Jean

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.

I have used PAL assessment tool also and found it really helpful as family members and the staff often over estimate the ability of the resident and then activity becomes stressful

Thank you for the advise. We will have a small bar but 2 or 3 tables and chairs where we can play dominoes etc. We have put a large TV on the wall and as the residents loose interest in the table games etc we will put on a sports or comedy DVD etc. I am hoping to use this space between 6 - 8 PM as an activity period (rather than sleep therapy). Thank you for the warning about the positioning of the bar Elisa, I want it to be permanently 'manned' by a colleague leaving me free to engage the residents at the tables.