The pandemic has had a huge impact on the mental and physical health of several people all over the world. However, it has had an even greater impact on those in the social care sector as well as those in care homes that have been unable to see their families for prolonged periods. However, with a few simple activities, you can begin to lift their spirits and improve the quality of life for those in a care home at the time of the pandemic.
Start A Book Club
In a time when the family are not allowed to visit due to restrictions, many care home residents find that they are spending more time in their rooms. With this comes the feeling of isolation that can be damaging to mental health. So why not start a book club? This gives the residents the chance to discover something new every weekend and talk about it as a group, allowing for everyone to come together safely.
Have Activities In The Communal Area
In addition to a book club, why not have activities on hand for those in the communal areas. Whether it is a puzzle, a boot or an interactive activity o the computer, this will encourage residents to enjoy these activities at a social distance and have them out of their rooms. This is a great way to make sure that everyone feels less alone and can enjoy their day-to-day despite no family visits.
Set Up Pen Pals
Several care homes in Hemel Hempstead, as well as other care homes around the UK, have started to implement pen pals for care home residents as a way of allowing them to communicate with new people when their time outside is limited. This is a great way of lifting the spirits of those in the care home and is also a great way for the families to write in and talk to their families when they are not able to call them or have regular Skype calls.
Organise A Seated Workout
Though there is very limited time to get every resident outside for some fresh air, implementing a seated workout class is a great way of getting everyone involved whilst making sure that everyone is healthy and still moving regularly. Whether this is a setoff exercise that is off of the internet or you book a virtual class with a trainer over Zoom, this is an amazing way of keeping everyone active.
Comedy Club
The final activity that you can put together for those living in a care home is a comedy night. With staff putting together jokes and even a comedy put on the television, this can lift the spirit of residents and get everyone involved in a way that they will never forget with those that they live with.
With this in mind, there are several options out there for you to consider that will have a positive impact on the overall health of the residents at this difficult time. Which of these activities will you be implementing?
