art projects for nursing home residents

• Crafts for Seniors

Crafts for Seniors: 52 Fun and Simple Ideas That Inspire

By Publisher | Last updated May 2, 2022

Looking for an inventive and enjoyable way to spend your free time? Check out our extensive list of crafts for seniors. It encompasses a wide range of craft activities, from painting and knitting to woodworking and scrapbooking. Whatever your interests or skill level, there are dozens of ways to have fun while keeping your hands occupied and your creativity flourishing.

Did you know that crafting offers numerous benefits for older people? Being engaged in hands-on creative activities can improve motor skills, strengthen social connections, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety . It can also be good for the brain. A research study in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences found that seniors who participated in crafts like pottery and knitting had a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. And in a Psychological Science study , seniors who learned how to quilt or do digital photography showed improved memory function. So making crafts may be a great way to keep your brain stimulated and enhance your cognitive abilities.

Plus, many seniors who have physical limitations can still experience the joys of crafting by adapting the activities or using special equipment. For example, older adults who like to knit can use larger needles and heavier gauge yarn. Those who enjoy woodworking but have difficulty standing or using power tools can sit at a table and assemble projects from kits. And older crafters with vision challenges can use magnifying stands for assistance.

We've rounded up more than 50 of the best craft ideas for seniors and grouped them into straightforward categories to help you quickly find what you're interested in:

This article contains affiliate links. We are compensated with a small commission, at no extra cost to you, for sales made through the links.

General Craft Ideas

Are you ready to get crafting? Whether you're looking for projects that use paper, glass, wood, flowers, or beads, you're sure to be inspired by this list. Check out these simple craft ideas for older adults:

• Suncatchers: Make your home sparkle by crafting a suncatcher to hang in your window. You can create a lightweight suncatcher out of mason jar lids and coloring sheets or go a little heavier and use glass stones . You can even create one using melted beads .
• Scrap-fabric magnets : Want a cute way to use up those old bits of fabric? Add a bit of felt and turn them into adorable ladybug magnets.
• Clay jewelry charms : Create some one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces by shaping your own unique charms out of polymer clay. Adding a toggle clasp to your necklace will make it easier to put on and take off.
• Pressed flowers: Gather some flowers and arrange them creatively between two sheets of wax paper. Place a heavy book on top to weigh the flowers down and let it sit overnight. Once the flowers are totally flat, you can laminate them or use them to decorate greeting cards, bookmarks, coasters, photo frames, and more.
• Birdhouses: Constructing things out of wood can be deeply satisfying. If you have the appropriate tools and know-how, you can build a birdhouse from scratch . Another option is to assemble one from a store-bought kit .
• Beaded bracelets : Using safety pins and brightly colored beads, you can create some customized bling and wear it with pride.
• Wind chimes: Wind chimes can be a colorful and charming addition to a garden. How about a simple design that uses clay pots with pre-existing holes?
• Paper flowers: Brighten up any room with flowers that you make yourself. You can create beautiful blooms out of tissue paper or coffee filters .
• Greeting cards: Homemade cards are a great way to let loved ones know you're thinking about them. You can use paper, stickers, fabric, ribbons, and many other materials to make fun and creative cards for any occasion, such as Christmas , birthdays , or Easter .

Sewing, Knitting, and Crocheting Crafts

Needlecrafts like knitting and crocheting are some of the most popular activities among older adults. That's partly because they require minimal equipment and can often be done from the comfort of an armchair. You can enjoy these types of activities well into your golden years. In fact, British charity Knit for Peace surveyed more than 1,000 knitters and found that more than two-thirds of them were over the age of 60, and many were in their 80s and 90s.

Here are a few ideas for fun needlecraft projects:

• Book cover : Protect your favorite tomes and add a little beauty to your shelves by sewing a colorful book cover. A sewing machine makes the work go quicker, but you can also stitch your book cover by hand.
• Heating bag : Using fabric and some rice, you can create microwaveable heating bags to help soothe your aches and pains. You can even add essential oils for some aromatherapy.
• Throw pillows : Add a splash of color to your sofa with some easy-to-make throw pillows. For more of a challenge, try adding some decorative trim like tassels or lace.
• Pillowcase : Change the look of a bedroom by sewing a pillowcase to accessorize any decor.
• Dish cloth : Knitted dish cloths are super useful and make great gifts. Plus, they're simple enough that they can often be finished in a single sitting.
• Coffee cozy: Avoid burns by knitting or crocheting a soft wool cover to put around a warm mug. A written list of directions is available here or you can watch this step-by-step video .
• Memory quilt : Here's a fantastic way to repurpose old materials: Create a personalized memory quilt from old shirts, baby blankets, a wedding dress, or even a military uniform.

