So your thoughts of themes and activity ideas for your residents have ran out and you scream what do I do? Not to worry help is at hand.
Firstly, you need to plan. I mention this a lot in the AC Tastic Academy, if you have a plan you will always win and succeed. So the first thing is go with the themes of the year, public holidays and special days. Sit down and plan in advance for the year, yes, the WHOLE year. Because that way you can see the up coming national holidays and themes that maybe of interest to your residents, book any entertainment in advance and plan your sessions you are facilitating and what items you need in advance.
Use your diary or year planner to plan also to find out international celebration days use https://www.daysoftheyear.com
Refer to your AC wall planner if you have one that I created, I done the hard work for you and listed the main days of interest that you and your residents can celebrate. Also take time to talk and ask your residents what they like both as a group and individually. Incorporate this into your weekly or monthly activity schedule.
So for example, if they like gardening you can plan some plant potting activities for them to do or those who are mobile could take part in an outdoor garden project like planting vegetables and herbs.
Outside Entertainment
Do some research and go by recommendation when asking various people offering entertainment for your residents , check them out online, read reviews and check they are DBS Checked.
You have singers, pet therapy groups, reminiscence, art, pottery, a multitude of people offering activities that your residents would enjoy, contact local groups in advance like dance schools, brownies etc to come in and spend time with your residents and it's FREE.
Research the Internet, look at Pinterest for inspiration, sign up for newsletters that give you activity ideas, look for freebies of information online.
Look in my Face book group files section for tons of information and activity ideas! If your not in my group join, it's free and there is tons of FREE activity information available to you. www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
It's all in the planning and booking in advance for your activities and not leaving it to the last minute.
Plan outings- either monthly or quarterly as a group and those who can access the community with you take them out regularly, even if it's just a walk to the local park. Finally make sure that all activities planned are stimulating, enjoyable and person centered.
Your Action Plan
Plan, Plan,Plan!!!!
Use The AC Tastic Academy Year Planner for ideas.
Interact with others online or local to you for inspiration.
Most importantly engage with your residents and find out what they want.
Whatever your resident's resonate with as an activity, incorporate it into your schedule regularly.
It's autumn now so we are getting into a great part of the year nature provides lots of activity materials and inspiration for you to do activity sessions with your residents.
Here are a few ideas-
Go out gather up beautiful leaves use them as templates for leaf rubbings.
Make a wall tree picture and the leaves could represent something to each resident.
Make leaf wreaths.
Pick blackberries and raspberries and make crumble or jam.
Start to prepare for Christmas as we go into November as well.
It is always vitally important to ensure that residents are oriented by what season we are in by the activities we do , it helps to orientate them and trigger memories.
Lots to be getting on with.
Until next time keep shining and remember your worth. Do you like what I have shared?
Let me know and also I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. www.actasticacademy.com.
Don't Be Alone!
Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
Sign up to go on my mailing list and get my FREE ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
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http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1
Until next time, keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie x
