A Wellbeing Coordinator’s Guide To Planning Enriching and Inclusive Activities

Planning meaningful activities for care home residents can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. As care home coordinators, you know that each activity you plan is not just a time-filler, but an opportunity for residents to connect, engage, and experience a sense of purpose and fun. Here’s a guide with practical tips on how to make every activity inclusive, socially engaging, and enjoyable for all.

1. Tailor Activities to Varying Mobility Needs and Ability Levels

Care home residents come with diverse mobility needs and cognitive abilities, so activities should be adaptable and inclusive. Here are a few ways to keep all residents actively involved:

• Flexible Seating Arrangements: Consider using spaces with chairs or tables where wheelchairs and walkers can be easily accommodated. For activities that involve movement, create adaptable options, like seated dance routines or arm exercises, so that even those with limited mobility can participate.

• Offer Multi-Level Options: Design activities that allow different levels of involvement. For example, if you’re hosting a painting session, provide templates for those who might need a bit of guidance and leave room for freehand work for others who want to express themselves more freely.

• Incorporate Sensory-Friendly Activities: Not everyone is able to participate in physically or cognitively intensive activities. Offering sensory activities, like aromatherapy, music, or textured arts and crafts, can be a soothing option for residents with dementia or those who may feel overwhelmed by complex activities.

2. Encourage Social Interaction and Connection

Activities are not only for fun—they’re a chance for residents to connect with each other and build friendships.

• Small Group or Partner Activities: Try to include pair or small group activities where residents can work together or chat while they engage. Games like trivia, bingo, or storytelling circles are excellent for breaking the ice.

• Encourage Cross-Generational Interactions: Invite family members or younger community members to join in on special days, such as Grandparents’ Day or a holiday celebration. These interactions can be incredibly heartwarming and offer residents a chance to share their wisdom and experiences.

• Share Residents’ Talents: Allow residents to take an active role if they have a skill or hobby to share—perhaps one resident loves knitting or has an interest in gardening. Giving them a platform to “lead” part of an activity can boost their confidence and engagement.

3. Keep Activities Fresh and Engaging

Keeping activities new and varied ensures residents stay interested and engaged over time. Seasonal themes and holidays are perfect opportunities to add fun and change to the calendar.

• Celebrate Upcoming Holidays: Think beyond the big ones—celebrate lesser-known days like National Poetry Month (April), or International Jazz Day (April 30). These can provide unique themes for a wide range of activities, from music appreciation sessions to poetry readings.

• Rotate Activities Regularly: It’s easy to fall into a routine, but avoid offering the same activities every week. Trying out new options—from virtual reality tours to creative cooking classes—keeps things exciting and gives residents something to look forward to.

• Involve the Residents in Decision-Making: Before planning your monthly calendar, gather feedback from residents about what they would enjoy. A suggestion box or monthly planning meeting can be a great way to get their input and keep them invested.

4. Foster Interest and Participation

Encouraging residents to join in and enjoy activities can sometimes be tricky, especially for those who are more introverted or reserved. Here are some tips to help everyone feel welcome:

• Promote “Try It Out” Sessions: Sometimes, residents may feel hesitant to commit to a new activity. Host “try it out” sessions where they can casually explore an activity without feeling pressured.

• Make Announcements in Fun Ways: Instead of just posting flyers, try other creative methods to announce events, like themed costumes for staff or mini-previews of what’s to come. For example, if you’re hosting a gardening day, bring a few small potted plants to display around the dining area as a teaser.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Participation isn’t about perfection—it’s about engagement. Give encouragement and celebrate small wins. A simple clap or a “great job” can go a long way in boosting confidence and enjoyment.

5. Gather and Act on Resident Feedback

The best way to improve activities is by hearing directly from the residents about their experience.

• Encourage Honest Feedback: Use anonymous feedback cards or short follow-up questions after activities to gauge how residents felt about the event.

• Learn from Past Activities: If certain activities get particularly positive feedback, consider doing similar types in the future, but with small twists to keep them fresh.

• Create a “Resident-Led” Activity Day: Allow residents to have an input on planning one full day of activities. This approach fosters ownership, ensuring they feel heard and valued.

6. Involve Residents in Activity Setup and Preparation

For many, getting involved in preparation can be just as fun as the activity itself. This gives them a sense of purpose and responsibility.

• Delegate Light Tasks: Simple tasks like setting up tables, preparing materials, or helping with decorations can be meaningful for residents, especially those who were previously very active.

• Involve Them in Themed Decor: If you’re hosting a holiday or themed event, ask residents if they’d like to help make or arrange decorations. For example, making fall wreaths for Thanksgiving or paper flowers for a spring celebration adds a special touch.

• Give Residents Roles: Some residents may be happy to serve as “helpers” or “greeters,” which can give them a feeling of significance within the community.

7. Collaborate with External Vendors

Bringing in outside entertainment and vendors can create excitement and variety for residents. And if you need help sourcing talented performers, musicians, or workshop facilitators, look no further than our booking options at The Kefi Studio!

• Invite Skilled Performers: Professional entertainers, like musicians, magicians, or storytellers, bring an energy that can be a welcome change from regular programming.

• Introduce New Workshop Leaders: Bring in artists, chefs, or crafters to introduce residents to new hobbies. Many performers also adapt their sessions specifically for older adults, so they’re familiar with creating a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere.

• Embrace Cultural Celebrations: Hiring performers for cultural holidays—like Diwali, Chinese New Year, or Oktoberfest—adds a festive element that can enrich residents’ experience and introduce them to different traditions.

8. Emphasize the Power of Connection and Enjoyment

Above all, the goal is for residents to feel valued, connected, and joyful. When planning, remember the importance of the social and emotional benefits that activities can bring:

• Create Spaces for Reflection and Sharing: Some activities can double as moments of reflection. Art therapy, reminiscence sessions, or music appreciation allow residents to share stories and find common ground.

• Nurture Long-Term Friendships: Creating ongoing groups, like a weekly book club or a garden committee, can build lasting bonds that extend beyond individual events.

• Keep a Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: A smile, a warm greeting, and a willingness to listen make all the difference. Residents will sense when activities are planned with heart, and this is where they will find the most joy.

Organizing activities in a care home is about more than filling the schedule—it’s about fostering a vibrant community, a sense of belonging, and meaningful experiences. By keeping these ideas in mind, you’re making every day an opportunity to uplift, engage, and celebrate the lives of those in your care.