Tips to Increase Resident Participation in Assisted Living Facilities

We recognize the hard work of activity directors in delivering outstanding experiences for residents in their communities. We also understand how disheartening and frustrating a decline in engagement can be. As resident needs continually evolve, fluctuations in engagement are to be expected.

However, by keeping up with these changes, you can ensure your programs positively impact residents and shield them from the risks of social isolation. Here are some strategies to boost and maintain resident engagement over the long term.

Grasp the Needs of Your Residents

Recognizing all the factors that might discourage or prevent a resident from participating in an activity is crucial. Vital resident information is often hidden in assessment binders and inaccessible.

Data about residents’ hobbies, interests, and mobility limitations may be outdated or not recorded. This oversight can lead to an activity calendar that unintentionally excludes some residents.

To create engaging activity calendars, gather the right information and make it accessible to your entire team. Additionally, updating assessment information at least once a year is essential to address residents’ changing needs. Village green offers thoughtfully designed assisted living and memory care Levittown that keep residents engaged and entertained.

Encourage Resident-initiated Activities

Resident-led clubs can effectively boost participation among typically disengaged residents. These clubs offer greater autonomy and are less formal than standard activities, allowing you to shift focus to other tasks or enhance administrative processes.

During your next resident council meeting, suggest forming special interest groups, book clubs, and volunteer clubs. Encourage residents to elect club leaders to ensure ongoing engagement and act as your point of contact for updates.

Give Residents Time to Adjust

New residents at nursing homes can have different approaches to activities; some jump right in, while others are more hesitant. They might worry about not performing well or keeping pace with others, especially if they have mobility or cognitive limitations due to illness.

To help them get comfortable, invite them to watch an activity first and encourage gradual participation as they feel more ready. Pairing them with a supportive resident can also be beneficial, offering encouragement and guidance to help them understand and enjoy the activity.

Engage Residents in Idea Generation and Planning

Some activities are always fun and meaningful for residents, so keep them in your schedule. Remember also to introduce new and creative activities to cater to everyone’s needs. Talk to residents individually and in groups to get their input. They might suggest fun ideas you hadn’t thought of. This can also help identify residents with similar interests so you can organize special interest groups that meet weekly or monthly.

Organize Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a fantastic team-building activity for good reason. The same benefits apply here. Assisted living residents often experience boredom and restlessness, especially during isolation in the pandemic. The beauty of scavenger hunts is their adaptability to suit your residents’ needs.

For instance, you can organize an “I Spy” scavenger hunt where residents remain seated and point out items in the room. Alternatively, you can hide objects and encourage more mobile residents to find them. Any approach works as long as it remains fun and engaging. 

Endnote

Engaging and keeping assisted living residents happy can challenge activity coordinators and community staff. However, organizing the right activities can significantly boost resident engagement, enhancing their health, well-being, and overall quality of life.

Photo by Vlad Sargu on Unsplash