Tip #1: Provide each resident with their own set of required dice to play chosen game. TIP #2: Clean dice after each activity by soaking in a sink or basin filled with hot water and antibacterial dish soap or other antibacterial cleaning agent. Tip #3: Seat residents as far apart as possible during games. (Having…
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Valentine’s Day: Love is in the air…and on the canvas!
Valentines day is on the way, and it’s always nice to give your residents an opportunity to celebrate through artwork. The example shown in this tutorial is done in an ombre style, however your residents may choose to paint their background in any colour or pattern they choose. For some residents, it may be less…
Simple Geometric Painting Tutorial
This is a great option for any group of residents you may be working with, as the ‘artist’ can choose any colour combination, or pattern they wish. You may find that some people will struggle to paint different colours in each section, even with your support. The residents certainly have the option to use the…
Santa’s Gift Toss Game
Supplies Needed: Bean Bag Toss Game 1x white Bristol Board 1x Red Bristol Board Glue Stick or Glue Gun Black Marker Scissors Tape Thin Ribbon Making The Game: Lay sheet of red Bristol board on the face of your bean bag toss game. Putting slight pressure on the Bristol board, locate the holes underneath and…
Pipe Cleaner Sorting Task – A Simple Photo Tutorial
Follow this simple step by step photo tutorial to create a basic pipe cleaner sorting task. Product Links Multi-Color Grommets Kit Gerber Lil Crunchies, Vanilla Maple Pipe Cleaners 27 Colors
‘Pictionary’ In Memory Care -A quick, fun, flexible activity.
I love activities that give the residents an opportunity to poke fun at me. If you are hesitant to try this one because you aren’t confident in your drawing skills, don’t let that stop you. In my experience, the drawings that are horrible are the ones that get the most chuckles. I like to joke…
VARIETY CART – Choosing appropriate activities based on the needs of the residents, not the other way around.
In memory care, there is typically a monthly activity calendar that gets assembled and printed for the residents. This means that the recreation staff are planning some of the activities over a month in advance, even though the residents needs are changing daily. You may lose, or gain residents. There could be illness or injuries…
Build A Bug – A Fun New Dice Game
This game is a modified version of a game called “Beetle.” The original game is a lot of fun, and people seem to really enjoy it, however it requires two staff to play, and is a very fast paced, competitive game. This is great for some residents in long term care, but can be stressful…
DIY Patterned Sorting Squares
Whether you use your patterned squares as a sorting task, or for visual stimulation for residents, they will certainly come in handy when working in memory care. The assorted patterns and vivid colours can be used to connect with residents, and start conversations about a range of topics. I have used the squares to spark…
Movie Theatre Life Station – The Affordable Way.
Creating life stations within your memory care units does not have to eat away at your budget. Once you have a vision for what you’d like the area to look like, it’s just a matter of brainstorming the least expensive way to reach the final product you have in mind. These days, we have so…
Memory Care Matters 