The Importance of Activity Programmes in Care Homes
Many studies have shown that there are multiple benefits to residents taking part in care home activities and it’s proven that social activities can improve physical and mental wellbeing.
The activities within care homes in Crieff can be as simple as doing some drawing within a group setting or it can be more intensive, such as going on an outing into the local town. We have an activities coordinator who create weekly programmes, planning specific activities for residents to take part in, taking into account that not everyone has the same interests and will create tailored activities for different kinds of hobbies, interests and lifestyles.
The Benefits of Activity Programmes
Taking part in social activities provides many mental and emotional health benefits due to the importance of friendships, laughter and socialisation with others through group activities. Often as we grow older, we naturally become more isolated and lonely, which can lead to depression, therefore, participating in social activities has a positive impact and is likely to improve someones overall wellbeing and mood, improving their quality of life.
Everyone is different and no one has the same personal interests. Activity planning means getting to know each resident as the individual they are, finding out their likes, dislikes and other preferences, all ensuring that everyones needs are met. Whether that’s creating a book club, taking part in art and craft classes, playing board games or spending time with others, chatting and laughing over a cup of tea; the opportunities are endless and there are so many more benefits...
Mental Health Improved
Taking part in engaging activities is important for many reasons, one in particular being that there are many mental health benefits.
The activities programme within Oakbank Care Home as well as other care homes in Crieff are created to bring a sense of achievement as well as providing different forms of entertainment. Care home activity coordinators will arrange activities such as baking, games, competitions, art classes as well as so much more to help the residents feel more motivated through mental stimulation.
By having a structured activities programme, residents will always having something to look forward to, meaning it forms a routine each week. There is often a theme incorporated into the activities programme too, whether its seasonal or for an upcoming national day such as Christmas.
Improve Physical Health
As we all know, it’s important to stay active and it is encouraged for people to continue with this even in the latter years due to mental and physical health benefits. Doing some gentle exercise each week even if its going for a walk, can significantly reduce stress as well as the risks of severe illnesses such as heart disease.
It’s a good idea to try and encourage residents as much as possible to do some from of physical activity as there are wonderful benefits, from not just boosting their physical wellbeing but also their immune systems, improving their digestive systems, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risks of diabetes, all from some leisure activities, which can be done alone or within a group.
Most care homes will introduce exercise classes within their activities programmes, making them appropriate for everyone to join, even those who are frail or in a wheelchair. Additionally, the activities coordinators within the homes will take advantage of the facilities that the home has to offer, for example, using their gardens, taking activities outside during the warmer, summer months, meaning residents can also gain some fresh air and vitamin D whilst taking part in stimulating activities. By adapting a more active lifestyle, we can ensure residents can continue to carry out daily tasks for longer due to strengthening their muscles, balance and bones.
Social Activities & Events To Reduce Loneliness
Prior to moving into a residential care home, individuals usually have a lack of self esteem and life satisfaction due to being alone at home. However, when residents move into a care home, all residents are supported to overcome physical barriers such as the loss of hearing, depression and even the lack of interest in personal care. Care home staff are able to achieve this by encouraging residents to get involved within group activities and outings. By participating in activities, it means residents can be together, not only improving their emotional wellbeing but also forming new relationships with other like minded residents.
Both nursing homes and care homes will arrange day trips outside of the home, going to community gatherings, visiting local attractions, visiting animals or attending entertainment events such as theatre shows.
Looking Back On The Past & Previous Experiences
All activities for residents will have been designed with their interests in mind and some of these activities are usually things residents have done in the past, encouraging some to learn new skills, such as knitting. Taking part in a meaningful activity that they used to enjoy such as baking, could trigger fond memories, especially for those with dementia.
Reminiscing can be a powerful tool for bonding with others as well as reducing their impact of dementia by helping to improve their cognitive skills. When residents are able to remember a little something from their past it can spark happy memories, providing connections with others in the home.
Keeping Up With New Hobbies & Discovering New Interests
Living within a supportive care home encourages residents to continue with activities that they once loved. Within a care home setting, residents have the opportunity to pursue new interests that they have never had the chance to do before. This can be encouraged within a group setting where residents can learn something alongside someone else, which gets their cognitive side of their brain working as well as providing the opportunity to socialise with others.
Oakbank Care Home’s Activity Programme
At Oakbank Care Home, we believe in providing meaningful activities to help improve our resident’s wellbeing and health. With accessible activities alongside outstanding levels of care, our residents can expect to experience an increase in physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Within our warm and welcoming home, we have a dedicated team who want to make sure all of our residents have a wide range of activities to take part in, whether that’s live music, spending the afternoon painting or joining a gardening club within the home; there is so much fun to be had on a daily basis. Our care home in Crieff offers our residents a personalised programme of activities and we understand that not everyone is the same, so all of our residents have the freedom to choose what social activities they would want to take part in. If one of our residents would prefer to have a quieter day, we have a selection of facilities which they can use, such as our library or catching up with a loved one in the garden.
At Oakbank, we have a dedicated dementia team which can provide our residents with high standard levels of care alongside meaning activities which can help trigger fond memories and improve their overall wellbeing. We’re proud to offer a range of activities for our residents, from baking and sensory activities like music therapy to arts and crafts where our residents can get as creative as they wish, resonating with memories of their past.
About Oakbank Care Home In Crieff
Oakbank Care Home is an all inclusive, luxurious care home in Crieff that offers Residential Care, Nursing Care, Respite Care and Dementia Care for up to 70 residents. We do more than provide basic care needs, we’re all about looking after our residents as a whole, caring for their health needs as well as their mental, physical and emotional needs. We offer a plethora of in-house facilities which include landscaped gardens, a library, hair salon and cinema room for the residents to use at their leisure at no extra cost.
At Oakbank, we want to ensure that all of our residents will experience a sense of joy within their daily living and we encourage them to get involved with many different things going on within our home as we are one big local community where all are invited to take part. Throughout the year we look to host seasonal events where loved ones can also join, wither it’s a summer BBQ, a birthday celebration, Christmas celebrations or Easter. It’s all about promoting how our residents can continue to maintain strong relationships with their family members, whilst forming new relationships with other residents and staff members.
Get In Touch With Our Expert Team Today
If you would like to find our more about Oakbank Care Home, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today by calling us on 01764 460072, by emailing us info@oakbankcare.co.uk or filling out our contact form and one of our friendly team members will be delighted to assist you.