Painting and Coloring Crafts

Many seniors enjoy expressing themselves with markers and paintbrushes. Focusing on patterns and colors calms the mind and allows the brain to take a break from daily worries. In fact, some research suggests that coloring can have the same soothing effect on the body as meditation. With that in mind, check out these examples of painting and coloring projects for seniors:

• Coloring books for older adults : Coloring is not just for kids! Adult coloring books are an increasingly popular way for seniors to relax, relieve stress, and create something beautiful. Large-print coloring books for adults with low vision are also available.
• Geometric tape painting : Use painter's tape on a piece of canvas to mark geometric lines in a pattern, paint between the tape lines, then remove the tape. This can be a great way for seniors with unsteady hands to produce a painting with nice smooth edges.
• Painted rocks : Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to painting rocks. You can turn rocks into ladybugs, garden markers, and a lot more.
• Painted mirrors : If you've got an old mirror with a frame that has seen better days, try giving it new life with some spray paint.
• Terracotta pots : Add a little pizzazz to ordinary garden pots. You can paint them freehand or use a stencil to add details like hearts, leaves, or stars.
• Pine cones : Painted pine cones can make a gorgeous addition to any centerpiece.
• Watercolor luminaries : Want a colorful way to light up your porch or patio? With a bit of paint, some coffee filters, and a mason jar, you can create a beautiful luminary.

Photo Crafts

Incorporating photos into crafts is the ultimate way to personalize a project. Many seniors enjoy taking pictures, and some have boxes of photos gathering dust in a closet somewhere that could be put to good use. If you have digital photos on a memory card, smartphone, or computer, you can print them out yourself or have them printed fairly inexpensively at places like Costco or Walmart .

Photo crafts make extremely good gifts because they are so personal. Consider these ideas:

• Scrapbook : Making a scrapbook is an excellent way to preserve memories. Set your creativity loose and use papers, ribbons, stickers, and other embellishments to decorate your pages.
• Collage board : Create a unique wall hanging by arranging a bunch of your favorite photos in an overlapping pattern and adhering them to wood, canvas, or corkboard.
• Photo magnets : Turn your fridge into a photo gallery! With adhesive magnetic sheets, it's easy to create magnets out of photos of any size.
• Photo cube : Photo cubes are a fun way to display a bunch of photos in a small area, and they make great conversation pieces. It's best to choose photos that will work well as squares.
• Photo coasters : Want a practical way to show off some of your favorite prints? Stick them on coasters and put them out for your next social gathering.
• Photo-covered flower pot : Bring a personal touch to an ordinary flower pot. You can let the photos speak for themselves or add other details like a meaningful phrase or saying.

Christmas Crafts for Seniors

Crafting is one of the best ways to show your holiday spirit and add a festive touch to your surroundings. Try your hand at one of these Christmas crafts for seniors:

• Pumpkin seed poinsettia : Use pumpkin seeds, glue, and spray paint to create a classic Christmas flower that can be hung on a tree or worn as a brooch.
• Sock snowman : An adorable snowman is simple to put together with supplies you probably have lying around the house. You can make it even simpler by using elastic bands instead of string.
• Craft-stick snowflakes : You've probably heard that no two snowflakes are alike. Use your imagination to create a unique snowflake design out of wooden craft sticks.
• Cupcake liner tree ornament : With a bit of folding and gluing, festive cupcake liners can easily become a hanging Christmas tree. Painted coffee filters would also work for this craft.
• Tea light snowmen : Battery-operated tea lights can become charming snowmen ornaments in a few simple steps.
• Bow wreath : Add some holiday cheer to your front door with a creative wreath made of gift bows.

Other Holiday Crafts

From Halloween and Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day and Easter, special occasions deserve special craft ideas. Have a look at these examples:

• Fall leaf candleholders : Scoop up some of those beautiful fall leaves, pick up a couple glass jars , and create glass candleholders for your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
• Paper plate holder jack-o'-lantern : Spray paint and felt is all it takes to turn a woven paper plate holder into a classic Halloween character. You can use it on your table or hang it on a wall.
• Pom-pom pumpkins : Celebrate the fall by creating these funky pumpkins out of yarn and a few embellishments.
• Heart felt ornament : If you're good with a needle and thread, try recycling some old wool sweaters into these simple embroidered heart ornaments.
• Felt fortune cookies : Treat your loved ones to a homemade fortune cookie this Valentine's Day. No baking required!
• Easter egg spoon planter : Plastic spoons make great Easter eggs. Paint them in your favorite patterns and glue them around a plastic container for a pretty spring planter.
• Easter egg button craft : Here's a creative (and cute) way to use all those old buttons: Glue them into the shape of an Easter egg and frame the result.

