christine59

I am not sure if you are in a SNF or ALF, but if ALF you could consider taking them on an outing, like to a park, mall or just for a cruise around town. If not have you tried games like Bingo, chair volley ball, Price is Right, or scavenger hunt (the hunt will get the staff involved too)? What about having special events such as a Kentucky Derby (if you call it a horse race it does not seem as exciting). Have them wear something special like a fancy hat or jacket to make it a fancy event. You can use toy or wooden horses lined up at the starting line. You can have them in teams or individually. Have them roll a large dice, then ask a question. If they get it right their horse moves the number of spaces on the dice they rolled. If they miss the question their horse does not move. Before the activity starts set up your race track so all your steps are visible and it keeps it fair. Use a long table to keep the track straight and visible so all can see. The winner receives candy, a sash and flowers. Just like they do at the derby. Call your local hobby shop to see if there are any remote control clubs that would come out to demo the cars/trucks. If you have a large yard area some can bring their helicopters. Call the local dance studio to see if a dance team will come out to give a performance. Church or school choirs might come to perform because it is like practice for them when they want to try new songs out. Reach out to your surrounding community for free entertainment. Have a tea social or a mocktail party. Have a card party and invite the local bridge club over to play a round with the residents that know how to play. The residents that don't play bridge can play other card games. One AD I know has afternoon tea or flavored coffee (decaf of course) and reads to the group from a book called "Older But Wilder" by Effie Leland Wilder. It is about life in a living assist home. She said they love it and ask for more because they laugh so hard...laughter will always wake people up. If none of the above will work for you, then you need to have a meeting and ask them what they would like to do in the afternoons. As you know, they are not shy about telling you what they like and don't like if you ask them. Anything can be an activity, you just have to figure out how to put it in action. Good luck! Christine