How to create nursing home activities

A nursing home serves many purposes. Some patients need to live in a nursing home temporarily to help recover from the aftereffects of a serious illness. Others choose to make a nursing home their own home because they need specialized long term medical services. A nursing home should be not only a place where residents can get all their needs met, but also help them keep their minds sharp and their bodies in good shape with activities that are both appropriate and fun.

Instructions

• 1

  Use the home's existing space. Before you begin take inventory of the recreational spaces you can use in the nursing home. Patients may have private rooms as well as shared rooms. Each floor may have a specific lounge area where patients can congregate. Many nursing homes also have a larger space specifically designed for recreational activities. Find out how many people each space can legally accommodate. Note which bathroom facilities are adjacent to the space as well as how close the space is to any necessary medical equipment.

• 2

  Take all activity levels into account. Nursing homes are home to a varied population of individuals. Some patients have suffered serious disabilities and may no longer be able to walk, talk or sit for a prolonged period of time. Others may be much more mobile. Any activity should invite all patients to feel welcome to participate. If possible use the same nursing home activity in different ways. For example hand out vividly colored paper and paint. Some patients may be able to paint pictures easily while others can just enjoy the sight of bright color and the feel of paintbrushes in their hands.

• 3

  Bring in outside guests. Outside guests can help give patients something to look forward to each week. Work with groups that visit the disabled. A local seeing eye dog breeder and handler may enjoy the chance to help get his puppies used to distractions such as wheelchairs while learning commands at the same time. Contact local theater groups and ask if they are interested in giving a performance for residents.

• 4

  Get physical. All patients need to use whatever range of motion remains to them. Encourage patients to explore sports and other activities they may not have tried before. Purchase light weights for patients to try out weight lifting. Put on dance music for residents to learn the cha-cha and foxtrot. Hand out balls of varying sizes and a basket hoop for a game of quick basketball.