As a care home activity coordinator, managing a limited budget can be one of your biggest challenges. However, a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t provide meaningful, engaging activities for your residents. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can stretch your funds further and even find new sources of support.
Here are five practical ways to boost your activities budget:
Tap into your local community
Local businesses, charities, and community groups are often happy to help support care home activities.
Sponsorships - Approach local companies to sponsor specific events or donate supplies.
Volunteers - Look first to your residents' family members. You may also find many community members, including students or retirees, are willing to donate their time or skills.
Donations - Create a wish list of items you need, such as craft materials or board games. Post it on your notice board and share it with local groups, churches, or schools.
By building connections, you’ll not only increase your resources but also create opportunities for intergenerational activities and community engagement.
Fundraising
Fundraising doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Fun, resident-led initiatives can be a great way to involve everyone while raising money for activities.
Cake sales - Host a regular coffee morning and include a cake sale at the event. Ask the kitchen to provide some small cakes for residents and guests. Ask if they could also supply a plate of extra cakes to sell. Invite attendees to bring a cake for the cake sale.
Craft Fairs - Showcase and sell items made during crafting sessions.
Raffles - Ask local businesses to donate prizes and hold a raffle at an open day or special event.
These events can also double as enjoyable activities for residents and an opportunity to invite families into the home.
Make the most of free and low-cost resources
There are plenty of free or inexpensive options for activities.
Local libraries and museums - Many offer free or discounted online resources or group visits.
Online ideas - Pinterest and Facebook Groups are full of budget-friendly activity ideas. You're very welcome to join us Care Home Activities Matter - Bright Copper Kettles CIC
Nature walks - your garden or nearby parks are great spaces for cost-free, wellness-boosting walks and Eye Spy ventures.
Look for free resources specifically designed for activity coordinators, such as downloadable packs or guides. - Check out the shop on this website to start.
Collaborate with other departments
Remember - You’re not alone in the care home!
Partnering with other teams can open up opportunities to share resources or integrate activities into daily routines.
Kitchen Team - Collaborate on cooking or baking sessions using existing food supplies.
Maintenance Staff - They might help build simple items like bird feeders or assist with garden activities.
Nursing Team - Activities such as reminiscence sessions can tie in with health and wellbeing goals.
Collaboration fosters a team effort while ensuring everyone contributes to residents’ quality of life.
Grants and funding
There are numerous grants and funding options available for care homes.
Research organisations that support activities and wellbeing for older adults.
Start Local - Many councils and community organisations offer small grants for wellbeing projects.
Tailor Applications - Clearly explain how the funding will directly benefit your residents.
Showcase Impact - Include stories or pictures of past activities to demonstrate the positive impact of your work.
Take the time to explore resources like the National Lottery Community Fund or other sector-specific grant schemes.
You can achieve a big impact with a small budget!
With these tips, you can ensure that your residents continue to enjoy stimulating and meaningful activities, even on a shoestring budget. Remember, the key to success lies in creativity, collaboration, and community connections.
What creative approaches have you successfully used to engage local businesses or community groups in supporting your activities programme?
- Share tips on how you approached them and what types of support they provided.
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