Jean

We create a display with bales of hay, a wheelbarrow, apple crates, etc.
The residents really enjoy filling sacks with scrunched up newspaper we then put a layer of produce ion the top for example potatoes or beans.
We add different shaped loaves of bread that have been air dried, fruit & veg such as pumpkin and marrow as well as some flowers..
The display is an amazing selection of textures and aromas and is left in the lounge for about a week.

Hi Christine, my heart goes out to you as I know how hard it can be sometimes. How long have you been in the job or rather how long has your facility been offering activities? I have 43 residents, was the first activities person there so prior to that everyone sat and did nothing. They get used to that and I found it really hard to get them to a point where they now find activities the normal, thing to do. It has taken me 2 full years to change the culture. Prior to this I had highs and lows as we worked our way through the week. We have 90% dementia and my top activities now are Pet Therapy, Balloon fun when we just bop a balloon around and a Friday morning sing along. In between that I will have 3 or 4 people doing a craft or doing a bit of gardening. I have a lot of support from management and that has made my job so much easier. Hang on in there if you can as once your program starts to take shape the rewards are huge. Contact me if you need support.

Thanks Susan, It is a good idea and gives the group a goal to work towards.

It took me a long time and a great deal of determination but I now have a group of ladies that come in every Friday for a sing along. I advertised in local and our own newsletter. Several members from the same ladies singing group share the job, I print a song book with the words of the songs, we have between 10 and 15 residents every Friday, we do have a piano or I could use recorded music but the ladies prefer to take the session without music as we cant keep up with any music that is playing. Residents who are reluctant to join in are doing so now and today I had 1 lady who was pretending to read her newspaper singing along with us. Good luck

My residents enjoy this DVD as well

We break the morning armchair exercise routine with a once a week Sing Along. It is a really good breathing work out but the time flies as we use the the residents favourite songs.

I,m going to try this one. Thanks Rob

It is difficult to do a group activity when you are working with mixed ability. Having a sing along may be 1 option, some may be able to sing others may only listen but remember if the toes are tapping they are engaged

Hi Susan, The bar is in place, there is a large TV on the wall and 3 tables each with 4 chairs. Dart board and pub decorations still to go up, the staff and residents have been asked to submit ideas for a name for the pub. i'm excited about the project. and looking forward to our opening night.

Thank you for your ideas and input.