Activity Ideas

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Today I’m featuring another in my series of articles highlighting little-known holidays you’ll enjoy celebrating at your nursing home. National Potato Day falls on August 19 every year, and you’ll want to add it to your calendar. Here are seven fun activities to celebrate the day:

1. The humble potato makes for a terrific topic of discussion. For example, you can get a group of residents together and talk about:

• Unusual uses for potatoes: Check out these 30 unique ideas. Find out if any of your residents have tried any of these tips. (I used a potato to remove a broken light bulb, and it really does work!)
• Potato trivia: Be sure to share these 37 fun potato facts. (Did you know the potato was the first vegetable grown in space?)
• Find out how many of your residents played with Potato Head toys when they were children. Then share the history of these famous toys.

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The end is in sight! Within the next several months, the pandemic will finally end. Senior living communities will once again open their doors, and our residents can enjoy more normal activities.

With this in mind, I’ve been searching for creative off-campus activities we can offer our residents. So I was excited to stumble upon several articles that shared ideas for elders to serve as volunteer “secret shoppers”. Their purpose is to check out local businesses to assure they are elder-friendly.

The secret shoppers visit a variety of businesses. This might include retail stores, restaurants, and service providers such as health clubs.

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When I asked my readers to suggest topics for future blog posts, one reader requested service project ideas she can share with her residents. The timing seems perfect since Random Acts of Kindness Day is coming up on February 17.

Back in 2019, I put together a list of 70 acts of kindness your residents can do for others. I realize some of them might not be doable during the pandemic. However, I know you’ll find several projects your residents can do right away.

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As you plan your activities for January, here’s an event that’s guaranteed to catch your residents’ attention. I’m talking about Thomas Crapper Day on January 27.

Many people wrongly believe that Mr. Crapper invented the flush toilet. However, that honor goes to Sir John Harington way back in 1596.

Thomas Crapper, an English plumber born in the 1800s, invented several products that helped modernize the restroom experience. He also opened the world’s first showroom featuring toilets and other bathroom fixtures.

Why is this significant? Because he did this during an era when people were bashful about bodily functions and didn’t want to talk about anything related to the restroom.

I know your residents will enjoy these activities to celebrate the legacy of Thomas Crapper.

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Fruitcake. People either love it or they hate it. Whichever the case, it makes for a fun little holiday tucked between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Celebrated every year on December 27, it’s a day to share stories, tell jokes, and perhaps even try a sample of this unique treat.

Since 20% of Americans say they’ve never tried fruitcake, here’s what you’re missing. A fruitcake is a heavy cake containing a variety of ingredients that may include candied fruit, nuts, dried fruit, and spices. A traditional baker would also soak a fruitcake in some sort of liquor such as brandy or rum.

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