Creating Engaging Activities in Long-Term Care Facilities

As an Activities Director in a Kansas long-term care facility, your role in enriching the lives of residents through creative, person-centered activities is essential. Effective programming can support emotional well-being, enhance social connections, and maintain cognitive and physical function. This unit focuses on strategies to develop engaging activities tailored to the unique interests and abilities of residents.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities offer residents exposure to natural light, fresh air, and a change of scenery—all of which are shown to improve mood and reduce agitation. When planning outdoor activities:

Garden Clubs: Allow residents to plant and care for flowers, herbs, or vegetables in raised beds or containers.
Walking Groups: Create supervised walks around facility grounds or accessible paths. Include rest stops and hydration.
Outdoor Games: Offer lawn bowling, bean bag toss, or balloon volleyball adapted for limited mobility.
Picnics and Ice Cream Socials: Simple, festive outdoor meals or treats promote socialization.
Bird Watching: Set up bird feeders and provide binoculars and bird guides for small group observation.

Making Activities Personal

Tailoring activities to each resident’s background, preferences, and cognitive level fosters a sense of purpose and identity. Steps to personalize activities include:

Resident Profiles: Gather information on past careers, hobbies, and cultural background during admission and through family interviews.
Choice Boards: Present visual boards with daily or weekly activity choices based on preferences.
Reminiscence Activities: Use music, photos, or objects from a resident’s past to spark memories and conversation.
1-on-1 Time: Schedule personalized visits for residents who prefer quiet or are unable to join group activities.
Celebrate Individual Milestones: Recognize birthdays, anniversaries, or veteran status with special events.

Resources for Calendars and Activity Ideas

A well-structured and visually appealing activity calendar is a communication tool for staff, residents, and families. Keep it accessible and inclusive. Below are tools and sources to help:

Activity Connection: www.activityconnection.com – Monthly ideas, printable calendars, and theme days.
Golden Carers: www.goldencarers.com – Templates, tutorials, and forums for professionals.
National Day Calendar: www.nationaldaycalendar.com – Plan themed activities based on quirky holidays.
Social Media Groups: Facebook groups for Activity Professionals provide peer support and fresh ideas.
Local Resources: Libraries, museums, and historical societies often provide traveling programs or materials.

When designing a calendar, ensure variety (physical, spiritual, cognitive, sensory), include resident-led events, and rotate offerings to accommodate different needs. Use large print, visuals, and color coding for readability.

Activities Outside of the Activity Room

Bringing engagement into different areas of the facility makes activities more accessible and spontaneous. Some strategies include:

Room-to-Room Cart Activities: Mobile carts with puzzles, word searches, magazines, or spa items can be customized for each resident.
Dining Room Games: Host trivia or “name that tune” during meal times to encourage interaction.
Bedside Activities: For those on hospice or bedbound, offer audiobooks, hand massages, or personalized playlists.
Hallway Sing-Alongs or Parades: Involve multiple residents from doorways for community fun without leaving their rooms.
Staff-Resident Partnerships: Invite housekeeping, dietary, and nursing staff to participate in or lead brief interactions and activities.

Final Thoughts

Activity programming should be fluid, inclusive, and responsive. Seek regular feedback from residents and families. Document engagement levels, successes, and suggestions to refine future planning. Engaging activities can significantly impact residents’ emotional and cognitive well-being—your efforts make a meaningful difference.