What Activities Do Care Homes Provide?

It is normal practice for care homes to offer activities and entertainment to residents as part of a holistic approach to care. Ageing can present a whole host of complications, some of which can heavily impact individuals' physical and mental health. Therefore, it is essential for care homes to offer their residents an array of activities that help residents keep active, alert and social as well provide them with enjoyment. 

Exercise has an incredible amount of benefits, with just a few of these including preventing chronic disease and bone loss, improving mood, relieving osteoarthritis pain and boosting immunity. The activities on offer do not need to only be physical, as there are also a lot of non-physical and mental activities that can challenge older people's cognitive functions. Both types of activities include increased energy levels, better sleep and improved cognitive functions.

Activity programmes are created to include a variety of stimulating and entertaining things to do, and activities change regularly to avoid disappointment and ensure that all interests are catered to. Activities in a care home are also accessible and inclusive, with both group and 1:1 sessions on offer. 

Cooking and Baking

Cooking and baking sessions are often held in care homes as residents are encouraged by the home catering team to get involved. This is an activity that not only works the brain but also encourages reminiscence. Giving residents an easy recipe to follow, especially one they would’ve enjoyed in their youth is a brilliant way to encourage nostalgia and give residents the opportunity to read aloud and describe their experiences and memories from childhood. This activity will also produce a delicious end result, something the residents can enjoy between themselves, or choose to share with their friends and family. 

Singing and Dancing

Another great activity that residents can partake in is singing and dancing. Not only can this be enjoyed within the care home, but it can also be incorporated into trips out of the home, such as a visit to the local town hall or theatre to enjoy their favourite live performers whilst mingling and spending time with their friends and the local community. Alternatively, external tribute acts, singers or dancers are often welcomed into homes and some care homes even create their own choirs or musical groups. Playing songs that residents enjoyed in their childhood can evoke numerous happy memories, whilst keeping them active on a regular basis. There is no questioning why this is such a popular activity that is often included in a care homes activities programme.

Exercise Classes

Exercise classes are another physical activity option for residents to take part in. These classes have no limits- with choices including standing or seated yoga, guided meditations, tai-chi, pilates and many more for residents to enjoy. Rotating the class type during this activity allows residents to stay engaged whilst learning new moves. Studies have shown that exercise significantly reduces falls, and even more when completing balance activities during exercise for more than 3 hours each week. It is an activity that will leave residents feeling refreshed and empowered, making it a perfect active opportunity.

Arts and Crafts

Another activity that is beneficial for residents is arts and crafts. There are numerous ways that this can be executed, therefore you can specifically tailor sessions to your residents and their loved ones based on what they wish to learn, or enjoy the most. It is another non-physical activity with a list of crucial benefits such as improved coordination, providing a sense of purpose, and having overall therapeutic qualities. Arts and crafts is a fun activity where residents can let their imagination run wild and create something unique for themselves, as well as having an end product that they can be proud of to keep once the session has finished.

Movie Viewings

Movie viewings are a way for residents to unwind, whilst still reaping the rewards this activity brings. Some care homes include a cinema room in their facilities or have access to other forms of technology such as iPads, tablets or TVs which is a perfect way to bring movie viewings into play. Residents will be able to enjoy the company of others and reminisce on their favourite films which is a great way to improve their memory recall, whilst enjoying a huge range of cinema-themed refreshments. Taking into consideration residents’ film favourites and putting these on for them can also increase the enjoyment of this activity.

Our Activities Programme at Springvale Care Home

At Springvale Care Home, we offer a varied activities programme that includes daily activities for our residents to take part in if they wish. We also have a range of onsite facilities that we encourage residents to make full use of such as a cinema room, library, hair and beauty salon and more. 

As part of this programme, we offer intergenerational activities with nurseries and schools so that our residents can interact with younger people and reminisce with them about activities they enjoyed when they were that age. Our links to the community don’t stop there, as our team also values the importance of ensuring residents explore the area local to the home and attend events where they can meet new people and get involved with community life. 

When a resident moves into Springvale nursing home in East Dunbartonshire, our activities coordinator meets with them to create a bond and to find out each individual's hobbies and interests so they can be incorporated into our programme. It is important to us that we provide an inclusive and accessible programme that everyone can take part in. If residents are less mobile for instance, then we take the activities to them, and we also hold 1:1 activities so no matter what, our programme can be enjoyed by all. 

Receive Tailored Care That Goes The Extra Mile at Springvale Care Home

Springvale is a luxury purpose-built care home in Lennoxtown, East Dunbartonshire. We offer high-quality care designed for each of our residents that they can receive through our Nursing Care, Dementia Care, and Respite Care. In our home, we offer a range of beautiful facilities including en-suite bedrooms, fine dining rooms, a library, private gardens and a full wide-ranging activities programme. Our team strive to make Springvale a home-away-from-home by going the extra mile and utilising personalised care plans to make sure we give our residents the most appropriate care for them.

If you have any more questions regarding our care or life at Springvale, get in touch with our wonderful team today. Call us on 01360 312 765 or email info@springvalecare.com and a member of our team will be delighted to assist you.