One of the most rewarding aspects of being an activity coordinator is bringing joy and engagement to the residents you support. However, it’s essential to strike the right balance between planning activities that are fun and meaningful without veering into territory that might feel infantilising or patronising to older adults.
Understanding the difference between "childish" activities and genuinely enjoyable experiences is key to creating a respectful and fulfilling environment for residents.
Dignity is at the heart of care work. Every resident deserves to feel respected, valued, and understood. While it's important to foster a playful and light-hearted atmosphere, activities should always respect the life experience, knowledge, and maturity of the residents.
Childish activities often undermine this dignity. For example, activities that are too simplistic, such as basic colouring books designed for children, can make residents feel belittled or underestimated. In contrast, having fun means engaging residents in ways that stimulate their minds, evoke pleasant memories, or simply allow them to enjoy themselves in a manner that aligns with their age and preferences.
The key to avoid infantilising residents is to choose activities that are age-appropriate while still being fun and engaging.
Consider the interests, past hobbies, and careers of your residents. For instance, someone who enjoyed gardening might appreciate a flower arranging workshop, while a former teacher might enjoy leading a book club or discussion group.
Instead of using children’s art supplies, offer materials that encourage creativity in a sophisticated way, such as painting on canvas, knitting, or pottery. These activities allow for personal expression without feeling juvenile.
Use adult colouring books or pages, including mindfulness colouring for those who might enjoy the more intricate work.
Puzzles, trivia games, or word searches tailored to adult interests are excellent for mental stimulation. Ensure the content is relevant to their age group, with questions that reflect their era or favourite topics.
Group activities, such as themed quiz nights, music sessions featuring classic hits, or reminiscing activities that encourage sharing stories, are perfect for creating a fun and communal atmosphere without being condescending.
Even the most well-intentioned activity can come across as infantilising if the language and presentation aren’t carefully considered. Always use language that acknowledges the residents as adults with rich life experiences. Avoid terms that might be seen as patronising, such as “playtime” or “arts and crafts” if these are associated with children’s activities. You will discover which terms trigger negative responses when you discuss them with the residents in your home.
Instead, use a group session to discover prefered use phrases. Suggest some of your own to get the creative juices flowing, such as, “creative workshop,” “discussion group,” or “social hour” to present activities in a way that respects the maturity of the participants.
Ensuring that phrases used to describe group activities feel relevant to residents will help when it comes to engaging them in the activities themselves.
One of the most empowering aspects of planning activities is giving residents the freedom to choose what they’d like to participate in. Offering a variety of options allows residents to select activities that genuinely interest them, reinforcing their autonomy and ensuring that they don’t feel compelled to engage in something that feels beneath them.
Remember, it’s about providing options that cater to different tastes and abilities, from physically engaging activities to quieter, more reflective ones.
One way to introduce fun while respecting residents' maturity is through intergenerational activities. These can include inviting local school children for reading sessions, organising storytelling events where residents share their life experiences with younger generations, or hosting technology tutorials where younger visitors teach residents new skills. These activities foster a sense of purpose and connection without feeling infantilising.
The difference between childish activities and having fun lies in how we approach the planning and execution of activities. By focusing on the interests, dignity, and autonomy of residents, we can create an environment where fun is a natural outcome of engaging, respectful, and stimulating activities. As a care home activity coordinator, your role is to ensure that every resident feels valued and that their time spent participating in activities is not only enjoyable but also enriching and meaningful.
Remember, it’s not about avoiding fun - it’s about fostering it in a way that uplifts and respects every resident’s individuality and life experience.
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