Easy Crafts to Do With Grandchildren

Making crafts is an excellent way to bring the generations together. Here are some simple projects that you can create with young ones:

• Stick bracelets : Wooden craft sticks can make fantastic bracelets, but this craft does require a bit of prep work: You need to boil the sticks, shape them, and let them dry overnight before you can decorate them.
• Tissue paper stained glass : With a simple kit, you and the young ones can make beautiful stained glass designs using only tissue paper and glue. Another option is to create the templates yourself out of black cardstock.
• Clothespin car : Colorful cars made of clothespins and buttons are easy to put together and are an awesome way to keep little hands busy.
• Terrarium : Create a decorative garden in a glass container. For extra fun, let the kids add plastic dinosaurs, gnomes, or fairies.
• Picture frame : There are countless ways to decorate wooden picture frames. Experiment with buttons, beads, ribbons, paint, stickers, or glitter. When your creation is complete, add a photo of you and the kids as a memento of your time together.
• Crayon hearts : A silicone mold can give new life to old crayon bits that would otherwise get tossed out. Many kids love using the new shapes in their art projects.
• Coffee can drum : Old coffee cans make natural musical instruments. You can help your grandkids decorate the drums with paper, paint, stickers, foam, or whatever else you have on hand. If you don't have lids, balloons stretched across the top of the can will also work.
• Sailboat : It's super easy to create sailboats out of plastic trays, wooden sticks, and paper. Encourage the kids to be creative when decorating their flags. Then try racing them in a local stream!
• Indoor boomerang : You can make lightweight boomerangs out of paper, so they won't damage anything. Try different designs to see which one flies the best.
• Finger puppets: These can be as much fun to play with as they are to make. You can create cute designs out of paper , felt , or even rubber gloves .

Any age is a good age for crafting. With inexpensive supplies and a little imagination, you can de-stress, have fun, and be proud of what you create. So go ahead and get started!

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18 Easy Arts & Crafts Ideas for Seniors in Assisted Living

As caretakers, we understand the importance of providing engaging and enriching activities to keep their spirits high and their minds active. Arts and crafts can be a wonderful way to achieve this, as they offer seniors a chance to express themselves creatively and connect with others in a fun and rewarding manner. 

In this blog post, we present 18 diverse arts and crafts ideas that are sure to bring joy and fulfillment to the residents of your retirement homes. From easy to niche, exciting to wacky, we've got you covered!

Easy-to-Do Events

1. paint and sip.

Organize a relaxing afternoon of painting accompanied by some refreshments. Seniors can enjoy their favorite beverages while creating beautiful artworks under the guidance of an instructor.

2. DIY Flower Arrangements

Bring in a variety of fresh flowers and teach seniors the art of flower arranging. These colourful creations will surely brighten up their living spaces.

3. Memory Collages

Encourage seniors to bring in old photographs and mementos to create personalized memory collages. It's a nostalgic and heartwarming activity that can be cherished by both residents and their families.

4. Crafting Greeting Cards

Provide supplies like colorful paper, stamps, and stickers, and guide seniors in crafting their own greeting cards for special occasions. These handmade cards will undoubtedly be treasured by the recipients.

Niche Events

5. traditional crafts workshops.

Host workshops focused on traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, or wood carving. These activities not only promote cultural heritage but also offer a sense of accomplishment.

6. Bookbinding

Introduce seniors to the art of bookbinding. They can create personalized journals or albums, preserving their thoughts and memories for generations to come.

7. Quilting Circle

Start a quilting circle where seniors can come together to work on a large quilt. Each participant can add their unique touch, creating a beautiful collaborative masterpiece.

Exciting Events

8. Art Show and Sale

Organize an art show within the retirement home, showcasing the creative talents of the residents. Offer visitors the chance to purchase artworks, with proceeds going to a charitable cause.

9. Themed Costume Design

Plan a costume design contest around a specific theme, such as famous historical figures or characters from classic movies. Seniors can work on their costumes in teams or individually.

10. Recycled Art Competition

Promote eco-friendly initiatives by organizing an art competition using only recycled materials. This event not only encourages creativity but also raises awareness about sustainability.

Wacky and Interesting Events

11. umbrella painting party.

Provide seniors with plain umbrellas and non-toxic paints. Let their imagination run wild as they transform their umbrellas into vibrant, one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

12. Garden Art Installation

Set up an outdoor space where seniors can create sculptures or art installations using natural materials found in the garden. It's a unique way to blend art with the beauty of nature.

13. Mystery Art Box Challenge

Create mystery art boxes containing random craft supplies. Seniors can pick a box and challenge themselves to create something amazing using the surprise materials.

14. Dance and Art Fusion

Combine art with movement by having seniors create art pieces using dance moves or paint while dancing. This interactive event will surely be a hit!

Additional Fun Events

15. origami workshops.

Teach seniors the art of origami, allowing them to create intricate paper sculptures with ease.

16. Ceramic Painting

Offer ceramic pieces like mugs or plates for seniors to paint. These personalized items can be used or displayed proudly.

17. Jewelry Making

Host a jewelry-making workshop, where seniors can design and create their own necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.

18. Stained Glass Art

Introduce seniors to the beauty of stained glass art. They can create stunning sun-catchers to adorn their windows.

