Jen

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Impressionist Hydrangeas

Hi Freya,
I would start small and keep it simple. Maybe start with a small group- even just 2 or 3 to start and gradually add to 5 or 6 participants. Maybe also keep the activity short and sweet, but rewarding- flower arranging or repotting pansies or succulents if budget allows. A small "tea party" with a discussion (this day in history) or short game of Po-Ke-No or "card BINGO".
Another idea could be inviting an interested group to watch a travel video and supply a snack to sweeten the deal. My group likes the Rick Steves travel videos on You Tube. They're short, relaxing, and have beautiful scenery.
If weather allows, maybe sit outside with lemonade and play some music- a little mix of "who knows this song/name that tune" or sing- a-long. A walking club outdoors can be nice, too.

When they're comfortable moving into a larger group, some simple stretching classes, chair yoga, or balloon bop can get them moving.

A simple "free-form" art class with watercolors and flowers for inspiration.

Again- start small, encourage joining by suggesting you could use some help with set up and clean up (my group likes to do this), or encourage them to participate as a way of humoring you :) Good luck!

Hi Tina,

YouTube has some great age appropriate music and some incorporate the words for singing along. Apple Music has "stations" that allow you to choose music from the 40's 50's and 60's. We dance with scarves, like you mentioned, but also bells (the "jingle bell" kind), we exercise to the music using pool noodles and small squishy balls, and also (if your residents are able) pass balls/balloons or balloon volley- here I pass it to them and they bop it back to me one at a time as opposed to each other. We hold hands and sway to the music often. You could also do a "chorus line" of kicking their legs/feet out depending on their range of motion.

Hi Peter,
Welcome! This site is fantastic- I hope you are finding lots of inspiration and ideas for your new position. Our jobs are not always easy, however the support on the site is wonderful and helps bring perspective and joy on those difficult days. Have fun trying out new ideas and activities!

Thank you! I'm excited to use these with my group. Modern Marvels Lighthouses episode will be my first- we live in a town with one of our country's oldest lighthouse!

Thanks so much! I am going to start a series with this idea!

Hi Cecilia,

Can you suggest some "how it's made" shows or links? I think my people would really love that! It's a great idea!

Thank you!
Jen

Thanks, Susan! I appreciate the help and the links!

Hi,

Does anyone facilitate or work in a Day Program for early stage Alzheimer’s ? If so, how is your day structured and any ideas for activities?
We'll do exercise, some brain games, something creative and hands on, and movies or armchair travel.
There are mostly men in the group.

Thanks for ideas and how your day is scheudled!

Thank you Rose! I didn't think of that- especially the storage!