Those who choose to live in a care home are often surprised by how many opportunities to try new and exciting things there are. It’s crucial to remember the importance of a varied activities programme in a care home, and it’s key to understand the impact that these events and excursions have on residents and their loved ones.
In many care homes, activity programmes have been developed and put in place by a small team of qualified individuals. These individuals, otherwise known as Activity Coordinators, always have the well-being of the residents at the heart of everything they do.
Activity programmes are usually filled with a variety of exciting things to do, and the activities on there are set to change regularly to avoid disappointment and to ensure all interests are catered for. The importance of having a programme that is accessible in place at all is certainly not to be denied, and there are many reasons behind creating one that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Research shows that having a diverse activities programme for residents in a care home can provide massive improvements to an older individual's physical and mental health. Going out for regular strolls, whether around the care home’s private gardens or around parks in the local community, can help decrease the risk of heart disease and further cardiovascular issues as well as improve mood with its calming effects.
It’s so important for an older person to stay active and alert, which is why a wander around the garden, a trip to an in-house arts and crafts workshop, or even an afternoon at the theatre can be brilliant to keep the mind sharp. Having something to focus on, or something that simply gives a resident a sense of purpose and independence can really be great for their well-being and mood.
Being able to participate in activities and events in and around the local community is a great aspect of moving into a care home. Taking part in activities that are meaningful and positive is key to living a healthy and fulfilled life. Through the process of improving a resident’s health and social care, they can really see what the local area has to offer in terms of places to go and people to see.
Lots of care homes actively collaborate with other local organisations such as churches, schools and garden centres, offering opportunities for everyone to get involved, try new things and meet different people. For older people, intergenerational activities and the presence of younger people can have incredibly positive effects on both mental and physical health. It also has benefits on the development of children to spend time with older people, making this an essential part of community living.
In a lot of care homes, there’s a huge emphasis on providing residents with a varied and luxurious lifestyle, where each day is different and brings with it an abundance of opportunities.
This is something that’s incredibly important, as it enables residents to continue doing the things they love as well as experience new things. There are lots of entertainment options available in care homes that can provide residents with days full of easygoing fun.
Playing competitive games can be an excellent pastime, and also one that helps to stimulate the mind in ways that might not have been expected. Most care homes offer board games old and new, which can also help with reminiscence as they evoke memories of childhood.
Whether residents choose to play a game against their friends, families, or fellow residents, take themselves away to read a book, or pop into the local town for some exploring, there is always plenty of exciting opportunities for residents to get the most out of their days.
When it comes to ensuring they have the most dedicated team of caring staff, lots of care homes tend to have a real focus on nursing staff and care assistants. However, the importance of having Activities Coordinators is certainly something to not be overlooked. Having a dedicated individual or team who takes full responsibility for any and all activities in the care home is fantastic for resident morale and stability.
Taking part in daily activities or exciting excursions is solely down to the decision of the resident, however, having someone there to make sure that there is always something new and interesting to try will always be incredibly impactful on residents' wellbeing. These Activities Coordinators also become familiar friendly faces around the home, and usually someone the residents will come to associate with fun and laughter.
At Penrose Court Care Home, one of our many passions is ensuring that every single one of our residents makes the most of each and every day. We encourage our residents to do what makes them happy, whether it's exploring Penrose Court's gardens and grounds, socialising with friends and family or venturing into Biggleswade's colourful market town centre.
It is also incredibly important to us that each resident is given the same opportunities and that activities are accessible to all. For those residents receiving nursing care or dementia care, we go above and beyond to ensure activities are inclusive for them too. Whether it’s assisting them with mobility around the home, bringing the activities to them, or holding 1:1 sessions, we make sure that they are given every opportunity too.
Our Activity Coordinators have a great time planning a variety of fun things for our residents to enjoy. Although we have our own transportation to get residents from one excursion to the next, Penrose Court Care Home is in such a great location that if family members wanted to join in on the fun, there are plenty of great transportation options nearby, so no one is ever left behind.
Our helpful team at Penrose Court would be pleased to help you in any way they can if you have any questions that you would want to discuss. You can get in touch with us by phoning 01767 777000 or sending an email to info@penrosecourt.com. As an alternative, you can complete our Enquiry Form, and we'll give you a call as soon as we can.