Research has found that seniors who take part in social activities are happier than those who don’t. This shows how important it is to introduce them in assisted living communities.
Learning to plan family events is key to keeping residents happy and maximizing visiting time. But with so many potential ideas, it can feel overwhelming knowing which ones residents and their family will prefer.
If you’re struggling with brainstorming, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything to know about planning family events in assisted living communities.
Benefits of Assisted Living Activities
Before diving into our family gathering tips for senior living, it’s important to discuss how it helps residents.
Assisted living activities fend off certain mental diseases. For instance, dementia, depression, and anxiety. But when seniors engage in activities with their family and peers, they socialize and feel connected with one another. As a result, they leave the session with purpose.
Many activities also boost seniors’ physical well-being. Regular exercise improves blood flow, strength, and balance, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a yoga session.
Our Top Activities for Seniors
Elderly care family events fall into different categories, depending on the resident’s situation or preference. The key is to experiment with different activities to keep residents happy and engaged. Some ideas include:
Games
Games are a winner when brainstorming assisted living event ideas. Nowadays, you needn’t limit yourselves to Bingo as there are plenty of other options, especially when you play virtual games. Residents can play a game of Wii and try out different sports, such as baseball, bowling, or even tennis.
Or, keep it old-school, by bringing out the board games like checkers and chess. Other residents may prefer playing trivia games, puzzles, and card games to get everyone involved.
Entertainment
Entertainment is fantastic for seniors’ social activities. The beauty of this option is that residents don’t need to travel, which makes it accessible for everyone. Make sure you schedule different types of entertainment, so it’s more exciting for residents.
Stand-up comedy brings people together and gives seniors a chance to flex their comedy skills. You can even turn it into a competition for extra laughs. Another idea is to arrange a karaoke night where residents can jump on the mic to sing or play their favorite instrument.
An all-time classic are movie nights, either at the community center or in town. Weekly movie nights will attract crowds, especially if residents can share recommendations beforehand.
Physical Activities
Encouraging physical activities is essential for improving seniors’ well-being. Make sure you choose accessible classes so that residents and their families can join in. You could, for example, introduce everyone to chair yoga or tai chai where there’s a focus on small, intentional movements.
Another fan-favorite are dance classes as it lets residents socialize with their loved ones and community. Dancing also has many benefits. This includes strengthening joints and improving cardiovascular health, and bone health.
A classic one is ballroom dancing, like the samba or tango, because they are fun and light-hearted. Another great way to get moving is by doing the zumba and modify it if necessary.
Artsy Activities
Regardless of anyone’s creativity skills, arts and crafts is always a hit. Families and residents can spend the afternoon coloring or drawing as it’s soothing and supports a healthy brain. To try something new, schedule an origami class where everyone can try craft complex shapes, from cranes to jumping frogs.
Sewing is great for seniors who have good hand and finger mobility. If it’s too difficult to complete the designs, let residents use a sewing machine to reduce strain. The key is to start slow so that beginners are encouraged to join and try a new activity.
Another great idea is scrapbooking. Not only does it give seniors and their families time to bond, but it’s easy to fill the book with gorgeous designs. It is the go-to choice for residents who suffer from arthritis because it’s less physically demanding.
Similarly, designing picture frames works well too, especially when family is involved. Custom frames are a beautiful way of capturing memories and ensuring that they last a lifetime. Plus, it gives residents the opportunity to personalize their rooms with photos of their family, making it a win-win.
Further, schedule classes where residents can hone their craft. Writing lessons, for example, let seniors share their pieces and listen to feedback from the group. If that’s too formal, create a weekly book club where seniors can connect and share their thoughts on what they’ve read.
Mindfulness Activities
Aside from fitness, residents should regularly practice mindfulness. It promotes brain health and prevents metal ailments, such as depression or anxiety.
Sure, you can schedule meditation and yoga classes, but mindfulness comes in other forms that residents may prefer. This includes gardening, drawing, and even going for a walk where you focus on the surroundings.
Monthly Field Trips
Community events for seniors give everyone a date to look forward to, regardless of their interests. A change of scenery will also give residents a mental boost, whether it’s attending a local sporting event or visiting a museum.
A great option is concerts, especially because they feature music that’s popular with a range of generations. Or if that doesn’t interest everyone, check if any local plays or musicals are performing in the area.
It’s also a good idea to ask residents for their input. Not only does it keep everyone involved, but you may discover new exciting activities.
Our Tips for Planning Family Events in Assisted Living Communities
Now that you have inspiration, it’s time to start planning family events in assisted living communities.
At Greenwood Place Assisted Living & Memory Care, we offer residents quality care around the clock. We offer personalized care plans to ensure that our residents are happy and bond with other community members.
If you’re interested in our services in Marietta, GA, we’d love to hear from you. Schedule a tour on our site and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.
