Freya

Thank you guys for all the great suggestions. We actually started by using on of the activities posted on this website and did a staycation to Mexico. We decorated the facility lobby and units, created an informational board about Mexico, served Mexican cuisine for dinner, an art therapy group making corn husk wreaths and flowers, invited a Mariachi band in to perform for the residents and handed out fans and sombreros, and had Zumba party. This was such a big hit and our residents were extremely happy.

We're planning a staycation to Hawaii in the upcoming months and were looking for Hula dancers to perform for our residents. Would anyone living in New York or New Jersey have any recommendations?

I currently work in an LTC facility as an activities therapist and work on a unit of 42 residents ages ranging from 42-106 some with memory deficits. A lot of my residents prefer to participate in self-directed leisure pursuits as a result of the pandemic and social distancing. Any ideas on how I can reintroduce group programs to residents? Any program ideas or suggestions to try?

If you would like to save paper you could also look into activity pro an electronic program for activities professionals.

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: The Anger Game

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Inspirational Circle

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: All About Leisure - Jeopardy

I work in a LTC facility on a unit with residents of varied ages... I do virtual visits with the residents and their loved ones because there is no in-person visitation. Hallway bingo, I bring the TV cart with the Wii and Xbox and let the residents play or watch a movie. I do creative arts in our hallways because there are no communal dining rooms open. I give out packets. Set the residents up on tablets with things of interest.. you could do a spa treatment individually. I would say start with a welcome package that includes a survey or when you do your initial assessment you can gage their interest.

You could make fireworks with your population out of cardboard from the paper towel or toilet paper rolls. You’ll need red, blue, white construction paper, pipe cleaners, and star stickers. You can utilize the fireworks they create as centerpieces for your table on the day of your event. Patriotic sing-alongs and confetti poppers might be a good addition to your event. Typically we do a resident and family barbecue with entertainment since we’re still socially distancing and not allowing visitation, we’re brainstorming ideas. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. I hope my ideas are helpful to you.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to help a resident living in an LTC facility cope with the loss of a child. In all the years in the field, I've never had a resident lose a child before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.