Elderly Home Life: Activities and Their Importance

No matter the type or location of the elderly home, activities play a vital role in helping residents of all physical abilities live as fully as possible. Activities should be designed not only to honor residents’ preferences and needs, but also to engage body, mind and spirit.

The evidence is clear that a mixture of physical activity, intellectual challenge, socialization and spirituality or quiet contemplation contribute to a fulfilled life. How is this implemented in various elderly home settings and what should you look for?

Regulations in Elderly Homes

Assisted living communities, care homes, memory care and skilled nursing facilities conduct pre-admission and/or admission assessments that include specific questions about a potential resident’s preference and needs for activities. Each elderly home option is then responsible for developing a plan of care that spells out how those needs will be met.

Look for a range of activities that may be: independent and/or self-directed, group events and classes, and for those unable to participate, especially in the nursing home setting, one-to-one attention.

Assisted Living

Typically activity areas are day rooms large enough to comfortably accommodate groups. Other spaces such as libraries, indoor common areas, designated outside gardens and patios can be used for a variety of small group or individual activities. Ask about the community’s process of including residents in decisions about activities.

Important questions include:

• Is the activity program manager professionally trained?
• How is the activity calendar devised?
• Are special event flyers posted?
• Are accommodations made for residents who may have vision, hearing or other physical challenges?

While those on the outside may look at the activity calendar and think, “too much of the same thing,” remember that responding to residents’ preferences is the first step toward an engaging program. Be on the lookout for variety in each of the mind, body, spirit areas:

• Computers
• Puzzles and memory games
• Exercise programs such as tai-chi or yoga
• Garden clubs
• Men’s breakfast groups
• Sporting events
• Movie nights
• Shopping trips
• Church services
• Uninterrupted quiet, private time

Care Homes

Because this elderly home option usually consists of private homes that have been adapted to accommodate up to six residents, you’ll find the spaces for group activities in care homes play dual roles: living room/family room or dining room/kitchen. Outdoor areas for group events or individual quiet retreats should be available.

These settings are small and more informal than large assisted living communities. It’s not surprising to hear resident feedback about activities at the family-style breakfast table or to have residents and staff agree on a last-minute change of plans for a picnic lunch. You should find activities that engage mind, body and spirit.

Nursing Homes

Today nursing homes are serving more medically complex clients with a wide range of physical, psycho-social and emotional needs, so you may find the activity department under the direction of a Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy manager.

Recreation Therapy helps people with illnesses or disabilities use leisure activities to improve and maintain their general health and well being. These professionals are trained and certified, registered and/or licensed to provide Therapeutic Recreation.

The nursing home activities director should be trained and certified or supervised by a qualified individual. Check for group events, visits from local school children, theme days, outings to local historical spots, beauty days, games, exercises, history, and memory challenges.

For those residents who are not able to participate in independent or group activities because of illness or disability, the facility should make available one-on-one activities which may include:

• Reading or singing to residents
• Aroma therapy
• Tactile and sensory stimulation
• Gentle upper body or lower body range of motion exercises

Memory Care

Look for a structured dementia care program with a strong activity component, managed by a professional with specialized memory care training. Information about individual preferences and needs may not always be available from the residents.

Staff should reach out to families to find out about the residents, including their personal histories and likes and dislikes. Ask about activities that address Sundowning (restless behavior toward the late afternoon).

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

The suggestions above for assisted living, memory care and nursing homes apply to those service options within Continuing Care Retirement Communities. The independent living activities are self-directed with special opportunities such as swimming pools, wellness centers, walking trails and computer centers. Ask about resident committees that provide direct input into other group activities such as:

• Education
• Sports
• Arts and crafts
• Special interest groups
• Events

Home Care

Activities are not usually included in home care services. You may find some organizations offering “companionship.” Ask what is included in this service category. Other options may be local church groups and senior service organizations that may have volunteer activity and socialization programs.

Written by senior care expert Peg Witham.