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It’s so important for our residents to experience fun and laughter just like the rest of us. That’s why I like to share little known holidays for your residents to celebrate. This month let’s look at activities for National Wiggle Your Toes Day that’s coming up on August 6.
Pamper Those Precious Feet
Create a foot spa day and pamper those hard-working feet. One of our activity staff set this up a few months ago and the residents loved it. I was surprised by how many men were eager to participate! (Of course, you’ll want to check with the nurse to be sure a resident doesn’t have any medical contradictions to these services.)
- Offer foot soaks scented with essential oils. Float a few flower petals on the water for an elegant effect.
- Provide foot massages with a soothing lotion.
- Offer to paint toenails with a pretty polish.
Share The Day With Kids
Do you have a childcare center at your nursing home? If so, get the kids and residents together to read a funny book that talks about feet. My favorite is The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss. You can also share this Foot Book video. The song is contagious!
Get Caregivers Involved
I always like to get the nursing home staff involved in special holiday activities. The residents get a kick out of this and it makes work more fun for the caregivers. Why not get a few brave employees together for some friendly competitions involving their feet:
- Ask them to draw a picture by holding a crayon between their toes. Residents can vote for the best drawing.
- See who can peel a banana the quickest by using only their feet. The bananas can’t end up squashed or it doesn’t count!
- Find out who can transfer the most pompoms into a bucket in one minute using only their toes.
Go Back To Nature
If it’s safe to do so, bring your residents outdoors to wiggle their bare toes in the grass. How long do you suppose it’s been since they’ve had an opportunity to do this?
Another fun option is to put beach sand in a small kid’s plastic swimming pool and let your residents wiggle their toes in the sand. Encourage them to reminisce about childhood beach memories.
Host A Guest Speaker
Invite a podiatrist or home health nurse to come in and speak with your residents and/or caregivers about foot care. Feet are one of the most ignored and unappreciated parts of our bodies. Learning to care for our feet now can prevent serious problems down the road.
Exercise your brain and your toes
- Check out these fun foot trivia questions.
- Share some silly foot riddles.
- Exercise your toes. (For the sake of balance, these are best done in a seated position.)
- Another good exercise is to trace the letters of the alphabet on the ground using your toes/feet.
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