Remember, the key to successful arts and crafts events is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment. Encourage seniors to participate at their own pace, and celebrate their unique creations. These activities not only promote creativity but also foster a sense of community among the residents, making retirement homes even more vibrant and fulfilling places to live.

We hope these 18 arts and crafts ideas inspire you to plan exciting and engaging events for your cherished seniors. Let their creativity shine, and watch as these activities bring smiles and cherished memories to their lives.

Happy crafting!

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1. Clay Crafts

2. scrapbooking, 3. woven paper baskets, 4. creating decors for the holidays, 5. puzzle painting, 6. bean birds, 7. glass gem suncatchers, 8. popsicle stick projects, 9. egg carton flowers, 10. balloon stamping, 11. circular plate weaving, 12. wooden necklace, 13. clothespin trivet, 14. loom knitting, 15. felt paper gnomes, 16. heart wind chimes, 17. crochet, 18. knitting, 19. punch embroidery, 20. latch hook projects, 20 entertaining crafts for senior citizens in nursing homes.

Senior citizens can try out these artistic crafts and keep active! Creative activities and art projects can have a positive impact and be a therapy that helps seniors maintain their mental health and socialize with their community.

Here are some engaging activities that seniors can do within the comfort of their own homes. Read on!

Also Check: Mother’s Day Activities for Seniors

Table of Contents

20 Crafts for Senior Citizens in Nursing Homes

Using clay as art therapy and as a craft material provides many benefits for seniors like the one in this video.

READ MORE: Exciting Summer Crafts for Seniors

Scrapbooking is another fun and affordable activity that seniors can take part in. It’s a beautiful way for them to bring back fond memories and create their own memoirs.

This video can give you an idea of how to create a scrapbook.

Use just about any kind of hard, colorful paper to create paper baskets like the one in this video.

The holiday season is the perfect time for winter craft ideas like this paper holiday wreath that seniors can make right in time for Christmas and raise their holiday spirit!

A puzzle and a painting in one! Creating this can be fun indoor activities for seniors .

Beans and glue on a frame to create lovely decoration.

Colored glass beads and glue are all you need to make these beautiful gift items that are so easy to make.

Popsicle sticks are a great way to create different projects. Here are some nifty projects seniors might want to work on. See more on the video.

Turn those egg cartons into lovely, colorful flowers and add a rustic touch to your home. Watch the video to learn more.

With a few balloons and some poster paint, this lovely activity is one fun way to keep seniors engaged, especially for seniors who have dementia.

A fun way to create trinket bowls or coasters using a paper plate and yarn. Complete instructions on this activity for seniors are here on this video.

Seniors will love to create a necklace made from big wooden beads.

Who knew that the use of clothespins goes beyond laundry? They can use them to make a trivet or even lovely home decor.

Loom knitting is less complicated than regular knitting and can easily be handled by any senior. You can purchase loom knitting kits either in crafts stores, dollar stores or even online.

Learn more about loom knitting by watching this video.

Adorable decors like these can help perk up the atmosphere in any home.

Christmas isn’t the only time of the year for decors, especially when Valentine’s comes right after. This wind chime is a beautiful project for Valentine’s month activity.

Doing crochet projects has been proven to stave off cognitive impairment [1] like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Encourage seniors to do some simple patterns!

Make sure to also check our list of easy crafts for seniors with dementia .

Pick up needles once again and get started with a simple dishcloth pattern.

Unlike traditional embroidery, punch embroidery is a project for seniors that is much simpler. Senior citizens can create wonderful pieces using this very simple technique.

Latch hook projects are easy and fun to make and everyone will love them.

Also Read: Benefits Of Crafts For Seniors

How do you entertain an elderly resident?

There are many ways to entertain an elderly resident. Have them engaged in activity programs like dancing, afternoon teas or movie nights. Another way is having them engage in craft projects as well.

What crafts do old people like?

This depends on their interests. Some may have a favorite craft that they’ve had an interest in during their younger years, such as painting or needlecrafts. Others may want to try out newer activities. Ask your senior what his or her interests are to know what craft to recommend.

Seniors in living facilities will benefit from crafts, as shown in this study [2] published in 2014.

It is important to know, though, what interests they have in order to entice them to do the craft you may have in mind.

By engaging them in fun crafts and artistic activities for seniors, not only do you encourage their sense of creativity to come up with beautiful artwork, but you also ensure improved cognitive function and a better quality of life as well.

What are your favorite crafts for senior citizens in nursing homes? Please share below!

• 1. Polino M. Crochet Therapy [Internet]. Available from: https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/aca-acc-creative-activities-clearinghouse/crochet-therapy.pdf?sfvrsn=6
• 2. Noice T, Noice H, Kramer AF. Participatory Arts for Older Adults: A Review of Benefits and Challenges. The Gerontologist [Internet]. 2013;54:741–53. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4229893/

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60th birthday ideas: best tips to celebrate in style, 14 thoughts on “20 entertaining crafts for senior citizens in nursing homes”.

