The Role of Activities in Care Homes: How Meaningful Engagement Improves Wellbeing

Introduction

The role of activities in care homes goes beyond simple entertainment—meaningful engagement is essential for improving both the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. At Aurem Care, we believe that offering a wide range of personalised activities not only helps residents stay active but also builds social connections and a sense of purpose.

We are proud to be registered with NAPA (National Activity Providers Association), which supports our teams with specialist training and resources to ensure we deliver the highest standard of activities that promote wellbeing across all our homes.

How Activities Enhance Wellbeing

Research consistently shows that engaging in stimulating activities improves mood, cognitive function, and overall health in older adults. In care homes, regular activities create opportunities for residents to feel connected, fulfilled, and mentally stimulated, all of which contribute to a higher quality of life.

Types of Activities That Make a Difference

1. Physical Activities Physical movement, even light exercise, has a significant impact on maintaining mobility and overall health. From chair yoga to short walks in the garden, these activities help improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
   
2. Cognitive Activities Brain games, puzzles, and memory exercises are designed to keep residents mentally sharp. These activities can also help those with dementia by slowing cognitive decline and offering mental stimulation.
   
3. Social Activities Social interaction is key to combating loneliness and isolation. Group activities like quizzes, bingo, or afternoon teas give residents the chance to bond with each other and feel part of a community.
   
4. Creative Activities Expressing creativity through art, music, or crafts gives residents an emotional outlet. Many care homes offer music therapy, painting sessions, and crafting, which are not only enjoyable but also therapeutic.

Personalising Activity Plans for Each Resident

Every resident is unique, and the key to improving wellbeing is offering activities that are tailored to individual preferences. At Aurem Care, we work closely with residents and their families to create personalised activity plans that respect each person’s interests, abilities, and care needs. Our NAPA-trained teams have the expertise and resources to ensure activities are meaningful and enriching.

Pro Tip:
“We encourage families to share hobbies and interests their loved ones enjoyed prior to joining us, so we can incorporate these into their daily lives. For example, at Brimington in Chesterfield, we host gardening sessions for residents with a passion for the outdoors.”

The Impact of Routine and Engagement

Structured activities provide residents with a daily routine that helps establish a sense of normalcy and security. Routines also help those with cognitive impairments like dementia, as they benefit from consistency and familiarity. Meaningful engagement through activities not only fills the day with purpose but also helps reduce feelings of anxiety or restlessness.

NAPA: Supporting Our Homes with Training and Resources

As members of NAPA, all Aurem Care homes benefit from access to expert training and a wealth of activity resources. This ensures that our teams are always up-to-date with the latest practices and ideas for delivering the best activities. NAPA’s support helps us create a stimulating and inclusive environment where residents thrive.

Conclusion

The role of activities in care homes cannot be overstated. At Aurem Care, we understand that meaningful engagement is crucial for the overall wellbeing of our residents, which is why we focus on creating tailored, enjoyable activities for everyone in our care. Our NAPA affiliation strengthens our approach by providing our teams with the necessary tools to deliver exceptional activity programmes. Get in touch to learn more about our approach to resident wellbeing or to schedule a visit to one of our homes.

More Information

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