hi Kerry I am in the same boat, what works well for me is social groups, e.g weekly I have a friendship group in which I make cuppaccino's and nibbles, sometimes we play music and sing along others times I will pick a topics to chat about, the resident really enjoy this program. Also we have happy hour. You could ring your local library see if they offer Words on Wheels this is a great program done by volunteers, they bring props and each time will pick a topic - it could be about the war, depression, movies stars etc., very popular with residents. I also run a ladies knitting group run by family members weekly, even ladies that don't knit enjoy attending and reminiscing over a cuppa. I also have a men's breakfast group,male residents that don't usually join in activities love this group . We chat about sports, gardening etc., I hope some of these programs may be of help.
I was wondering if anyone has any ideas, I need help I am not very crafty, facility would like me to make wreaths for the residents doors for each season. I really don't have a clue and my budget is not big. Anyone have any ideas Please thanks Vitty
Katija we had a rabbit, problem was that by keeping it inside you need to clean the cage everyday as it smells, staff and management get on your case. We end up putting the rabbit outside but for some reason the rabbit became unfriendly, so we had to get rid of the rabbit. i have had better luck with a bird, our bird enjoys sitting on residents shoulders, chatting away. The residents love her. She a cockatiel and enjoys the attention she gets from the residents. The cage is easy to clean, the residents enjoy cleaning and feeding the bird. You do need a permit for the bird!
Golden Carers is a wonderful resource. I really like the idea that more of it is going to be in video format as this grabs my participant's attention! Even after 20 years in the activity director role, the ideas in Golden Carers are often refreshingly innovative and really useful, even on the fly. Your help is invaluable! Many thanks!
June Spry Leverton Activity Director United States
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I am in the same boat, what works well for me is social groups, e.g
weekly I have a friendship group in which I make cuppaccino's and nibbles, sometimes we play music and sing along others times I will pick a topics to chat about, the resident really enjoy this program. Also we have happy hour. You could ring your local library see if they offer Words on Wheels this is a great program done by volunteers, they bring props and each time will pick a topic - it could be about the war, depression, movies stars etc., very popular with residents. I also run a ladies knitting group run by family members weekly, even ladies that don't knit enjoy attending and reminiscing over a cuppa. I also have a men's breakfast group,male residents that don't usually join in activities love this group . We chat about sports, gardening etc.,
I hope some of these programs may be of help.