I cannot believe we are already half way through this year. As it is summertime it is often a time when lots of fund raising ideas and outdoor activities come into play for you to do with your resident's.
Money can be a big issue for lots of AC's so in this blog I am going to share what you can do as cheap as chips for you and your residents.
I have compiled a list for you to help with some ideas-
1. Cake Sale-
Go to Asda or any other supermarket where you can buy cake mix packets for 20p, yes 20p and all you do is add an egg and you can make sponge cakes to sell and raise money for your residents fund and also get them involved in baking as an activity as well.
2.Reminiscence Ball-
Go to the pound shop and get a blow up beach ball, with a sharpie write on the ball conversation prompt questions like, what is your favourite colour? What season do you like? etc.
The idea is to get the ball passed around and whoever's turn it is chooses a question and answers it and then the AC can use it as a discussion point to engage the rest of the group.
3. Bubbles-
Yes, soap bubbles are playful, stimulative and fun. Once again easily bought for a £1 for 3 and this can be used anytime if you decide to have a fun 5 minute activity with your residents, they could try to catch the bubbles whilst singing I am forever blowing bubbles.
4. Balloon Tennis-
Once again Pound shop pack of 30 balloons and a packet of fly swats to use for balloon tennis with your residents.
5. Library-
Either take your residents to the library or get the mobile library to visit your home when they are in the area. They have cd's, reminiscence resources and talking books so something for everyone.
6. Local Clubs-
Contact local dance schools, colleges, boy scouts, girl guides to come and visit the home and provide free entertainment for your residents.
7. Local Churches and Religious Groups-
Ask if they have resources for community programmes that come to visit and provide free entertainment like sing along, musicians , companionship in their groups, you will find this would be free and available and they would be delighted to come along and be a blessing to your home.
8. Local Business-
Approach local business and ask for FREE donations for you to raffle when you do your summer fetes and fairs. People are generous and will donate to you for your home.
9. Local Nurseries School-
If you have a local nursery near you go speak to them and get an inter generational programme going. Invite the nursery to visit you every month , week or fortnight and this would be so beneficial to your residents and the children.
Set up joint art sessions, sing a along etc each time they come together, the benefits are so amazing on both sides and it is FREE.
10. Get Your Frugal On-
Always be on the look out for free resources you can use, British Legion do wonderful FREE packs they send out for Remembrance Sunday, There are resources that you can subscribe to and get a month's free trail that you use and cancel if you do not wish to continue at the end of the free trail.
Charity shops have puzzles for £1,local museums have reminiscence boxes to loan at minimal charges and some will even come out for free to do a talk.
I hope you found this useful. I recently did my annual AC Awards which was lovely ,recognizing AC's for their fabulous work they do and will be having a workshop on the 10/06/17 about reminiscence therapy and freelance AC work.
Here is the link for more information- www.facebook.com/events/1856335421246836
Online FB Group Support
I hear all too often the AC role is isolating so I have built up an online community to help support other AC's worldwide in our little hub.Lots of special promotions, free giveaways and a great resource of files on activities is available to all members free.
You can join the group here -.https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
I also do a monthly newsletter you can sign up here and get my free eBook-
To get your free copy of our ebook: "10 Top Tips for Engaging and Stimulating Activities With The Elderly"
Please click below:http://eepurl.com/Iw9p1
Wishing you all well and until next time keep shining.
Love,
Ann Marie xxx
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