Activities should form a core part of the care plans for residents in care homes, providing not only entertainment but also opportunities for social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and physical well-being. When considering activity ideas for care homes, incorporating diverse options can significantly contribute to the residents’ overall quality of life.
Are you on the lookout for activity ideas for care homes? Well, here’s an exclusive list tailored just for you.
Music and sound activity ideas for care homes
Name that tune:
Engage residents in a nostalgic journey through the decades with a music quiz. Consider playing musical bingo to spark memories; this is a fun activity idea for care homes that provides words or images from the songs to assist those who may struggle with recall.
Read Aloud:
Foster a love for literature with an afternoon of story or poetry reading. Studies indicate that reading can be an enjoyable activity for care homes, even for those who may not remember the entire storyline.
Group Sing-Along:
Unite residents through the universal language of music with a sing-along session. Choose songs from their teenage and young adult years; it’s an engaging activity idea for care homes that provides printed song sheets or invest in a song lyric book for a delightful experience.
Crafts
Roll out scented dough:
Encourage creativity and tactile engagement with a competition to create lifelike objects using scented dough. This activity is not only therapeutic but also a unique and enjoyable craft activity suitable for individuals with dexterity issues.
Card making:
Stimulate artistic expression by providing materials for residents to craft their own cards. Utilise magazine gift paper, or wallpaper for collages; it’s a wonderful crafting activity that offers paints, coloured pencils, and stickers for added flair.
Scrapbooking:
Foster reminiscence and personal connections by giving residents their own scrapbooks. This activity idea for care homes serves as a valuable tool for care workers to understand the life stories of the individuals in their care.
Puzzles and Games
Jigsaws:
Tailor jigsaw puzzles to residents’ abilities, selecting from a variety of pieces and themes. Jigsaws can be an ideal small group puzzle activity, promoting cognitive engagement and teamwork.
Board Games:
Choose board games that cater to varying cognitive abilities. Games like Call To Mind or traditional options like Large Print Scrabble and dominoes can encourage social interaction and mental stimulation; they are excellent board game activities for care homes.
Garden and Floor Games:
If space allows, incorporate garden and floor games like skittles, boules, and ring toss. These activities are adaptable for residents with limited mobility, providing both entertainment and gentle exercise; they’re perfect outdoor game activities for care homes.
Activity ideas for care homes can also include exercises, such as…
Exercise Classes:
Enhance mood and well-being through exercise classes led by trained fitness instructors. Exercise DVDs and equipment can also be utilised for older individuals to maintain fitness levels.
Dance:
Combine movement and music with dance sessions. Not only does dance stimulate reminiscence, but it also improves balance and cognitive abilities, contributing to the overall health and happiness of residents.
Walking:
Encourage daily walks in a dementia-friendly garden, providing an opportunity for residents to enjoy fresh air and remain active; it’s a simple yet effective physical activity for residents.
Sensory
Blind Tasting Competition:
Engage residents’ senses with a blind tasting competition featuring distinctive foods. Encourage participants to share their experiences, fostering communication and social interaction.
Guess the Bird Sound:
Stimulate auditory senses by playing bird sound guessing games. Use YouTube to find calls of different birds, promoting recognition and cognitive engagement; it’s an entertaining auditory sensory activity.
Make a Lucky Dip:
Create a sensory-rich lucky dip bag filled with items that residents can touch and feel. This activity idea for care homes not only offers sensory stimulation but also triggers memories and encourages reminiscence.
Relaxation
Hand Massages:
Provide relaxation through hand massages, a soothing relaxation activity that can be incorporated into manicure services. Consider bringing in professional nail technicians for added pampering.
Seated Yoga:
Adapt yoga poses for chair-based sessions, promoting strength, flexibility, and relaxation. Hiring a professional yoga teacher ensures safe and effective exercise for residents; it’s a gentle yet effective yoga activity ideas for care homes.
Meditation:
Introduce meditation as an accessible and calming activity ideas for care homes. Guided meditations from platforms like YouTube can be incorporated to aid relaxation, particularly as an evening activity.
In need of activity ideas for care homes that can also be practical? read below.
Tasks
Folding Laundry:
Assigning simple tasks, such as folding laundry, can provide residents with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Recognising their lifelong skills contributes to improved mood and self-confidence.
Laying the Table:
Engage residents in daily tasks like laying the table, promoting independence and a feeling of usefulness. Providing clear markers for cutlery placement ensures an enjoyable and stress-free daily task activity ideas for care homes.
Activity Kits:
For a comprehensive approach to activity ideas for care homes, consider the use of activity kits. These kits can include jigsaw puzzles, Aqua paint sets, and a variety of crafts and games to suit the diverse interests and needs of residents; it’s an all-in-one activity kit for care homes.
For more information or assistance in implementing these activity ideas for care homes, or if you want to know what activities we provide for our residents, feel free to reach out to us. Call us at 01444 244756 or drop us an email at info@hilgaycarehome.co.uk. We’re here to help you create a vibrant and engaging environment for your residents!