Forum Discussion

Happy new year to you
I think these activities might work well for you
https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/19567/
Susan

Thank you Susan.

Thank you.

Hi Melissa, have you worked with aromatherapy? I find that it can really set the tone of a group for those who aren't able to be as active as they once were. Here is a great article on how to get started https://www.goldencarers.com/getting-started-with-aromatherapy/3215/.

Music groups and relaxation groups - hand massages, dimmed lights, and soft music always seems to be popular favorites.

Good morning,
I often use warm wash cloths scented with essential oils.
I keep them warm is an oval crockpot. The oval works best because it proves a better events heating area.
Another thing I do is reminisce with dolies, old dresser scarves and embordered pillow cases for the ladies.
Foe men I use old tools and nuts & bolds.
Have fun with it.

Thank Molly and Lydia.
I do all of what you both wrote about. We have every little gizmo and gadgets. It is hard to have more then two activities going on at the same time because they all require hands on direction. I thank you both for your support!

Have you tried balloon (punch ball type without the rubberband) volleyball. It is always a hit with my residents. Sometimes they sit in a circle, sometimes they sit at the dining tables. I think the dining tables work best in most cases. I go to each table and get a small game going between four people. If the residents are not able to get the "ball" going between themselves, I hit it back and forth to each person at that table. I will also give each person a chance to hit the ball at least ten times consecutively. If the residents at one table are working well together, I will leave an extra balloon at that particular table so they can have their own game for about 10 minutes. If a person isn't happy with his volley skills, just have a toss and catch with that person.
Another activity that has caught on in our memory care unit is laundry folding. I picked up cheap towels, pillow cases and infant clothes at Goodwill. We also have oodles of bandanas left over from a barbecue. They are lightweight and easy to fold. A laundry basket is a must to stack the folded laundry. Men have even helped with this chore. I always ask the residents if they would mind helping with the laundry. Occasionally I have said that we were collecting donations of clothes to send to people who needed them where the hurricanes struck.

Hi Melissa, I have a selection of plastic cutlery, knives forks and spoons and ask the resident if they will help me sort them into a cutlery tray, I use a cutlery tray that is a contrasting colour. The residents always enjoy sorting it.