Jean

I do the same as you Matthew but I use Alexa (as backup) I get the lyrics from the internet and put them into a folder for the residents to use, it works well, all of my residents enjoy a singalong. You just have to make sure that the lyrics correspond to the version on Alexa.

Yes Susan, I thought that it would work well but in this job there is a lot of trial and error. I had spoken to the people before I attempted it but on the day of the activity everything went wrong. Never mind I will shelf it for a short while but I still believe that it has the potential to be an activity that a small group can enjoy.

I have 3 or 4 men who are 'talkers' rather than 'doers' that are very difficult to engage in activity. One of them is an ex teacher, I found the activity 'What would YOU do' on this site, downloaded some of the senarios and asked them if they would like to start a discussion group. They have agreed to 'give it a go' and we will start tomorrow. Thank you for your never ending ideas.

Sorry Susan, I do go on a it tooooo much about the multi sensory reminiscence activity when I am given an opportunity but it is soooo successful that I can't resist and want to spread the idea.

We are a dementia home with a capacity of approx 43. Working hours are 10AM - 5:30PM (shared by 2 of us 7 days a week)
11:15AM -11:45AM
Morning exercise x 3 times a week Mon, Wed, Fri. This is structured exercise x 2 times and a fun session eg bouncing around a balloon x 1.
LUNCH (12:30)
Tea, coffee, music or chat or nap (in lounge)
2PM - 4PM interest group/clubs eg craft (various), multi sensory themed reminiscence, knitting, bingo (regular, music or picture to suit different ability), indoor or outdoor gardening depending on the weather, pamper session, dominoes (or other board games as per ability) These activities include a tea break.
4PM - 5PM Jigsaw puzzle, colouring, group sing along etc
Not everybody attends so I use bits and pieces of time in between to visit and chat to people who do not participate. Always chat to new residents as they settle and find out if they have any interests that we can include as the multi-sensory themed reminiscence sessions are the best and can meet a wide range of residents. We have about 50 topics, last week we chatted about visits/holidays to Ireland (because of St Patricks Day I showed pictures of places in Ireland, played Irish music, they had had Irish stew for lunch), this week I will talk about travelling on buses (heavy parcels, children, wet raincoats, standing waiting for the bus in the cold etc whatever memories they have)

Hi Pauline, Have you seen the St Patrick's Day Bingo on this site? I am travelling to Ireland with armchair travel and using the St Patrick's Day bingo also.

I'm sorry I missed these Welsh activities, I did a successful activity: St Davids Day & Wales on Monday 1/3/21 but have printed this for next year. Thank you

I showed the DVD 'Goodnight Mr Tom'

I use Alexa, ask her to play hymns while we serve tea and biscuits

Hi Kelly, I agree with Martin, it is important to be flexible in your new role and it will make it less stressful if you have a 'backup' activity in 'your back pocket'. It is also important to find out what your residents like doing and to assess their ability so that you can make a program and adapt your activities to suit them. The program will grow naturally once you start getting to know your residents. Be patient.