Tips for Writing Successful Activity Programs for Senior Care

Designing activity programs requires creative thinking and enthusiasm. Your main point of reference will be the assessment of your clients.

What Makes a Good Activity Program?

The key to planning effective activities is to remember that every activity you do has the potential to be meaningful. Your attitude and engagement with the client in a caring and considerate manner can make it so.

A Good Activity Program should include:

• physical exercise
• sensory experiences
• emotional and spiritual outlets

Related: How to Motivate Residents in Long Term Care

Focus on:

• what they like
• what makes them happy
• what sort of activities would make them feel included
• what activities could potentially improve their self-esteem etc

Related: Getting to know your Client

Learn about:

• their social past
• their religious beliefs
• their role in the family
• If living with dementia, find out which stage they are at

Related: Identifying Needs of Clients Entering Long Term Care

Use person-centered care where possible

These days, the level of client functioning is so varied in most assisted living facilities that despite all that is said about ‘Person-centered care’ and ‘Holistic care’ it is almost impossible to cater for each and every specific need.

Most people living with dementia would benefit enormously from having one-on-one attention from staff on a regular basis. However that is not always possible due to work related constrains. Still, you should always strive to provide the very best lifestyle program that you are able to.

Related: Person Centered Care

Activities should ideally:

• Be meaningful, entertaining and inspiring
• Compensate for lost abilities
• Increase life satisfaction
• Help maintain current skills
• Be culturally sensitive

Activities worth including in your Program:

As a starting point, there are a range of activities which have been tried and tested time and time again by other Activity Professionals with very successful outcomes.

Start with a preliminary program for group leisure therapy and then incorporate personalized activities to meet the needs of individuals.

Here is a list of proven activities you could get started with:

Group activities:

Related: 10 ways to Increase Participation of Programmed Activities

Individual Activities:

Tips for One-on-One Visits with Seniors

Other Activity Resources

For ideas and inspiration check regularly on Golden carers for video demonstrations, art projects, quizzes, jokes, table and floor games, craft and especially calendar events and celebrations.

You may also check with your own colleagues. Drop in at another facility and ask to speak with the Recreation Therapist. Ask him/her what activities work best and then try them yourself.

Don't be afraid to try

Remember that only you, through trial and error, can find appropriate activities for your clients and determine realistic expectations for these activities.

Use the weekly or monthly program templates available on our website and make sure to request a monthly budget from management for you to purchase the necessary materials on an ongoing basis.

Good Luck!

We'd love to hear your feedback. What has worked for you?