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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Save20 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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SaveThis game is very popular! It provides mental stimulation, social interaction and promotion of self-worth.
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SaveThis is such a fun game! Residents will love reminiscing about the price of groceries in a social setting.
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SaveThere are two ways to play this game. Great for people living with dementia!
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SaveReminiscing 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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SaveWhiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!
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SaveAdapting 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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SaveGentle 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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SaveThis is a wonderful game that can be adapted to any occasion. Residents will enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories.
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SaveThis 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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SaveThis simple and fun game promotes friendships and physical activity!
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SaveInstilling 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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SaveHere 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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SaveMusical 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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SaveSample 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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SaveCelebrate spring at your nursing home by making a gorgeous dream tree composed of spring flowers and blossoms!
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SaveMusic 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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SaveAnna 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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SaveThe documentation process varies from facility to facility but there are usually three important steps to follow.
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SaveFor 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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SaveThe 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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SaveElderly 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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SaveHave some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest! This is a great group activity for seniors!
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SaveLearn how to respond to the assessment of needs with the following 6 case studies extracted from resident care plans.
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SaveThis 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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SaveMost 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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SaveArmchair 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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SaveOld 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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SaveIndigenous 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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SaveHere's a fun Christmas quiz for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
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SaveSensory 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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SaveThis 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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SaveThis quiz can be extended into a good old fashioned sing-a-long! Have fun!
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SaveEveryone 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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SaveSharing and recollecting memories with seniors in long term care helps them to affirm who they are and maintain self worth.
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SaveIt 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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SaveMen’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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SaveDesigning 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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SaveThis is a wonderful reminiscing activity in a group setting. Guess the names of these famous people from the clues provided.
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SaveHere's a fun word game for Seniors - Name a word starting with the same letter across 10 categories. Answers included!
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SaveA 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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SaveLovely wall art for all occasions! Video instructions included.
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SaveEncouraging 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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SaveShort and sweet jokes to share!
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SaveA 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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SaveCreativity 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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SaveDuring 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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SaveA 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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SaveChallenge your brain and guess the words that fit these sentences.
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SaveSensory stimulation with familiar scents. A fun activity for seniors and the elderly living with dementia.
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SaveThe theme for this reminiscing session is: The Beach.
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Save** 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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SaveColoring 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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SaveCue 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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SaveHere are some funny, light-hearted jokes to share with your residents.
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SaveHere'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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SaveThis is an ideal game for men to form/strengthen friendships whilst having fun.
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SaveA 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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SaveAlzheimer'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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SaveHalloween 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.
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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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SaveAfter 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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SaveReminisce 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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SaveTest your royal knowledge on the Queen's Birthday Public Holiday!
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SaveVIDEO 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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SaveA woman found her husband in the kitchen stalking around with a fly swatter...
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SaveSpiritual 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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SaveMost 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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SaveOur 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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SaveThe 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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SaveHang 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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SaveA 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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SaveThe 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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SaveYou have to be a certain age to appreciate this one.
I can hear my mother now...
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SaveWe 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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SaveOur 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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SaveA 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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SaveIdeal 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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SaveEasy paper flowers to decorate your facility on all occasions.
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SaveHere's a 20 question quiz about al things romantic! A fun group quiz for seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
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SaveHere 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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SaveA 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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SaveA matching game with trivia to stimulate conversation and cognitive functioning!
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SaveDealing 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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SaveHere 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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SaveSome interesting facts, history and trivia about Melbourne Cup!
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SaveSinging 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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SaveTest your knowledge of Ireland!
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SaveA 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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SaveA 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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SaveThis fun quiz is dedicated to all things green!
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Observe cultural festivities. Promote sense of purpose. Download full program!
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SaveA fun numbers quiz for seniors! I have always had great success with numbers in my experiences.
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SavePut your brainpower to work and solve these mind-bending riddles!
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SaveThe 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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SaveNot 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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SavePut your brainpower to work and solve these mind-bending riddles!
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SaveHere 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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SaveMake 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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SaveA 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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SaveNumber 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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SaveMatch 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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SaveNumber 12 in our word ladder series! A fun and stimulating brain activity for the elderly.
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SaveHow many words can you make with the letters in the square?
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SaveA reminiscing magazine for every day in December! 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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SaveOne-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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SaveRead 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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SaveGet residents involved in Melbourne Cup celebrations!
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SaveMaintaining 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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SaveThe 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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SavePlan 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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SaveThere 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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SaveHere's a golden oldies movie quiz! A wonderful opportunity to reminisce with seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
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SaveAmuse 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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SaveAll the answers in this quiz contain the word OLD!
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SaveHere are some suitable indoor and outdoor activities for Fathers Day.
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SaveA 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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SaveA 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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Save10+ ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day
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