Summer Activities For the Elderly in a Care Home
Summer is a season of warmth, sunshine, and vibrancy, offering a wonderful opportunity to engage in various activities that can enhance the well-being and happiness of elderly residents in care homes. Creating an enriching and supportive environment where residents can physically, mentally, and socially thrive is essential. In this blog, we explore some of the summer activities you could offer in your care home or do with loved ones, highlighting how they benefit residents and contribute to them experiencing a fulfilling lifestyle.
Benefits of Offering Summer Activities for Older Adults
Providing older people with several activities to participate in has numerous benefits that enhance their overall health and well-being. When deciding on specific activities to introduce during the summer months, make sure they incorporate one or multiple of the following benefits:
Improved Physical Health
Outdoor exercises such as walking, gardening, and light sports promote cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility. For elderly individuals, maintaining physical activity or gentle exercise can improve mobility issues and reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Engaging in physical activities also prevents or manages chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Enhanced Mental Health
Fresh air, sunshine and vitamin D increase the production of serotonin, a mood-enhancing chemical in the brain. Outdoor activities that stimulate the mind, such as arts & crafts or music sessions, can help keep cognitive functions sharp and can help slow the progression of conditions such as dementia. Also, being active and engaged can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, enhancing the overall quality of life of residents.
Increased Social Interaction
Participating in group activities can help to foster a sense of community and belonging within a care home which reduces any feelings of loneliness and isolation. When spending time with like-minded individuals, residents can build friendships and engage with a variety of people which in hand enhances their emotional well-being.
Sense of Purpose and Routine
Offering structured activities as part of an activities programme provides residents with a sense of purpose and routine. This is crucial to those who feel that they have lost some of their independence or direction. Planning out all-inclusive activities for them to opt in on gives residents something to look forward to each day and the feeling of independence, contributing to a more fulfilling and happy life.
Our Top 5 Summer Activities for Care Home Residents
Gardening
Gardening is typically a favourite summer activity for residents in care homes. It provides them with gentle physical exercise, improves their fine motor skills, and offers a sense of accomplishment. As the summer months progress, they can watch the garden come to life with colour and greenery.
Gardening can also be a sensory activity which benefits all residents in a care home, particularly those who require dementia care. Using all the senses by touching soil, smelling flowers and seeing plants grow can be a wonderful way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Gardening can also be a social activity, allowing residents to work together and share their gardening tips which creates a further sense of community and encourages teamwork between residents. Most care homes will offer raised planters or window boxes for residents who have reduced mobility.
Arts and Crafts Workshops
Arts and crafts workshops are an excellent way to stimulate creativity and cognitive function in residents. These activities can range from painting and drawing to knitting, pottery, and making jewellery. It allows residents to bring out their creative side and create something that truly represents who they are and what they enjoy.
Artistic activities provide a mental workout, encouraging residents to engage in problem-solving and be creative. They also offer fine motor skill development, which is particularly beneficial for those with arthritis or other conditions affecting their hand movement. Arts & crafts can also boost self-esteem in residents, as it creates a sense of accomplishment. They can take pride in their work and show it off to loved ones during visits or in-house summer events.
Music and Dance Sessions
Music has a powerful impact on memory and emotion, as it can often spark memories associated with certain songs and improve residents' overall mood. Dancing can encourage residents to express their authentic selves, whilst improving their coordination and balance.
These sessions can be tailored to the preferences of the residents, including their favourite genres from both now and when they were younger. Sing-alongs, instrument playing, and dance routines can all be incorporated whilst in the garden.
Music and dance sessions are a great activity to bring people together which further creates community within care homes. Residents often feel more connected and uplifted after participating and sets them up with a positive mindset.
Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are a fun activity to engage residents and make some delicious treats for later. These sessions could range from baking simple treats to preparing some savoury dishes with the dining team, it is dependent on resident preferences and the care home adaptions to ensure accessibility and safety at all times. Making treats such as ice lollies gives residents something to enjoy whilst relaxing in the garden too.
Cooking can also stimulate all of the senses and allows residents to reminisce and share their favourite recipes whilst growing up. It allows residents to create something they can all enjoy later, or share with their loved ones in the sunshine and receive a sense of independence and accomplishment.
Outdoor Day Trips
Organising day trips can be one of the most exciting summer activities for care home residents. These trips can include visits to local parks, botanical gardens, and museums, or a browse around the local shops. The change of scenery and fresh air is extremely beneficial to residents.
Day trips provide a break from the daily routine and introduce residents to new experiences and sights. They can be planned according to residents' health needs and preferences, ensuring that they can all participate and enjoy the outing safely.
Spending a day out with fellow residents and caregivers strengthens bonds and creates special memories. It’s an opportunity for laughter, conversation, and exploration, all of which contribute to residents receiving a rich and meaningful life.
Our Private Gardens at Floryn House
At Floryn House, we take pride in our beautiful private gardens, which serve as a serene and secure space for our residents to enjoy a variety of activities. Our gardens are specifically designed to be accessible and inviting, providing an area for relaxation and socialising.
The closed-away nature of our private gardens ensures that residents can enjoy the outdoors without any safety concerns. This secure environment is particularly beneficial for those with dementia or other conditions that may cause wandering. Our gardens offer peace of mind to families, knowing that their loved ones are in a safe and controlled space.
In our private gardens, residents can engage in many activities. We have a dedicated activities team that creates a weekly schedule that aligns with our residents' needs and preferences. We also host various outdoor events in our private gardens, such as picnics, barbecues, and themed parties. These events provide opportunities for social interaction and entertainment, enhancing the sense of community within Floryn House. Residents can invite family members to join these events too which enhances their bond and allows them to create more memories.
In the summer months, we encourage residents to make full use of our private gardens, whether it is to relax, take part in exercise classes, enjoy some garden games or spend time with loved ones. At our care home in Yarnton, we take pride in offering continuous support, empowering residents and their loved ones to maintain independence and dignity around the clock.
Book a Tour Today
If you’re looking to learn more about our care home, we invite you to book a tour today. Visiting our home in person is the best way to see firsthand the exceptional care and extensive range of activities we offer to residents. Our friendly staff will be delighted to show you around, answer any questions, and discuss how we can meet the specific needs of your loved one.
