We do all the suggestions I also have an activities session with some flash type cards to prompt thoughts about themselves such as hobbies and interests, where they were born, jobs they were involved in, Family etc. It is encouraged the whole room takes part in a getting to know one another better challenge. It works really well and I always try to attach common denominators with other such as travel and they have been to the same or similar areas in a country. It's always a hard transition but we are generally very lucky in our residents seem to settle in well as we are a very small place.
How to Help New Residents Adjust to Lifestyle Changes