Activities For Seniors.

I've worked in a few nursing and group homes over the years. I hope these ideas can help you. 1. Ice cream social. Have a get together where they can make their own sundaes or ice cream cones. Most seem to really like this. 2. Nail day: see about getting volunteers in to do their nails. This works for men and women. Most get very limited attention to nails and this can be a real treat for them. 3. Check with the local schools about "Adopt A Grandparent" programs. This is where the kids adopt one and write letters to them or visit. 4. Music/Dance night: play music for them and those that can let them dance. Most enjoy having that especially if the music is the type they know. 5. Do walks outside, for those that can have them take a trip around the facility. Even have a picnic if the weather allows it. I know some might not like this comment but think in many ways what you would do with 3rd or 4th graders. Activities that they can do, coloring, drawing, making paper chains. Things like this they can do and enjoy. They might be simple but when they are able to do things it brings them delight.

Here's a few suggestions off the top of my head: 1) Bingo: Most people enjoy it and most seniors can do it. Give out simple, cheap prizes to make it funner. 2) Singing: Find someone who can play piano and create a choir. 3) Movie Night: Serve popcorn and snacks and play older movies that seniors will remember and enjoy. 4) Field trips: If it's not out of the question try to have field trips to museums, zoo's or anything else that be educational, stimulating and enjoyable. I'm sure there's more stuff but that's all I can think of right now. Best of luck.

Hi...that sounds interesting....and im sure they appreciate your efforts whatever!! I worked in a similar environment...where i was the care was classed as gracious living...in other words lol they paid an arm and a leg for a service very different to any other providers. Each afternoon they used to have a glass of sherry and some nibbles...it was someting that the majority really looked forward to....some loved two or three glasses..and can you blame them!!....they used to have the normal sort of entertainment...relatively simple quizzes....charades..for those who were able to join in...puzzles...and they once had an afternoon modelling salt dough... But i know what you mean..its extremely difficult to entertain a percentage of the residents..because no matter what you did they wouldnt be able to join in.... A music afternoon as you mentioned is a good idea...maybe based on `Name that tune`??...its probably a question of trial and error for you...im sure if you once capture their attention with someting..it will give you a good insight into what they prefer to do... does the home take them on outings??...sometimes an outing to a country pub goes down well...

I agree with Filmbuff. Here are some other ideas: 1. Pet "Therapy" - If you live in a big city, there should be a least one dog around that does pet therapy. You might call hospital social workers and see if you can find one. Or, call a local pet store and see if you can borrow a puppy for an hour or 2 every week or so. (I did that when I was doing an internship at a nursing - they let me as long as I left my id - even gave me the carrier.) Or you might just know someone with a very gentle dog who wouldn't mind coming for a visit!!!! 2. See if daycare centers/schools in the area might come to sing songs to the residents. See if you can find someone who teaches piano lessons to have a recital at the center for the residents. 3. Music Therapy - When I was doing my internship, they had someone come and do that - basically they just sang songs, etc. I guess you'd have to pay them, but maybe you could find a college student needing experienec? 4. Contact a local girl scout troop and see if they'd be willing to do a service project by paining the residents nails? They'd have fun and itd be good experience for them, and the residents would enjoy seeing the girl scouts. 5. Have a game night where they play games such as skipbo, scrabble (if they can handle that), cards, etc. 6. Call other activity directors in the area and see what they recommend. I'm sure some might even be willing to meet you in person to give you advice. Hope this helps a little!!!!!!!