Senior Community

  • Supplies: collection of sing-along sheets.

    Instructions: a singer (with a guitar or on piano) can lead a group chorus in songs from the “good old days,” or patriotic songs.

  • Supplies: several blown-up balloons

    Adaptation: chairs or wheelchairs arranged in a circle.

    Instructions: the activities director or volunteer can bounce a balloon back and forth around a circle to the residents, which helps with developing balance and reflexes.

  • Supplies: chairs and/or wheelchairs.

    Instructions: the activities director can lead a group of residents in chair exercises, to build strength and flexibility.

  • Instructions: the latest news, sports, and weather can be discussed in a group setting.

  • Supplies: large TV with internet and channels, or DVD, with classic movies.

    Instructions: residents can watch their favorite classic movies.

  • Supplies: Bingo kit, with tiny ping-pong balls and wheel, and numbered place cards; low cost prizes for winning.

    Instructions: often a favorite, residents, with the help of the activities director and volunteers, can play Bingo with families, and win prizes.

  • Supplies: puzzles, with appropriate sizes for older residents.

    Instructions: with the help of the activity director and volunteers, seniors have fun putting together pieces to puzzles.

  • Supplies: small plants, with pots, soil, and pruning tools.

    Instructions: the activity director can lead and assist with planting seeds, watering, and pruning plants – this can be therapeutic.

  • Supplies: crochet yarn, needles, and hook; colored pencils and paper for drawing; beads and strands for making jewelry.

    Instructions: The activity director can lead an arts and crafts class, with crocheting, drawing, and jewelry making.

  • Supplies: board games such as Rummy Cube, Scrabble, and Dominoes.

    Instructions: Participants can enjoy playing games with each other, and volunteers.

  • Instructions: a religious leader can guide sessions discussing different parts of the Bible.

  • Instructions: a qualified, friendly dog can be brought to the community home to help cheer up and engage seniors for a more positive outlook.

  • Supplies: wheelchair accessible bus.

    Instructions: residents may be taken by bus to day outings, such as to a museum or superstore.

  • Supplies: hire local musicians, provide food, snacks, and drinks.

    Adaptation: arrange seating and tables, with wheelchair accessibility. Have volunteers assist with setup and cleanup.

    Instructions: residents celebrate holidays with musicians and/or cookouts.

Setting Considerations

  • Be as helpful as possible to seniors, while respecting their dignity. Be patient with explaining activities to them, and be flexible with any difficulties they may have mentally or physically.

  • It is important to make every activity wheelchair accessible, and you may need staff or volunteers to help with wheelchair transport to and from the activity.

  • Get to know the participants, and their backgrounds, so you can better serve them.

  • Try mentally stimulating activities, such as games and discussions.