The activities program in a nursing home aims to provide socialization and mental stimulation for the residents. For the activities director of such a facility, the challenge is to provide a variety of activities while staying within a strict budget. If you volunteer at a nursing home, your time is a valuable contribution. Expand the scope of your contribution with inexpensive activities that draw the residents' attention and broaden their horizons.
Audio Programs
If the nursing home does not already own an audio player, the one-time investment in a cheap CD player lays the foundation for an ongoing listening program. Obtain a membership card from a local library, and borrow CDs of audio books and old-time radio shows. Establish a time slot in the week's schedule to play the CDs in the activities room where residents can listen together --- an activity that, unlike some others, is accessible to those with sight impairments. Give immobile patients access by bringing the audio player to their rooms and playing programs for their enjoyment.
Nature Study
Bring the season's changes into the nursing home for those who can no longer get out on their own. Keep the sessions simple by setting up a display of objects collected in the gardens and nearby nature areas. Add a presentation element by giving a talk on the items, followed by discussion, or invite guest speakers to share their knowledge. Programming may include: an array of different species of apples along with a speaker from the county extension service, and samples of the apples for the residents to taste; a collection of stones and minerals presented by a local rock-hound, and opportunity for the residents to handle the material; a display of wildflowers collected from a nearby forest or meadow, along with the chance for each resident to share related reminiscences. This activity can be adapted to immobile patients by setting the objects on a rolling cart and giving a mini-presentation bedside.
Animal Visits
Contact the American Humane Association to locate an animal-assisted activities group near the nursing home's location. Local veterinarians and community groups might also be able to help to set up regular visits from people with well-behaved, healthy pets. Allow a certain amount of time for each resident to pet and cuddle with the dogs, cats, and even bunnies, so that all are included. Schedule one-on-one visits for patients confined to bed or their own rooms.
Show and Tell
Lead a focused group activity by inviting residents to bring a picture or object from their personal belongings and tell a story about it. While best suited to ambulatory residents who can gather in the activities room, lobby, or dining room, this activity may be adapted to the bedside by training volunteers with listening skills. Change the routine by offering a collection of items for the residents to select from and then share a related reminiscence or creative story. This works well with seasonal and everyday objects --- present a box filled with Christmas decorations, old children's toys, or kitchen utensils from which to choose, show, and tell.
