Winter-Friendly Activities At Caring Homes

With the winter months bringing their gloomy weather and short, sunless days, it can be all too easy to find ourselves lacking some of our usual cheer. This can be true for just about anyone, young or old, which is why we think it’s so important we help each other to keep the spirit of warmth and community alive. In fact, nowhere do we think this is more important than across our care and nursing homes.

At Caring Homes, we fully appreciate the impact that regular activity sessions can have on the mental health and wellbeing of our residents. That’s why our care homes are committed to ensuring a variety of activities are available all year round, tailored to individual preferences and designed to bring joy and a sense of belonging to everyone in our community.

In this article, we’re taking a look at just why exactly we think our regular activity sessions are so beneficial to our wonderful residents, and we’re also sharing a few of our winter favourites!

The Importance of Care Home Activities for Mental Health

Engaging in activities within our care homes offers much more than just a means of passing the time. Regular activities provide a hugely rewarding experience, helping residents to feel engaged and positive in their environment. What’s more, we strongly believe that a stimulating environment contributes to a happier, healthier experience for all involved.

The significance of this is more meaningful than ever during the winter months when opportunities to go outside may be more limited.

Bearing all this in mind, it should be no surprise that we strive to offer a diverse range of care home activities, not just when the weather is pleasant, but all year-round. Our aim is to ensure there’s something for everyone, taking into consideration different interests and ability levels. Of course, no one is ever obliged to join in unless they choose, but we want everyone to feel welcome and have the same opportunity to be included.

Tailoring Activities to Individual Preferences

We all have our likes and dislikes, our inclinations and our partialities. At Caring Homes, our Activities Coordinators and Wellbeing Coordinators are dedicated to understanding and catering to the personal preferences of each resident. This involves taking the time to get to know everyone on as close a level as we can while formulating a plan around their unique needs or desires.

This personalised approach ensures that everyone can take part in something they truly enjoy. Whether that’s a sing-along or a spot of gardening, no one is missed out.

Winter-Friendly Hobbies

Of course, all that being said, we can all agree that spending time in the garden is a whole lot less enjoyable when it's blistering cold outside! Fortunately, our Activities Coordinators aren’t ones to give up so easily. They’re used to arranging events all year-round and are adept at finding a whole host of care home activities that can be enjoyed indoors. Some of our favourite winter-friendly hobbies include:

• Knitting and Crocheting: One of our most popular winter activities is knitting and crocheting. At The Orchard Care Home in St Albans, Hertfordshire, our residents recently got together for a knit and a natter. This gathering not only allowed residents to show off their knitting skills, but also provided a warm and cosy environment for sharing stories and laughter.
• Cooking and Baking: Cooking and baking are also regular favourites. The residents of Horsell Lodge Care Home in Woking, Surrey, can attest to this! Gathering together to mix, bake, and share their freshly cooked goods, residents regularly find joy in the pleasant aromas and the pleasure of sharing with friends.
• Puzzles and Board Games: Puzzles and board games are excellent for stimulating the mind and promoting problem-solving skills. These activities are perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed environment while still engaging in a mentally stimulating exercise with other residents.
• Music and Sing-alongs: Music has a unique way of bringing people together no matter the weather, and this is evident across all our care homes. For example, our musical events at Homefield Grange Care Home in Christchurch, Dorset, showcase how music and sing-alongs can uplift spirits, evoke memories, and encourage a sense of community among residents.

Are you interested in learning more about what life is like at our care and nursing homes? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or if there’s anything you’d like to discuss further. You can also browse our website to find your nearest care home, arrange a visit or simply explore life at Caring Homes!