiscing about the price of groceries in a social setting.

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Things that go Together Quiz

There are two ways to play this game. Great for people living with dementia!

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How To Structure Reminiscing Sessions For Seniors

Reminiscing with the elderly is a wonderful way to validate the lives of individuals and provide seniors with a sense of purpose, especially those living with dementia. Reminiscing activities also encourage social interaction and promote interpersonal skills.

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6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly

Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!

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Games for People Living with Dementia

Adapting and modifying games for seniors is necessary for all sorts of different reasons. As well as for those living with dementia, games need to be modified for those who use wheelchairs and those with impaired vision or sensory loss.

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Balloon Games

Gentle exercise for the arms as well as an opportunity to socialize! Great for game for the elderly. Also suitable for people living with dementia.

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School Days Reminiscing Cards

This is a wonderful game that can be adapted to any occasion. Residents will enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories.

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Finish the Sayings and Proverbs Game

This 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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Bucket of Bean Bags Game

This simple and fun game promotes friendships and physical activity!

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Musical Bingo

Musical Bingo improves recall and provides opportunities to reminisce. It is also an enjoyable and sociable game. This game was created by a Music Therapist I worked with and it was very popular in our Dementia Care Unit. If you don't have time to put the game together, ask a volunteer to help you. All you need is a computer, a printer and a laminator. This activity includes downloadable song cards and calling cards.

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10 Activities to Make Seniors Laugh

Instilling a culture of humor and laughter into long-term care facilities is good for everyone and may even improve the overall functioning and well-being of your clients. It is important to incorporate funny and amusing activities into your regular program that cater to all tastes.

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Songs for Seniors Quiz

Here 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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Sample Activities Calendars

Sample monthly and weekly activity calendars for activity coordinators working in nursing homes. I know from experience that when i first started at a rest home I was thrown in the deep end, and I just thought by sharing this it may help out a newbie to develop their activities program. This is a wonderful resource to help you plan ahead. Thanks to everyone who has shared their calendar.

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Difficult Behaviour Care Plan 1

Anna is a 79 year old lady living with 2nd stage dementia. She seems to understand what staff say but is slow to respond. She is restless most of the day, sitting for only minutes at time...

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Free Music Playlists for the Elderly

Music has been proven to be very beneficial for the elderly in long term care, particularly those living with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. Here are some wonderful free playlists of famous songs from the 40s, 50s & 60s!

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Recycled Dream Spring Tree

Celebrate spring at your nursing home by making a gorgeous dream tree composed of spring flowers and blossoms!

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How to write a Care Plan

The documentation process varies from facility to facility but there are usually three important steps to follow.

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Spot the Differences Contest

Have some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest! This is a great group activity for seniors!

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Read Aloud Activities for the Elderly

For 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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15 uplifting activities for people with limited mobility

Elderly people who are confined to bed for long periods of time because of diagnosis or frailty often experience severe mood swings. They get tired of sitting or lying down, become bored with life and miss social contact with others.

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Care Plan Goals & Interventions

Learn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies extracted from resident care plans.

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50 Activities for the Elderly in Lockdown and Isolation

The 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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Dementia Program - Weekly

This sample program is for acute Dementia care. Some people like to do it weekly, others monthly. Download the form and adjust it to suit you.

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15 Activities for Loners and Introverted Seniors

Most long term care facilities have some residents who are ‘loners’ or ‘introverts’; they enjoy being in their bedrooms and do not often pursue interaction with others.

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Armchair Travel: A Sensory Experience for Seniors

Armchair 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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Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Care

Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of the senses such as taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Sensory stimulation is a key component for improving the quality of life of people living with dementia.

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Old Wives Tales #1 - True or False?

Old wives tales are widely held traditional beliefs that are now thought to be unscientific or incorrect. Nevertheless, many old wives tales have been scientifically proven to be true! Can you guess which ones?

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Indigenous Australian Dot Paintings

Indigenous Australians use plant shoots, Echidna quills and small twigs to paint their Dreamtime stories. Here are 12 Dot Painting Templates to enjoy with the elderly.