I love so many of these ideas. Some of them I wish I had thought about for my Dad.

All of these are fantastic! I love the clay and scrapbooking ideas the most.

You have some awesome craft ideas here. I bet they’ll have fun making these.

These look like fun craft projects. The basket one is my favorite.

These are really great ways to keep their minds busy. It’s very important at their age!

These look like really great crafts that could help with keeping fine motor skills in tune!

These are so cute. I love the egg carton flowers most.

I would enjoy doing some of these myself. All great activities for exercising your mind and body.

So many interesting activities! I love those paper baskets!

I’ve made these paper baskets together with my parents and we had a lot of fun!

I’m loving all these great ideas. I know many seniors who love to do crafts. I always loved visiting nursing homes and doing crafts with them.

Thanks for this! My husband’s grandmother needs these ideas! I like the woven baskets or the egg carton flowers the most!

Such great ideas!!! I might save some of these for my Girl Scout troop too!

These are wonderful ideas. I am sure they will definitely enjoy doing these activities, especially knitting, and crocheting.

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24 Easy Crafts for Elderly People

By: Anita Ashani

Last Updated: May 11, 2023

Growing old doesn’t mean we have to lose our creativity. Let’s go through some of the easiest arts and crafts projects every senior citizen can do.

Our bodies decline when we age. That’s no secret. Limited dexterity, high irritability and declining mental sharpness make it difficult for senior citizens to stay active and relevant.

But what if I told you that simple activities, when done creatively and with the right amount of imagination , can help keep you sharp, busy, happy, and even allow you to socialize?

Many seniors have taken up arts and crafts projects to stay alert and give them a sense of achievement.

Let’s go through some of the easiest but most fulfilling arts and crafts projects for senior citizens, regardless of their interests, conditions and skill level.

Crafts for Elderly in Nursing Homes

Senior citizens in nursing homes often get the short end of the stick . Seniors are left there by their families, usually come in with conditions, and maybe bored.

Fortunately, there’s a cure for that. Here are some arts and crafts ideas for seniors to create in nursing homes to decorate their rooms or even the whole site.

• Suncatchers (Made with Mason Jar Lids)

Sunlight works wonders for everyone, regardless of age. Older people, however, especially those with dementia, can benefit from a bit more sun to prevent sundowning (late afternoon confusion).

Suncatchers are exceptionally easy to create and can be made out of plastic container lids and mason jar lids. You have to paint your cap and decorate it with vase gems or glue-printed handkerchiefs.

• Painted Terracotta Pots

Potted plants are excellent companions in any room. They provide a bit more green and warmth and give an oxygen boost for seniors who feel cramped in assisted living.

A simple project is painting your terracotta pots and decorating them before the plants go in. It works well on paper.

You will need some acrylic paint, paintbrushes, primer, newspapers, and a paint seal. Prepare your pot and painting area, get creative with it, seal, and enjoy your new conversation piece.

• Paper Flowers

Paper flowers are cute and allow you to create a bunch in one go. They’re a beautiful alternative for seniors who enjoy seeing plants but forget to care for them.

These flowers can be as simple as single paper origami, allowing you to cut and fold them easily, making it easy to produce a batch in one sitting.

If you’re a bit more skilled, you can choose to make more realistic options out of wallpaper samples, tissue paper, coffee filters, and even crepe paper.

• Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

These snowflakes are the definition of an easy arts and crafts project. Simply arrange your popsicle sticks (you will need a minimum of 6 to make a simple asterisk-shape) and decorate.

Beyond arranging your popsicle sticks and gluing them down, what makes each created snowflake special will be your use of glitter, paint, small diamonds, cotton, paper, etc.

You can hang it around the facility as wall decorations once the holidays roll in. It adds to the festive mood and lets you say, “there are many snowflakes here, but this one is mine.”

Crafts for Elderly With Dementia

One of the saddest things is seeing someone who was once intelligent and witty slowly slip away. They stop making what they enjoy making, and they forget who you are whenever you visit.

Arts and crafts projects are a fun way of keeping them inspired and helping them remember family and friends. These crafting projects also allow them to make new memories.

• Scrapbooking

This is one of the top crafts for seniors because it allows them to recapture their memories, reminds them of who they were, and informs them of what they could be.

You need a table, developed photographs from your past, and other memorabilia or important items that can fit in a scrapbook, like tickets or pamphlets.

Scrapbooking keeps senior citizens sharp by allowing them to recall important nostalgic moments that helped shape who they are and helps them identify family members by face.

Crocheting may be the most well-known craft project for older people, and good reason. With two crochet hooks and some yarn or fabric, you can weave yourself into a better mental and physical state.

