Hi friends —
If no one has told you lately, let us say it clearly: you made it through a long year of showing up for others. Day after day, you brought dignity, joy, and connection to the people around you — often while carrying far more than anyone ever sees.
As this year draws to a close, this is not a time to rush ahead or overplan. It’s a time to slow the pace, create space for reflection, and allow moments of rest — for your residents and for you.
January doesn’t have to arrive with pressure or grand resolutions. It can arrive quietly, inviting comfort, memory, and meaning as we prepare for renewal, fresh goals, and a new season of care.
This issue of the Activity Corner Newsletter is designed to support that gentle transition — offering ideas that are calming, thoughtful, and easy to implement as we await the new year together.
🌟 Featured Activity: Soup Stories & Comfort Circle
January is National Soup Month, making it the perfect anchor for comfort-based winter programming. Soup naturally invites memories, culture, and conversation across all levels of care.
- Group Size: 4–10 or 1-on-1
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- Best For: Assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing
How to Run It:
Display photos or recipe cards of classic soups (chicken noodle, vegetable, beef stew, tomato).
Invite residents to share who made soup in their home, when soup was served, or what soup brings them comfort.
Optional add-ins may include visual or aroma-based broth tastings, crackers, or soup-scented sachets.
Documentation Tip: Resident engaged in reminiscence, sensory stimulation,
verbal expression, and social connection.
Offer decaf and herbal tea options while residents share tea or coffee traditions from earlier life.
Large-print riddles, word puzzles, and trivia enjoyed aloud or in pairs.
Residents and staff exchange compliment cards or reflect on personal strengths and life moments.
This month’s free resource is our 12 Days of Winter Writing —
a gentle, reflective writing activity designed to support reminiscence,
emotional expression, and meaningful conversation throughout January.
Prompts may be used for individual writing, small group discussion,
journaling, or dictation. Residents are encouraged to move at their own pace,
focusing on reflection rather than perfection.
Used during Soup Stories & Comfort Circle to support independence and reduce spills.
Perfect for Hot Tea Month tastings and sensory conversation.
Used to create calm ambiance for reminiscence and reflection groups.
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You are the heartbeat of your community — we’re honored to support you.
