I work in an Assisted Living Facility, so my tenants are able to move on their own or with a walker/cane.
I've had success with: 1. Hallway exercises (traditional stretches, marching in place, etc.) 2. Hallway dance party (bring a little speaker with 1950's & 1960's dance music, shout out the dance move ("now try the Twist!"), etc.) 3. Hallway children's songs with actions sing-along (I'm a Little Teapot, The Wheels on the Bus, Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, etc.) 4. Hallway guided walks/hikes (choose a location/monument, walk/march in place to the location while I describe it ("The waterfall is rushing past, can you feel the cool breeze and the spray?"), high-step over barriers ("Oh, there's a fallen log across our path, let's lift our knees to get over it"), etc.
Right now, I have "Hallway Exercises" scheduled M/W/F for 15 minutes down each of our 4 hallways during the 9am hour: Apartments 1-8 at 9am, Apartments 9-16 at 9:15am, etc. I set a timer for 12-13 minutes each session so I don't run late. I arrive in the hall, knock on doors to remind everyone, and then participants sit/stand outside their doorway to do the exercises.
My facility is also lucky enough to have a rather large Multi-purpose Room that we normally use for Church services, music performances, etc. Since we're not allowing large groups to gather, nor outside performers/presenters in the facility, I can let small groups of tenants use the room for enjoying indoor/outdoor games like Cornhole/Bags, Bocce, Indoor Golf Putting, Ping-Pong, Bowling, etc. Even inexpensive children's activities like bubble-blowing, plastic beach balls, etc. work pretty well. Of course, everything must be sanitized and tenants must wash their hands, wear masks, stay at least 6 feet apart, etc., but at least it gets people moving.
Wow! This article is very helpful. I agree: goals can be a wonderful way to refresh your activity program. In my limited experience, I have found that it is helpful to have a person with whom you can discuss your goals. I visit with a friend who occasionally volunteers at my facility to get her feedback on my ideas/plans/goals. She will ask questions and offer suggestions that usually help make things go more smoothly. For example, if I say, "I'd like to encourage tenants to play more games," she might respond with, "What kind of games? How often will they play? Are the games self-directed?" This helps me to understand that my goal is a good one, but it is too broad and difficult to reach without further refinement. (Not the best example, but you get what I mean).
A friend of mine who formerly coached college and high school basketball was more than happy to work with some of my tenants when they wanted a "pool" for basketball tournaments. Perhaps you could ask a local coach to help? Here in the USA we have sports-themed bars and restaurants that often create just the type of boards you're asking about. Do you have a similar local establishment? Maybe someone from there could help you and your tenants.
Wish I lived in Sydney (for many reasons, actually) so I could use this great list! Another suggestion is to send an email invitation to schools, churches, community clubs, etc. at the "beginning" of their year (August/September for us here in the US) and encourage teachers, pastors, and leaders to consider your facility when looking for rehearsal or gathering spaces. For example, I send an email to the secretary of our local college's music department, who forwards my message to all faculty. I usually say something to the effect of "If you have a student or group who would like to rehearse before an audition or recital, please consider our facility!" I usually get 5-7 concerts per year this way. Community clubs who need a meeting space have also agreed to give a presentation or talk for our tenants in exchange for using our meeting room in the evenings.
Hello everyone! I am interested in setting up a trolley or cart with which to offer my Assisted Living Tenants a kind of convenience store where they can purchase snacks, laundry detergent, postage stamps, etc. Has anyone else done this (or something similar)? What has been your experience?
Great idea! I also use Netflix and TEDTalks as a resource for documentaries and educational clips. During the winter months, I do "Thursdays with Ted": we watch an interesting/inspiring TEDTalk and then discuss the ideas presented. Sometimes we stay on the subject and sometimes we don't, but it brings us together for a little while and exercises our brains!
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