Crochet’s other uses, aside from making doilies, coasters and sweaters, allow seniors to maintain their motor skills and hand-eye coordination and keep them mentally sharp.

While there is a bit of a learning curve, crocheting gets easier after you’ve mastered the basics. It allows you to make virtually any clothes or stuffed toys you want and makes for heartfelt gifts .

• Recipe Cookbook

Seniors author plenty of books nowadays. This project is for grandmas who’re looking to share their closely-guarded recipes before they forget, passing them on in the form of a cookbook.

Trying to create a cookbook is a fun activity that will keep you busy in your room, the kitchen, and the dining tables and allow you to pass on all the tricks of the trade that only you and your wooden spoon know.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The instructions and ingredients list can come from you, while a younger person can shoulder the effort needed to turn it into a book or a handy print-out.

• Family Tree

This project is a gift you can leave for future generations to come. As perhaps the oldest living member of your family, you know at least 5 generations’ worth of family (your grandparents down to your grandkids).

This allows you to tell your family’s story , connecting the dots on who your relatives are, were or will be. You can get creative with it, painting an actual tree or using pictures to show each member.

This tree can be given as gifts to family members in need of a history lesson and will allow you to remember loved ones long gone, as you want to be loved and remembered.

Crafts for Elderly With Arthritis

Having limited dexterity in the hands is extra painful for those who love making crafts. Not to worry, creating art projects doesn’t have to be too complicated.

Here are some fun project ideas for seniors who have arthritis and how they can help them regain their dexterity.

• Clay Sculpting Craft Ideas

Seniors can have loads of fun with clay sculpting because it’s easy on the hands (especially if you’re using tools), easy on the eyes if you make a large model, and is very tactile.

You can choose to make clay figures, get into clay pottery, or even make busts of famous figures. If you can envision it, your hands will make art.

• Gardening Flowers

Seniors benefit from getting in touch with nature.

Sitting by a tree is good, breathing in the fresh air is amazing, and cultivating flowers and allowing them to grow from spring to fall is perfect.

While not everyone has a green thumb, taking care of a few potted plants or having a small patch of garden to care for allows you to take your mind off things yet focus perfectly on what you need to do.

• Mason Jar Centerpieces

One of the more “artsy” crafts on this list, centerpieces are an often-overlooked yet essential part of weddings and other events because they bring together the whole table arrangement.

You can bring that to your table with minimal effort. Simply take your mason jar and decorate it with paper, gems, fake diamonds, and other details like LED lights to make the whole design pop.

• Tape Painting

As the name suggests, this form of “painting” doesn’t require paint. Instead, it requires painter’s tape, masking, and duct tape to imitate brush strokes. It’s all the fun of painting without the mess.

This allows those with shaky hands to prepare strips of tape beforehand and slap them onto their canvas before moving on to the next strip. It allows you to stay in control while exciting the imagination.

Crafts for Elderly With Poor Eyesight

Part of the decline with age is that our eyesight grows poorer, and we can no longer see the projects we’re working on. Fortunately, we have some craft ideas for that.

• Making Jewelry Beads

This project allows seniors to make a cute necklace or bracelet for their grandchildren using easily available beads and can be easy to see if large and brightly colored.

It’s a fairly straightforward project. Simply run your string through the holes of the beads and seal the ends together. You can also paint the beads any way you or the recipient like.

• Loom Knitting

Creating clothes and fabric patterns is a staple activity for seniors. There are now easier ways of doing it with the hands and eyes. Loom knitting allows you to work around your disadvantage.

Knitting with a loom is faster and easier than regular knitting. Run your yarn or string around the loom pegs and weave layers on top of each other. You’ll have a complete article of clothing in no time.

A terrarium is a prime example of u sing a small space to emulate a large one. You can have a tree within view where there are none and look ahead to an incoming vacation before even booking a trip.

This miniature environment is a great habitat for any small pets you can have, and it’s easy to assemble. Add your rocks, sand, dirt, and artificial environment, and enjoy the view.

• Handmade Bookmarks

This is one of the easiest crafts in this section to create, as any thin piece of paper or cardboard can become a bookmark. You can simply color on a blank piece and laminate it.

The challenge and thrill are how much time and effort you can invest in your bookmark. You can use glitter, punchers, cut-outs, paint, markers, and other conventional art material.

This is a great gift to give to bookworms. It’s heartfelt, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Easy Crafts for Seniors

Some crafts for seniors are so easy that any senior, regardless of skill level or interests, can pick it up, spend some time on it, and create something that future generations of your family will enjoy.

Here are some more craft ideas that can be done for senior citizens looking to spend some quiet time in the house.

• Sock Snowmen Ornaments

Seniors preparing their Christmas tree can craft this cute ornament with minimal effort. This ornament can be made with any old white socks and takes only minutes.

Grab your materials. Prepare your sock. Stuff it with the right stuffing and watch your workspace turn into a winter wonderland in minutes. They’re some of the easiest ornaments to craft.

