Activities for the elderly

[jeanette1976]

I'm applying for a P/T job as an events organiser in a residential care home to help pay for my uni studies.

I was wondering what activities i can do with them as it will play a fairly big part in their lives and most folk really look forward to these visits.

As these shifts are for 4hrs a piece, I need to be able to keep the activiy interesting for that length of time... which may be quite difficult.

Reading, bingo, art and crafts... what else? And these are too short to last 4hrs.

Any ideas? Are there any books i can get?

Thanks

[Elizabeth ll]

My grandmother enjoys playing indoor croquet, they have them, the mallets and balls are soft, it helps with coordination, and keeps them social, many elderly people tend to keep to themselves. this is a fun way to get them busy.

[fletcher.5]

Dear Jeanette As a carer for my mother, I can empathise with you in the role reversal mode. People, when they reach a certain age, have a very good long term memory, alas their short term memory is lacking. So if I were you I would embrace the suggestions that have been posted.
Best wishes Steve xx

[elderlyactivitie]

Gardeners Club Quiz
Timeline
Drawing Games
are all good elderly activities, check out http://www.elderlyactivities.co.uk/ for details on all these activities and to print off the activitie sheets to keep in your files. Media URL: http://www.elderlyactivities.co.uk/
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[caring]

Hi,

I know it's probably a bit late for Jeanette since the post was back in 2007. But for someone else in a similar position there is a daily or weekly paper specifically for this purpose that can be used in care homes (but I believe anyone can use it). I read about it in Caring Times.

It's written for the general elderly & early/mid stage dementia. Go here to see what you think: http://www.dailysparkle.co.uk Media URL: http://www.dailysparkle.co.uk
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