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Christmas Quiz

Here's a fun Christmas quiz for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

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Finish the Song Line Quiz

This quiz can be extended into a good old fashioned sing-a-long! Have fun!

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How to Plan Music Activities for Dementia Care

Everyone responds instinctively to music. A person’s ability to engage in music often remains intact far into the advanced stages of dementia. Music triggers certain networks of the brain that benefit people suffering from difficulties with language, cognition, or motor control.

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13 Reminiscing Themes for Seniors

Sharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and maintain self worth.

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Tips for One-on-One Visits with Seniors

It is not uncommon for seniors living in assisted-living facilities to lack mental stimulation and social contact. Recreation Therapists often use one-on-one visits to respond to the needs of those who avoid social settings. There are many enjoyable games and activities that can keep minds and bodies strong and active.

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Heart of Kindness

This is a group activity suitable for other celebrations as well, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day.

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This Day In History For Seniors: August

A reminiscing magazine for every day in August! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!

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Tips for Writing Successful Activity Programs for Senior Care

Designing activity programs for residents in nursing homes and long term care requires creative thinking and enthusiasm. Your main point of reference will be the assessment of your clients.

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How to motivate residents in long term care

Encouraging the elderly to participate in scheduled activities can be challenging. Lack of engagement is a common problem. It is important that you identify any barriers - whether perceived or real - that might be preventing residents from getting involved.

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Name a Word Quiz #1

Here's a fun word game for Seniors - Name a word starting with the same letter across 10 categories. Answers included!

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This Day in History for Seniors: September

A reminiscing magazine for every day in September! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!

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Activities for Men

Men’s activities are challenging! The best way to find meaningful activities for men is to uncover past lifestyle choices and history - you can gather this information from residents and their families. Here are 8 tips for engaging men in meaningful activities.

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Festive Wall Art Craft

Lovely wall art for all occasions! Video instructions included.

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Guessing Game - Who Am I?

This is a wonderful reminiscing activity in a group setting. Guess the names of these famous people from the clues provided.

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Two Minute Activities for Dementia Care

During your working hours, you will see many clients outside of programmed activities; seize the opportunity and engage with them. It will only take a minute or two and can transform someone's state of mind and lift their spirits more than you can imagine.

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For Giggles

Short and sweet jokes to share!

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Brain Quiz – Guess the Words

Challenge your brain and guess the words that fit these sentences.

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Creative Thinking Exercises

Creativity 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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Scent Guessing

Sensory stimulation with familiar scents. A fun activity for seniors and the elderly living with dementia.

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The Benefits of Coloring-in for the Elderly

Coloring for seniors is a therapeutic and satisfying activity. Research into the effects of coloring activities for people living with dementia show positive outcomes, most notably a decrease in agitation and anxiety.

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10 Activities for Halloween

Halloween is a wonderful excuse for a theme day! Decorate your facility inside and out with black cats, carved pumpkins, spiders on walls, ghosts hanging from the ceiling, and other spooky decorations.

Jokes

Here are some funny, light-hearted jokes to share with your residents.

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Table soccer

This is an ideal game for men to form/strengthen friendships whilst having fun.

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This Day in History for Seniors: January

A reminiscing magazine for every day in January! Enjoy a full page of information about every day of the year, including important historical events, short bios, jokes, quotes, and fun brain teasers.

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Beach Reminiscing

The theme for this reminiscing session is: The Beach.

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This Day in History for Seniors: October

A reminiscing magazine for every day in October! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!

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This Day in History for Seniors: November

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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Cue Cards for Dementia Care

Cue Cards or Communication Cards are visual tools that can be used to overcome communication difficulties with clients living with dementia. They assist and support caregivers, staff and volunteers to engage with the person in their care.

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Bow Ties for Father's Day and Special Events

VIDEO Instructions included! Make bow ties in a craft session and give it to your male residents on Father’s Day to help celebrate this festive occasion.