• Tropical Angels (Inexpensive Supplies)

Tropical angels are an adorable way to decorate your home and use up any excess fabric. These reverse cone-shaped angels are a good afternoon activity and will leave you feeling blessed when they’re done.

The best part is, you can make them with your grandchildren when they visit. Build your base; then the head decorates it however you want.

With the main body done, you can add the wings, halo, and even arms if you feel like it.

• Painted Wooden Beads Necklace

Fairly straightforward, this project allows you to put your painting skills to good use.

Get creative and show off your talents as you paint each bead with different colors and assemble it to have a beautiful fashion piece.

• Pompom Pumpkins

The fall is known for Halloween and pumpkins. If you can’t make the fall trip to a pumpkin farm, you can use yarn to create your pumpkins.

Greet the fall season with this unique take on a season staple. Glue your yarn pieces around your base and watch it get into shape. It’s a fun decoration to have in your home.

Craft Activities for Seniors

Craft ideas for seniors don’t all have to be sedentary, or activities are done alone. They can be a chance to gather around a table, prepare for the holidays, and are a fun way of allowing seniors to create to hone their craft.

• Pineapple lamp

The name says it all. This craft project is a chance for seniors to create something elegant, professional-looking and eye-catching out of plastic spoons. It’s a pineapple lampshade.

You may need some help cutting up your cutlery, but once all the round areas of your spoons are separated, you can glue them together to form the pineapple’s texture and appearance.

• Greeting Cards

People close to us passing away is a sign of age. It can also tell you to remember them and show your appreciation. We can craft and create greeting cards for them out of card paper to show them we care.

• Photo Frames Photo frames are one of the things that can instantly age a house when they aren’t dusted and maintained. However, this poses an opportunity for you to show off your creativity. Taking a paintbrush to your photo frame allows you to breathe life into old frames, complements the person’s personality in the picture, and gives you busy yet fruitful afternoons.
• Collage Board

Instead of making ornaments, you can also use the space to create a collage board out of scrap paper and random shapes. It can be about anything meaningful to you and is a reminder of happier times or places.

Growing old shouldn’t signal the death of your creativity. Seniors can benefit physically, mentally and even socially from crafting. All you need are the right materials, imagination, and patience.

Seniors looking to create or craft ornaments, paint on paper or canvas, decorations or other more useful items are limited only by their willingness to make art and make something beautiful.

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10 Easy Crafts for Seniors with Dementia: Inexpensive DIY Ideas

Seniors with dementia need engagement and fun

Even if someone has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia , they still need to feel engaged in life and have fun.

Activities that have no right or wrong way to do them are ideal because they’re always fun, satisfying, and a boost to self-esteem. 

Engaging activities can also be an alternative to medication because they can reduce agitation, distract from challenging behavior, and increase quality of life for seniors with dementia.

And with a little creativity, you can turn simple household objects into easy crafts for seniors with dementia.

Keep safety in mind

It’s important to create activities that won’t cause injury to your older adult or anyone else. 

You know them best and should choose what will work best and be safest for them.

For example, some people tend to put things in their mouth and try to eat them. If that’s the case, avoid objects that could damage teeth or be a choking hazard.

Another example is that some people may like to tie strings around fingers (or necks!) and cut off circulation.

10 easy crafts for seniors with dementia that you can make at home

1. Clip colorful clothespins

Get brightly colored full size or mini clothespins and let your older adult attach them to something like a wire basket or rack .

2. Arrange flowers

Flower arranging is a perfect activity for older adults who enjoy flowers or gardening. 

Get some inexpensive artificial flowers , a plastic vase , and florist foam (optional). Your older adult can have fun creating their own arrangements.

3. Attach pipes and fittings

Many older adults used to enjoy being handy around the house. Remind them of those pleasant memories with an activity where they can put together and take apart pipes.

Get varying lengths of inexpensive PVC pipe and some fittings like these elbows or these T-joints (the hardware store can usually cut the pipe for you).

4. Sort inexpensive hardware parts or coins

Another way to enjoy handy activities is to have your older adult sort inexpensive hardware parts like these nuts , washers , or bolts .

Some older adults might also enjoy sorting a big pile of coins as a reminder of when they used to manage household finances.

If safety is an issue, you might consider these large plastic nuts and bolts instead.

5. Play with play dough

Making shapes and kneading play dough or modeling clay is a fun and relaxing activity for all ages. 

Get some fun cookie cutters and play dough and watch your older adult have a ball.

You can also try this homemade play dough recipe . To make it even more relaxing, add a few drops of calming lavender essential oil .

Important: The homemade play dough recipe is non-toxic, but still shouldn’t be considered edible. Flour that’s not cooked thoroughly can contain bacteria that can make older adults very sick. 

6. Keep the beat with a homemaker shaker

Take a clean plastic container or bottle with a tight fitting top and put some dry beans or pasta inside. This makes a fun music shaker for almost no cost.

