Activity Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

I’m a member of an online group that exchanges ideas about activities in nursing homes and other care facilities. Recently there was a heated discussion about the pros and cons of bingo.

Some folks believe the game offers important benefits for residents. For example, it encourages socialization, helps maintain cognition, and promotes eye-hand coordination. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

Many people, on the other hand, feel that bingo is a mindless, meaningless activity and there are many better options available. Some even believe we should ban it from nursing homes.

Regardless of your feelings about the game, I think we can all agree that playing traditional bingo too often becomes monotonous. Today let’s look at several ways we can spice up the game and make it more fun.

[Read more…] about How To Spice Up Bingo In The Nursing Home

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

This winter is proving to be a bitterly cold one here in the Midwest and also in other parts of the country. I’m so ready for spring, and I know our residents are, too! With this in mind, I decided it’s a good time to lift everyone’s spirits by looking to the future and planning outdoor spring activities.

Spending time outdoors offers so many benefits to our residents. It improves their mood, encourages physical activity, improves sleep, and promotes socialization. I know today’s post will offer several new activities for your residents to enjoy.

[Read more…] about 20 Fun Outdoor Spring Activities

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Welcome to part 3 of my 12-part series exploring how long-term care residents can bless others through acts of kindness. In case you missed the first two articles, check here for January and February.

1. Host a sock drive for Warm Feet For Warriors. Every year from February 15 to April 30, Soldier’s Angels collects comfortable socks of all sizes (adult) and colors. They distribute the socks to vets in VA hospitals as well as include them in care packages shipped to deployed service members.

2. Buy a big supply of cute stickers that residents can give to children who visit the nursing home.

[Read more…] about Creative Acts Of Kindness For March

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Did you have an opportunity to try a couple of the acts of kindness for January? I would love to see you post your experiences in the comment section!

When your residents do acts of kindness in February, they’ll join people from around the world in touching the lives of other people. That’s because International Random Acts of Kindness Week falls on February 10-16 this year.

Check out these fun acts of kindness your residents are sure to enjoy:

1. Color pictures for Color A Smile. Pictures will be distributed to nursing homes as well as to military personnel. You can also request pictures to be sent to residents at your nursing home who could use a smile.

[Read more…] about Creative Acts Of Kindness For February

This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links. 

Do you have residents at your nursing home who love to knit, sew, or do other craft projects? Today I’m sharing 3 ways they can enjoy their hobbies while helping other people at the same time.

Project Linus

Project Linus distributes blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in other situations where they would benefit from a warm blanket. Local drop-off centers collect handmade blankets. From there, they go to children in shelters, hospitals, or through contact with social service agencies.

The organization accepts a wide variety of blankets such as knitted or crocheted afghans, quilts, or tied fleece blankets. This basic no-sew fleece blanket pattern is especially popular with nursing home residents.

[Read more…] about 3 Ways To Make Crafts For Charity