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Movies of Yesteryear Quiz

Here's a fun movie quiz featuring well known movies and movie stars from the past. A wonderful reminiscing quiz for seniors!

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15 Activities for Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease affects people in different ways. Rather than focusing on the disease and impairment, we should aim to identify each person's strengths and remaining abilities and find activities to support these. Here are 15 Activities For Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease.

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Royal Quiz

Test your royal knowledge on the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday!

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This Day in History for Seniors: February

** Updated for the 2020 Leap Year ** A reminiscing magazine for every day in February! Filled with interesting facts, trivia, hit singles and famous movies from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

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Match Ups

After watching a Montessori video I decided to make my own resources. As dementia clients retain the ability to read for a long time, I use words to match with pictures.

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Jokes 2

A woman found her husband in the kitchen stalking around with a fly swatter...

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10 Spiritual Activities for people with Alzheimer's Disease

Spiritual support for people with dementia in nursing homes and other care facilities is vital to their well-being and a requisite for the holistic care we strive to achieve

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Old Occupations Quiz

Most of the following occupations no longer exist or are now known by different names. Clients may remember some other obscure occupations to add to this list!

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13 Fun Brain Activities for Seniors

Our 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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Sensory Boxes & Other Ideas to Stimulate the Senses

The sensory functions of elders decline as they grow older and this can impact on their feelings of well-being. Multi-sensory stimulation is becoming increasingly popular in nursing homes based on impressive results. Sensory activities contribute to the emotional and physical health of people living with dementia. Sensory activities can be non-verbal; thereby crossing cultural boundaries.

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Newsletter Template 1

A newsletter is an asset to your facility and an effective way of letting all concerned know what's going on. Remember that you are writing about the residents and for the residents.

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Remembering the clothesline

You have to be a certain age to appreciate this one.
I can hear my mother now...

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Fads of the 1940s and 1950s

The 1940s and 1950s were decades of profound and lasting cultural change. There was plenty of trauma and upheaval but in this this article we concentrate on what was good and fun!

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Lovely Hanging Paper Flowers

Easy paper flowers to decorate your facility on all occasions.

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This Day in History for Seniors: April

A reminiscing magazine for every day in April! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!

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Paper Planes Reminiscing Game

Ideal for men, this activity will foster friendship and bring much laughter. It would be helpful if you could find a male volunteer to sit with participants and remind them of different ways to make paper airplanes.

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How to Run Group Exercise Sessions for the Elderly

We 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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Melbourne Cup Quiz

Some interesting facts, history and trivia about Melbourne Cup!

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Alphabet Game

Our Alzheimer's residents really love being able to remember words. It makes them feel proud that they have not forgotten everything yet!

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15 Sensory Activities for Late Stage Alzheimer's

Dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's Disease is a long and challenging process for the everyone involved. It is especially difficult when the late stage of the illness is reached.

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My Story - Short Biography Template

Here is a sample of a Life Story Template for you to use.
These are only ideas, you may have questions of your own relevant to the person you are talking to.

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This Day in History for Seniors: July

A reminiscing magazine for every day in July! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!

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Remembrance Day Celebration

Observe cultural festivities. Promote sense of purpose. Download full program!

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Have You Ever Game

A great game to get to know you residents, and see what you have in common! Similar to penny ante... see what other questions you can come up with!

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Sing-Along with Picture Cards

Singing is a favourite activity for many people and if movements are added with the hands and arms then singing can also become a gentle exercise actitvity.

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Sun-catcher Hearts

Hang 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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Irish Quiz

Test your knowledge of Ireland!

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How to Conduct an Activities Survey

A Guide for Activity Coordinators working in Senior Care. Ask your clients for feedback regarding your Program and how to improve it. Survey template included.

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Bird Types Matching Game

A matching game with trivia to stimulate conversation and cognitive functioning!

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25 Comfort Activities for Dementia Care

The benefits of sensory activities in dementia care cannot be underestimated. It can be as simple as taking your resident to the garden or using a diffuser with some lavender and geranium essential oils in the sitting room.

