15 Unique & Free Activities for Care Homes With Resources
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Engaging care home residents in fun and meaningful activities goes beyond filling time—it’s about sparking joy, fostering connection, and supporting mental and physical wellness. However, activity coordinators often need fresh, creative ideas that are budget-friendly and adaptable for different energy levels. Here are 15 unique activities that do just that.
From sensory experiences to laughter-filled games, each of these ideas is designed to brighten residents’ days and encourage them to connect with each other in delightful, innovative ways. And the best part? These ideas can be done on a shoestring budget—perfect for maximizing impact without breaking the bank.
1. Spicy Bingo
How it works: Add a twist to classic bingo by switching up the themes! Try Musical Bingo where players mark off songs or artists as you play snippets, or Aromatherapy Bingo where you use cotton balls scented with lavender, peppermint, or citrus to call out “scents” instead of numbers. Or, try Animal Bingo where residents mark off animals as you make the sounds or show pictures.
Special Notes: For Aromatherapy Bingo, make sure to choose mild, soothing scents. For Musical Bingo, create a playlist of songs from different decades to keep things interesting for everyone.
For more ideas on bingo -(https://nursinghomevolunteer.com/how-to-spice-up-bingo-in-the-nursing-home/)
2. Quizzes: A Twist on Trivia
Bored of the same old quiz themes? Try these instead -
Zoomed-In Photos: Show close-ups of everyday objects and have residents guess what they are.
Picture Quizzes: Use nostalgic images or famous landmarks from past decades.
"How Old Are They Now?" Show photos of celebrities from their youth and have residents guess their current age. Special Notes: Use a tablet or projector to make visuals clear, and use free online quiz tools like Quizizz or Kahoot for variety.
More resources where you can spark creativity for quizzes -
https://pubquizine.co.uk/category/picture-quiz/
3. Comedy Night
How It Works: Turn the common room into a mini comedy club. Encourage residents to share light-hearted jokes, read humorous poems, or participate in funny games like “Two Truths and a Lie.” Special Notes: Encourage laughter by sharing funny personal stories or memories, but keep the humor gentle and universal.
More resources -
https://www.goldencarers.com/12-joyful-activities-to-inspire-laughter/4759/
4. Chocolate Tasting
How It Works: Organize a chocolate-tasting session with various types—dark, milk, white, and unique flavors. Give each person a small piece and encourage them to describe the taste, texture, and flavor notes.
Special Notes: Discuss the origins of each type of chocolate for an educational twist. Make sure to offer water between tastings to cleanse the palate.
More Resources -
https://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/Chocolate-Tasting-Printables.pdf
5. Armchair Travels
How It Works: Take residents on a virtual “trip” to different countries using YouTube travel videos and Google Earth. Pick a theme, like “Touring Japan,” and include music, facts, and even a simple recipe they could try at home.
Special Notes: Use YouTube Virtual Tours to explore a wide variety of destinations. Consider creating “passports” for residents to “stamp” after each country visit for a fun keepsake.
More Resources -
https://allseniorscare.com/blog/seniors-going-places-an-armchair-travel-guide/
6. Seated Sports Spectacular
How It Works: Host a “seated sports” day with activities adapted to be both safe and fun from a chair. Try Balloon Volleyball (using a balloon to volley across the room), Seated Bowling (small balls and plastic bottles as pins), and Chair Hockey (using pool noodles to pass a balloon).
Special Notes: Keep movements easy and upbeat, and let residents cheer each other on. These games are accessible, allowing everyone to participate while staying seated. If you'd like to take it up a notch consider
More Resources -
https://www.blaby.gov.uk/media/4101/twilight-games-booklet.pdf
7. Window Theatre
How It Works: Set up a simple puppet show or short play outside a window, allowing residents to watch from the comfort of indoors. This could feature staff members or family volunteers performing small skits or plays. Special Notes: Use colorful props and costumes for visibility, and keep the performance short and lively. If possible, let residents contribute ideas for themes or stories.
8. Conversation Catch
How It Works: Pass a balloon around. The person who catches it must answer a question like “What’s your favorite memory from childhood?” They then throw it to someone else and ask a new question.
Special Notes: Keep the questions varied and open-ended. This game is a fantastic way to break the ice, especially for new residents, and to build a sense of camaraderie.
More resources -https://aliveactivities.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Alive-Conversation-Cards-final.pdf
9. Storytelling Workshops
How It Works: Choose a theme, such as “An Unexpected Journey,” and let residents brainstorm and create short stories together. Use storytelling techniques like a beginning, middle, and end, or add a unique plot twist.
Special Notes: Encourage everyone to contribute ideas. These stories can be shared afterward or kept within the group for a meaningful shared memory.
10. What’s in the Box? (Sensory Activity)
How It Works: Fill a box with objects of different textures, shapes, and scents. Residents feel inside the box without looking and try to guess each item.
Special Notes: Use safe, familiar objects as well as unique items like feathers, pinecones, or fragrant herbs to create an interesting sensory experience.
More resources -
https://www.activitiestoshare.co.uk/product-tag/tactile-products/
11. The Price Is Right Game
How It Works: Show residents photos of everyday items from past decades and ask them to guess their prices back then and now.
Special Notes: Use images from old magazines or catalogs to make the game authentic. The game can spark conversations and memories about how life has changed.
12. Craft Kits
How It Works: Set up a crafting afternoon using kits from Baker Ross, which offers free printable resources and affordable crafting supplies. Special Notes: Choose kits based on the residents’ skill levels. Paper crafts, painting, and simple sewing kits are all great options that let everyone participate.
13. Pen Pals
How It Works: Pair residents with school children or pen-pal services that connect seniors with young people. Residents can write letters, draw pictures, or share stories with their pen pals.
Special Notes: Programs like Love for Our Elders help connect seniors with pen pals. These connections can brighten both residents’ and children’s days.
14. Educational Workshops
How It Works: Host a workshop on topics that interest residents, like history, technology, or gardening basics. Invite a local guest to join virtually or watch educational videos together.
Special Notes: Resources like BBC Learning and YouTube offer free workshops on many topics. Residents can even lead workshops if they have expertise to share!
Alternatively, The Kefi Studio offers a range of talented workshop leaders in a variety of subjects. For more information, check out our talent collection.
15. Book a Volunteer
How It Works: Book a DBS vetted volunteer based on their availability from The Kefi Studio. Our volunteers are fully vetted for your piece of mind, and fast administration. The volunteers have received workshops on how to offer companionship to care home residents and are eager to make a difference at your care home.
Conclusion:
Planning engaging activities for care home residents can be challenging, but the key is to look for ideas that balance familiarity with novelty. Start by considering what residents are already interested in and then find ways to give those activities a fresh twist, like turning bingo into a sensory experience or organizing a virtual trip to a dream destination. Talk to residents about their hobbies, favorite memories, and past experiences—they might inspire creative ideas you hadn’t considered!
If you’re looking for more unique, thoughtfully crafted activities, The Kefi Studio is here to help. We specialize in bridging generational gaps and bringing the joy of creativity to older adults through accessible, interactive experiences. Our programs are designed to connect people in meaningful ways, with activities that bring out the best in each resident. Whether it’s through crafting, performance, or themed events, The Kefi Studio is passionate about making every moment count. Visit us to explore more ideas, resources, and guidance on creating activities that truly make a difference.