Care Home Activities for Making Life a Little Cosier!
Let’s make life a little more cosier this Autumn with some Hygge inspired care home activity. One of the challenges we are all facing as we head into Winter is a lack of an interesting view, being stuck inside our homes staring at the same four walls is difficult for us all. For most residents living in care homes because of Covid 19 restrictions, there is no possibility of a trip to the shops or park to bring a little relief and change of scenery.
It is therefore vital that your care home environment provides an additional stimulus for wellbeing. This will make up for the lack of outside contact with other people, but also the lack of interaction with the natural environment.
Here are some small change ideas that you can make to your care home environment to provide some additional comfort, security, and stimulation in these difficult times.
Lets have a nosy!
If you have a view outside or a garden, arrange a couple of chairs to face the window. So that way your residents can sit and look outside. The option to spy on the neighbours or look at the sky and see the birds should always be available, in particular as Winter will provide less opportunity for outdoor activities. The darker nights can also provide an opportunity for some teatime star gazing, so leave the curtains open a little longer.
Be more Danish, In your care home activities!
According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, and the reason behind this is that the Danish do social equality and community spirit very well. This also influences the way they look after people living in care homes and settings. The Danish also have the word ‘Hygge‘ which describes a feeling of cosy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.
Have some discussions with your residents on what kind of things they think would make their home more ‘Hygge‘. As it’s a great opportunity to create a themed sensory experience that is fun and can meet most needs.
Some ideas for the ‘Hygge‘ Session are –
- Plants ( Aloe vera and succulents good plants to keep as they are low maintenance and easy to keep alive)
- Bring the outdoors in with dried flowers and autumnal displays.
- Lots of fairy lights to make everything sparkle.
- Nice smells – Electric or battery-operated diffusers are a safe way to achieve this. Try winter smells such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Make some aromatherapy balls. For well-being and relaxation.
- Hot Chocolate and marshmallows.
- Cast and play a video of a log fire.
- Create a Hygge playlist with your residents and ask them what songs bring them comfort. Or try this one already made Hygge Music
I hope you have found this little November blog of use today and that you will use some of the ideas with your residents. If you would like any advice on your activity programme or the services we provide please contact us at https://www.creativepaths.org.uk/contact/ .
Follow us on our social media for all the lovely things we do to inspire care home activity and have a cosy November –
