One of the most common challenges in this role is ensuring high participation rates. Often, low engagement isn’t due to a lack of interest in activities altogether, but rather a disconnect between the activities offered and the individual interests and abilities of the residents. In this blog post, I’ll outline the importance of tailoring activities to meet the unique needs of each resident and provide practical strategies to help you boost participation in your care home.
Activities which lack any personal relevance may appear boring or just not of interest to the individual. Activities that are not aligned with a resident’s personal interests, past experiences, or current needs may not seem engaging or relevant to them. For instance, a resident who spent their life gardening might not be interested in a knitting session.
To increase participation, tailor activities to the individual interests and histories of the residents. Conduct informal interviews to learn about their hobbies, preferences, and past experiences. Using my H.E.L.P.S. framework (Histories, Experiences, Lifestyles, Preferences, Strengths), create a diverse activity schedule that includes options for various interests and provide opportunities for residents to suggest and lead activities themselves.
Tailoring activities to individual residents is not only a way to honour their personal history but also a critical factor in maintaining their cognitive and emotional wellbeing. When residents feel understood and valued, they are far more likely to participate actively, leading to a more vibrant and connected community within the care home.
The risks of 'One-size-fits-all' activities is that a handful or residents will participate because they understand the social benefits of group activities, but they never really feel completely satisfied.
Generic activities that don’t align with the interests or abilities of residents are less likely to capture their attention. As a result, participation rates can plummet, leading to social isolation and reduced mental stimulation for many residents in your care.
When residents are repeatedly offered activities that don’t appeal to them, they may become frustrated or disinterested. Over time, this can lead to disengagement, where residents withdraw from not only activities but social interactions as well.
Offering activities that don’t consider a resident’s abilities to join in can make them feel inadequate or incapable. This can have a detrimental effect on their self-esteem, further reducing their willingness to participate.
Alternatively, where residents don't feel at all challenged, or are helped over much, may feel bored or belittled. They can also become attached to 'learned helplessness' whereby, they are happy to let others help them, even in situations where they do not need any help. This can have a huge impact on staffing issues.
To increase participation and create a more dynamic activity programme, it’s essential to consider the unique needs and preferences of each resident.
When your set about personalising activities for maximum engagement, start by getting to know each resident on a deeper level. Conduct assessments that explore their past histories, experiences, lifestyles, preferences and strengths (remember my HELPS system). This information will be invaluable in designing activities that resonate with them personally.
Make sure that your notes are detailed enough. Writing 'music' and 'reading' in the LIKES column doesn't give nearly enough information. What kind of music do they like? What kind of things do they like to read?
Use the information gathered from assessments to develop personalised activity plans for each resident. These plans should take into account their current abilities, as well as their likes and dislikes. For example, a former schoolteacher might enjoy helping to read stories to others or leading a small discussion group.
Not all residents will have the same physical or cognitive abilities, so it’s important to offer activities that cater to different levels. For example, some residents may enjoy a physically active game like balloon tennis, while others might prefer something more calming, like gentle chair-yoga exercises.
Regularly ask residents for feedback on the activities you provide. This not only helps you refine your offerings but also empowers residents by involving them in the planning process. They are more likely to engage in activities they’ve had a hand in choosing.
Recognise that residents’ abilities and interests may change over time, especially for those with progressive conditions like dementia. Be prepared to adapt activities as needed to ensure they continue to be appropriate and engaging.
For residents who are comfortable with technology, consider incorporating digital activities, such as virtual museum tours, online games, or video calls with family members. These can be particularly appealing for residents who have had to reduce physical activity due to health concerns.
For residents who enjoy writing, provide the materials and guidance to create memory journals. This activity can help them document their life stories, preserving their memories and providing a sense of accomplishment. It's also a lovely activity to involve family members and friends with.
If a resident has a passion for a specific genre of music, create personalised playlists and organise listening sessions where they can enjoy their favourite tunes. This not only provides entertainment but also taps into the emotional power of music.
If a resident used to love gardening, consider setting up a small indoor garden where they can tend to plants. This allows them to continue engaging with an activity they’ve always enjoyed, in a way that’s manageable and rewarding.
Offer a variety of art projects that cater to different skill levels. Some residents might enjoy painting or drawing, while others might prefer simple crafts that focus on colour and texture, allowing them to express creativity without feeling overwhelmed.
Failing to tailor activities to the individual interests and abilities of residents can result in low participation and a less vibrant care home community. By personalising activities, you not only increase engagement but also enhance the quality of life for each resident. Remember, every resident has a story to tell and a unique set of skills and passions. By tapping into these, you can create a more inclusive, dynamic, and fulfilling environment for everyone.
You will need to revisit these exercises frequently as residents need change and their preferences may be very different during different seasons, for instance.
Let us know when you plan to do this next in the comments section below.
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