Hi, I wanted to share an activity I recently conducted with residents where I work. I don't know if this game already exists or if I made it up, either way, it was so much fun and we will do it again. This is it. Select someone's name from the group of residents participating. Write it up on a white board. Ask residents to think of any 2 words that start with each letter in the chosen name and write these words on the whiteboard. Then use the words to write a story, starting with the chosen name. Eg. Diana had a Dog who wore a Diamond necklace etc. We had Lady Godiva riding in an Indiscreet manner and freezing her bits off in the Ice. It was hysterical, the residents loved it and we will publish the stories in our monthly newsletter. Have fun!
Maria, I came across this website. It has cut out figures of soccer players with holes where the legs should be for residents to stick their fingers through and play a mini game of soccer. There is also a printable soccer field. Looks like fun.
Thanks Sally, I have heard of Hugh Lunn, I'll check it out. I have since heard of another author, Carolyn Banks, who writes specifically for the elderly. She has a book called 'A Loving Voice: A Caregiver's Book of Read-Aloud Stories for the Elderly'. I'm trying to get my hands on a copy.
Hi Jacqueline, what about a box full of old padlocks, some of them clipped together, give the farmer the keys and tell him you need help sorting them out. Maybe find some hinges, gate latches and drop bolts to sort through as well, or small tools, anything he would recognise from the farm and could tell stories about. Meredith
Hi Ann, some stationary suppliers have magnetic name badges which have a plastic cover and attach to clothing with magnets, this eliminates the use of pins. You slide a card into the plastic cover, 90 x 60mm, perhaps you can print the resident's name on the card and get them to decorate it. If this is too small or you want something fancier, have a look on pinterest.com for paper medallion rosettes. If you attach one end of a piece of ribbon to the rosette and the other end to a small bulldog clip, the clip should clip the rosette onto clothing. Hope this helps. Meredith
Hi, I volunteer in an Aged Care facility. I would like to read short stories to residents but am having trouble finding stories short enough to read at one session. I don't want long short stories, if you know what I mean, which need to be read over several sessions in case the residents forget what happened by the next session. I have found kids books with stories that I don't think would be of interest, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thanks, Meredith
I co-own and operate a small assisted living home in Pittsfield, NH (U.S.A.). We consistently seek ways to improve upon our senior activity program, providing a diversified balance of a purposeful and enjoyable time of recreation, crafting, exercise and others to reach all of our residents. I must say, it's been a challenge. This past October I began researching options online and came across your site, subscribing for a year to see what you were all about. Let me tell you, you have not disappointed! Your site is a priceless resource that we are extremely thankful for. We find a significant increase in resident participation and look forward to the new ideas that each month brings. Our residents love the changes!
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This is it. Select someone's name from the group of residents participating. Write it up on a white board. Ask residents to think of any 2 words that start with each letter in the chosen name and write these words on the whiteboard. Then use the words to write a story, starting with the chosen name. Eg. Diana had a Dog who wore a Diamond necklace etc.
We had Lady Godiva riding in an Indiscreet manner and freezing her bits off in the Ice. It was hysterical, the residents loved it and we will publish the stories in our monthly newsletter.
Have fun!