These notes were made during the Shareshop held in our September 11 2024 meeting. Please feel free to add from your notes or new thoughts!
There are a range of different "kinds" of residents - each with their own likes, dislikes and needs.
Take the time to understand the history, education and experience of each resident - this will inform you regarding appropriate activities and also how best to use those skills in the interests of other residents.
Use residents to help other residents and to engage with the greater community for the same reason.
Create the expectation within residents (from the first orientation) that they WILL be called upon to contribute in some way to the life of the facility. It is not enough to simply consume and EVERYONE can contribute something. Ask the question "How do you think you will be able to contribute to the village?" not "What do you need from the village?"
Freedom to get involved or not to get involved in any particular activity must remain the prerogative of the resident.
It is important to get out into nature at times and not remain indoors for all activities, while maintaining a variety of interesting and stimulating indoor activities.
A dedicated activity coordinator has been found to be very beneficial because there is then a constant focus on the activity schedule which remains fresh and relevant. Activities must always be accessible and available to residents.
How to stimulate participation:
- News from the local manager sent to residents
- Resident communication
- Contact with other nearby estates/facilities to ensure a change of scenery and joint events to liven things up. Competitions are great fun.
- Get the staff to share their skills and interests
Activity ideas included:
- Knitting groups
- Topical discussions - "om die tafel"
- Pastoral visits
- Book writing groups
- Flower arranging
- Tuck shop (run by residents)
- Mahjong
- News of the day
- Devotions
- Exercise
- Music appreciation
- Poetry readings
- Book reviews
- Art lessons and demonstrations
- Christmas decoration crafts
- Conversation sessions using stimulating topic starters (See attached images of the "Sawubona Cards" from TAFTA).
