Rajwanee

We play Hoi which is the same as Bingo but with cards.
Use old packs of cards. Make up mixed sets of 8. Glue on an A4 and laminate. Use a pack of extra large Cards shuffled. You can call and show them which is great for hearing impaired and non English speaking. Milk bottle tops for markers.

To Kathy re: Coffee machine
We have one from the Blue Pod Cffee Company. it's supplied free providing you purchase 100 pods per month. We do that easily in our facility between residents and staff. The pods cost $1.00 each. It's sel-funding because we charge $2.00 cup and the profit pays for biscuits to go with the coffee etc. The extra profit pays for other things for the residents lifestyle needs. It's Lavazza coffee which is very nice. We get the Cafe Crema which the residents prefer.

Xmas Gift Idea: One year we had a Santa come in to our facility early Dec and took photos of Santa with each resident and had them put onto calenders.

To Wendy

I find Musical movies with Doris Day or Fred Astaire are favourites. Great old songs to evoke memories

I just made up a new Sensory box-tactile/visual/reminisce.
Theme "Holidays".Use a picnic basket. put in things to remind people of holidays. pair of bathers, goggles, torch, skipping rope, ping pong bat, tent pegs, photos etc. Or you can just fill a box with things relating to men
.The resident can pick something from the basket/box, then encourage them to talk about it.
I had a fantastic response from this.

Di, I empathise with your frustration. You need to have your say at a staff meeting. Explain why specific activities are for specific people and if it's not in their care plan to attend those activities the nursing staff should not bring them in. Maybe you could do a list of activities with the residents names under the heading and put a copy in the care office.

I've had a weekly Reading session in place for the last 4 yrs for mainly low care. I usually read novels, residents choice. A chapter or 2 each session 60-75 mins. At present I am reading Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian, It was winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award (for secondary students)
Helen

I make little posies for all the ladies. Put them in a fridge covered with wet hand towel. Leave a note for staff to put on their breakfast tables for Mother's Day
Helen

I make little posies for all the ladies. Put them in a fridge covered with wet hand towel. Leave a note for staff to put on their breakfast tables for Mother's Day
Helen

where do you buy the dry clay. i bought magic clay from Zart Art which does the same thing but quite expensive