Every activity coordinator has a group of regulars - the residents who are always up for an activity, first to take a seat, and the ones you can rely on to join in. They make things easier, and their enthusiasm is wonderful, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself "why is it always the same people?"
Perhaps your manager, colleagues or resident family members have drawn attention to it. It may be something you've noticed, even struggled with, but did you ever consider what you can learn from it?
Thinking about this concept can help you to broaden engagement and make sure activities are more accessible and welcoming to more of your care home residents.
First you need to know who your regulars are.
Then ask yourself "Why do they come?"
Take a moment to think about them. Do they share certain traits? Are they naturally sociable? Do they enjoy routine? Is it easier for them to attend because they’re more mobile or live closer to the activity space?
It’s worth considering whether they genuinely love the activity. Or do they come along simply because they don’t like to say no or because they feel it’s their duty to join in.
Look at the sessions they attend. Are they drawn to music, quizzes, or craft activities? Or do they join in with anything and everything? If it’s the same type of activity bringing them back, could this mean your schedule leans toward their preferences, unintentionally leaving others out?
Your regulars probably feel comfortable and included, which is great! But are there things you do for them that could help others feel the same?
Do they get personal invitations? Are they gently encouraged?
Sometimes, established groups can feel a little too familiar, making others hesitant to join in. If a new face turns up, do your regulars welcome them, or does it feel like stepping into someone else’s routine? Could you help to include new participants more?
Some residents will be natural leaders, they love to be the first to answer a quiz question or lead a discussion, but this can be overwhelming for quieter personalities.
If you have residents who dominate activities, it’s worth thinking about whether this puts others off.
On the flip side, could they be encouraged to help bring others in? Would they be open to "buddying up" with someone new or inviting a fellow resident personally?
You can learn a lot from your regulars, they hold valuable insights.
Ask them:
What do they enjoy most about activities?
Why do they keep coming back?
How do they think other residents could be encouraged to join in?
Make these questions feel conversational, encouraging them to be open about their own thoughts around the activities you support.
You might get some interesting answers!
Once you’ve reflected on why some residents "always" take part, turn your attention to those who rarely do.
What’s stopping them? Is it confidence? Mobility? A lack of interest?
Do they even realise they’re invited? - It's amazing how many times I've come across this one.
A small tweak such as a personal invitation, different seating arrangements, or smaller group activities, could be all it takes to encourage them to come and join in.
Your regulars are fantastic, but your goal is to help more residents feel included and engaged. By understanding who always turns up and why, you can make simple changes that might just bring someone new into the fold. And who knows, this could be the start of a ripple effect in your care home activities.
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