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Sweeps for Melbourne Cup Celebration

Get residents involved in Melbourne Cup celebrations!

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Solve the Riddles

Put your brainpower to work and solve these mind-bending riddles!

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Melbourne Cup Horse Race Game

The Horse-Race game is a great way to spend the morning on Melbourne Cup Day!
This is a fun activity for the elderly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

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Activity Evaluation Form

Here is an activity evaluation form that I used in the past. Each facility will have their own version. It is called a Monthly Program Evaluation and it consists of one sheet for each week of the month;

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Sunflowers Poster Group Activity

Here 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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How to host an Olympic Games Theme Day

Plan your own Mini Olympics for the Elderly in Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities.
What a spectacular event and what a great opportunity to make your facility buzz with excitement!

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Solve the Riddles #3

Put your brainpower to work and solve these mind-bending riddles!

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This Day in History for Seniors: March

A reminiscing magazine for every day in March! Enjoy the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical events, jokes, quotes, biographies and more!

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Catch Phrases Quiz

Read the first column and let clients finish the catch phrases. Offer clues if needed, revealing the name of the movie, show or cartoon character. A fun quiz for seniors!

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Name the Love Songs Quiz

Reminisce with these 1950s and 1960s popular love songs. If melodies are unknown to the group leader, listen to the songs on the youtube links provided.

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Target Letter Game 1

How many words can you make with the letters in the square?

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Numbers, Numbers and More Numbers

A fun numbers quiz for seniors! I have always had great success with numbers in my experiences.

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One-on-One Visits

One-on-One forms are useful for recording individual visits. Individual visits are interventions used to support residents who are ill, unable to attend programmed recreation or simply refuse to leave their rooms.

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Match Songs with Movies

Match these well known songs to the films they were featured in. A fun reminiscing activity for seniors who will remember many of these much loved movies.

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10 ways to increase activity participation

There is hardly anything more rewarding for activity coordinators than an increase in resident participation. Weeks of hard work are paid off!

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Ideas for Men's activities on Fathers Day

Here are some suitable indoor and outdoor activities for Fathers Day.

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Portable Activity Ideas to Reach Every Resident, Everyday

Not 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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This Day in History for Seniors: June

A reminiscing magazine for every day in June! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!

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Weather Station Activities for Seniors

Maintaining a weather station is an absorbing activity suitable for any time of the year. Men in particular will love this activity!

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This Day in History for Seniors: May

A reminiscing magazine for every day in May! Enjoy the next edition of the popular 'This Day in History' series with historical trivia, jokes, quotes and biographies!

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Professions that are Vanishing

Amuse residents with this list of professions that are vanishing or no longer exist. Start by saying the profession and waiting to see if anyone can guess what this was for. I'm sure they can think of others to add to the list!

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Word Ladder #1

Number 1 in our word ladders series! A fun and stimulating brain activity for the elderly! This word ladder has a SEASONS theme.

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Identifying Needs of Clients entering Long Term Care

Learn how to identify the needs of clients entering nursing homes. This article contains detailed instructions on how to conduct a resident assessment which can then be used to create a care plan.

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Golden Oldies Movie Quiz

Here's a golden oldies movie quiz! A wonderful opportunity to reminisce with seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

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Romantic Couples through the Ages

Make copies of this quiz and hand out to participants. Give each a pencil and ask them to join the sweet-hearts with a line. A fun nostalgia and reminiscing quiz for seniors.

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Tongue Twisters for Fun

If possible use a microphone so everybody can be amused when participants get tangled up in the words.

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Brain Teaser

Rearrange the letters in these words to find words that fit the clues.

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Fun Quiz - Answers contain the word OLD

All the answers in this quiz contain the word OLD!

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True or False Word Game

Read the sentences and decide if they are true or false. This activity is suitable for people with aphasia or dementia.

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Popular Sayings & their Meanings

We all know most of them, but how many of us know their origins? Delight your clients with this list! This is a great activity to reminisce about what our grandparents used to say to us.