Jean

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.

Hi Tammi,
I am considering open a pub 3 evenings a week. We will have refreshments and snacks but I will not be able to serve alchol (due to meds etc) I would like to create a pub environment with all the traditional pub decor where we play 'pub games' darts dominoes etc. I am hoping that this project will get the go ahead from my manager as i believe it will fill that difficult time slot

I am interested in information regarding gardening or horticultural therapy for a care home where many of the residents have dementia. Have any of the members reading this forum tried it, was it sustainable (in the UK)? Any hints or tips appreciated.

A true saying'Laughter is the best medicine'

Hi Melissa, I have a selection of plastic cutlery, knives forks and spoons and ask the resident if they will help me sort them into a cutlery tray, I use a cutlery tray that is a contrasting colour. The residents always enjoy sorting it.

Thanks for your advise Danielle, I like the idea of the free coffee/tea coupon and will give out several each day to keep people popping in. I will do tea, coffee, and strawberry or chocolate milkshake. along with scones, waffles and scotch pancakes as they all go with butter cream and jam and are items that are not on the regular menu very often.