10 Unique Activities for Residents Nursing in Bed
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When a resident is nursing in bed, their world can feel small. The same four walls, the same routine, the same conversations. But just because someone is in bed doesn’t mean their experiences need to be limited. The mind is vast, the senses are alive, and creativity has no physical boundaries. With the right approach, we can transform a resident’s space into a portal to new adventures, memories, and connections.
Engaging residents who spend most of their time in bed requires more than just keeping them occupied—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that stimulate the senses, spark joy, and reaffirm their sense of identity. Below are ten unique activities that go beyond the usual, offering enrichment, companionship, and a fresh perspective for residents nursing in bed.
1. Window Theatre: Bringing the Outdoors In
A window can be a living painting, changing with the seasons, offering glimpses of life beyond the room. But it can be more than just a view—it can become a window theatre.
How to create it:
- If the resident’s window overlooks a garden, bird feeders, or a street, encourage them to observe and describe what they see. This can be turned into a daily storytelling exercise—what’s the life story of the person walking by? What are the birds chirping about today?
- If the view is limited, bring it to life with a digital window—set up a tablet or projector showing a garden, bustling city streets, or even a livestream of animals at a zoo.
- Caregivers and family members can bring the outside in by acting out short skits, bringing in interesting objects, or arranging for volunteers to put on a small performance just outside the window.
This activity keeps the resident connected to the world and fuels the imagination, turning the act of simply looking outside into a more engaging experience.
2. Learning a New Language: Expanding Horizons from Bed
It’s never too late to learn something new, and mastering a new language is both stimulating and rewarding.
How to introduce this:
- Choose a language based on the resident’s interest—perhaps it’s tied to a place they always wanted to visit or their family history.
- Use language apps with audio functions so they can practice listening and repeating words.
- Pair them with a language buddy—a volunteer, caregiver, or even another resident who speaks the language fluently.
- Introduce cultural elements, like traditional music or short stories, to make the learning more immersive.
Even if they don’t master fluency, the process itself is enriching, sparking curiosity and engagement with the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
3. Snoezelen Room: A Multi-Sensory Escape
Originally developed for individuals with dementia and sensory impairments, Snoezelen therapy creates a multi-sensory environment that promotes relaxation and engagement.
How to create a Snoezelen experience in bed:
- Use soft lighting like fairy lights or a color-changing lamp to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Incorporate pleasant scents such as lavender or citrus using essential oils or scented pillows.
- Play calming sounds—ocean waves, birds chirping, or instrumental music.
- Provide soft-textured blankets, fidget toys, or weighted lap pads to encourage gentle sensory engagement.
For residents who may experience anxiety or agitation, a Snoezelen-style setup can provide a sense of peace and grounding while still offering a rich experience.
4. Memory Sheet Creation: A Twist on Memory Boxes
Memory boxes are a common way to help residents reminisce, but what if we transformed that concept into something more personal and tactile—a memory sheet?
How to create it:
- Take a large, soft fabric or a quilt square and have the resident help design their own memory sheet.
- Print photos or iron-on images onto the fabric—family pictures, favorite places, cherished pets.
- Attach small pockets that can hold tiny keepsakes, handwritten notes, or scent sachets that bring back memories.
- Allow them to paint or write directly onto the fabric with fabric markers, creating something that feels personal and interactive.
A memory sheet can be a beautiful, comforting item that sparks conversation and storytelling while keeping important memories within arm’s reach.
5. Flower Arranging: A Touch of Nature Indoors
Even when mobility is limited, hands can still engage with delicate, fragrant, and visually appealing flowers.
How to facilitate this:
- Offer small, lightweight flowers that are easy to handle, like daisies, lavender, or baby’s breath.
- Provide a shallow vase or foam base so they can easily place and adjust the stems.
- Use scented blooms to engage their sense of smell and trigger positive memories.
- Encourage creativity by allowing them to design bouquets for their bedside table or as gifts for fellow residents.
This activity fosters a sense of accomplishment and adds a beautiful sensory element to their personal space.
6. Music Therapy: Healing Through Sound
Music has the ability to awaken emotions, bring back memories, and offer deep comfort, making it a powerful tool for residents nursing in bed.
How to personalize a session:
- Ask about their favorite songs from their youth and create a custom playlist.
- Use live music if possible—a ukulele, a small keyboard, or even singing along with them.
- Introduce guided relaxation, pairing music with deep breathing exercises.
- If they are able, encourage them to tap along with small percussion instruments like maracas or tambourines.
Music is a powerful emotional outlet, and a well-planned session can turn an ordinary afternoon into a deeply moving experience.
7. Video Call Buddies: Bridging the Social Gap
Loneliness is a real challenge for bedbound residents, but technology can provide meaningful social interaction.
How to set up a video call buddy system:
- Match residents with family members, volunteers, or even intergenerational programs where students call and chat with them.
- Arrange themed calls, like a “Book Club Chat” or “Trivia Challenge” where they can engage in structured conversations.
- Encourage the use of video letters, where family members record and send short messages they can replay anytime.
Even a few minutes of virtual conversation can provide an immense emotional boost and a much-needed connection to the outside world.
8. Travel Day: A Sensory Journey Without Leaving Bed
For those who once loved to travel, why not bring the world to them?
How to create an immersive travel experience:
- Set up a projector or tablet showing a scenic beach, a Paris café, or a bustling Tokyo street.
- Offer sensory props—a coconut with a straw for a tropical setting, a warm croissant for a Parisian morning, or scented hand towels reminiscent of a spa day.
- Play ambient sounds to complete the atmosphere.
A well-crafted travel day can transport residents to places they love (or have always dreamed of visiting) without ever leaving their bed.
9. Writing a Memoir or Recording a Podcast
Every resident has a lifetime of stories, wisdom, and experiences worth sharing.
How to facilitate this:
- Offer a simple voice recorder or dictate their stories for them.
- Encourage them to write letters to their younger self or advice for future generations.
- If they enjoy conversation, record podcast-style interviews, where they share memories and thoughts in a relaxed setting.
This process helps preserve their stories, gives them a creative outlet, and validates their experiences.
10. Video Games: Fun at Any Age
Gaming isn’t just for kids! Light, accessible video games can offer entertainment and cognitive benefits.
Best games for residents nursing in bed:
- Simple touch-screen games like word puzzles or memory games.
- Virtual board games they can play with family online.
- Classic arcade-style games that bring back nostalgia.
Video games can be an exciting way to keep the mind sharp and engage in playful competition, even from bed.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Passing Time
Every person deserves moments of joy, connection, and self-expression, regardless of their mobility. These activities go beyond “keeping busy”—they enrich the mind, nurture the spirit, and remind residents that they are still active participants in life.
Because even when nursing in bed, adventure, creativity, and meaningful connection are always within reach.