Play their favorite music and encourage them to shake along with the beat.

7. Match and sort picture cards

Print two copies of various photos or images that your older adult likes. It could be photos of favorite animals, beautiful flowers, or family members.

Cut them into equal sized cards and laminate using some clear packing tape or contact paper .

The cards can be used for a simple sorting game, a matching game, or just nice images to flip through and admire.

8. Make a scrapbook

Get an inexpensive notebook, some old magazines or catalogs, glue stick, and safety scissors .

Your older adult can flip through the magazines, tear or cut out things they like and stick them into their scrapbook.

9. Stack up plastic cups

Get some inexpensive plastic party cups in bright colors. Ask your older adult to help you clean up by sorting or stacking the cups.

10. Create a spelling tray

Sticking colorful magnetic letters on a clean metal tray is a fun way to spell familiar words or just play with the shapes and colors. Use a simple baking sheet (with raised sides) as the tray

Recommended for you:

• 10 Fun, No-Fail Activities for People with Dementia
• Jigsaw Puzzles for Seniors at All Ability Levels
• Music Seniors Love: Top Songs from Every Generation

By DailyCaring Editorial Team

This article wasn’t sponsored, but contains some affiliate links. If you buy through an affiliate link on our site, we may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, and we appreciate your support. We never link to products for the sole purpose of making a commission. Product recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money .

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10 comments, evelyn sisk.

Mrs. Bennett I work at an Alzheimer Dementia day care facility and one of the activities we do is something I call “Name that Jargon” This game stimulates memory and it also challenge the clients.

How to play: You may UAE your computer or cell phones to search for jargon of the past. For example; jargon of the 20’s or 30’s etc.. Say the phrase and let the others guess what the word might have meant in that era. Make sure you express the phrase in the way it would have been expressed when used in a phrase during that particular era. This activity has brought lots of participation and laughs for everyone. I hope this will help in your efforts to offer more activities .

I work with a 90 year old client with short-term memory issues. I have used ‘Paint by Sticker’ art books for quite some time and find and she has enjoyed creating with them for more than a year now. I have found them at Barnes and Nobles and on Amazon.com. Check it out.

DailyCaring

Excellent suggestion for a wonderful activity, thanks for sharing! We found a variety of Paint by Sticker books here at Amazon https://amzn.to/3BNbWg7

Cathy Bennett

My husband and I have moved to a lodge for “Seniors with issues” like alzheimers & dementia. But they don’t have programs to use the mind – walk, visit, but not create. DON AND I HAVE ALZEIMERS & DEMENTIA but entertain ourselves. The Lodge says “no programs in the summer” = Aug – Sept – and ? oct. This does not help us and will leave many frustrated and getting worse because of NO interactions. I NEED HELP AND INEXPENSIVE IDEAS WE CAN DO TO HELP US ALL AND TO KEEP US BUSY AND NOT STAGNEMT WATCHING TV. WE CAN’T GO ON WALKS BECAUSE THE STAFF SUPPORT WILL BE MINIMAL AND IT IS VERY HOT IN THE SUMMER – BUT WE CAN MAKE SOMETHING TO SLIDE UNDER DOORS = HMMM THAT’S A GOOD IDEA! DOES IT HELP TO TEAM UP OR HAVE THEM WORK ALONE – I THINK TEAM UP OF 2-4 WOULD BE BETTER AND GIVE SUPPORT AND CONTINUAL ACTIVITY AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS…. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME GUIDANCE!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, CATHY BENNETT WE LIVE IN [redacted for privacy] CANADA — NO BUS OR SUCH AND NOT A LOT OF MONEY. [redacted for privacy] THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. I CA’NT SEE ANYTHING POSITIVE BY DISCONTINUING PROGRAMS FOR THE AUG, SEPT AND POSSIBLE OCT MONTHS.

PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

We’re sorry to hear about the reduction in services. Perhaps you’d be interested in some of our activity suggestions for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia at https://dailycaring.com/tag/alzheimers-dementia-activities/

Sharon Moody Juarez

I hope you are not paying much. They need to hire a creative director. That person would not have to be on site all the time. Just come on site occasionally with project materials and ideas. Make calendars, photo albums etc. Anything to take home and display.

I tried making my mum doing execrises but she refuses wat else can I do

The best thing to do is offer a variety of activities that she may be interested in. Ultimately, you can’t force her to do anything if she won’t participate.

We’ve got dozens of senior-friendly activity and exercise suggestions here: – Activities https://dailycaring.com/category/daily-care/activities-older-adults/ – Exercise https://dailycaring.com/tag/exercise/

Rob Wheelock

Thank you so much! My grandmother has Alzheimer’s disease and lives with her son who is her full time caregiver. I shared this article with him and he said that fitting pipes was a big success! As we all know, providing care to an Alzheimer’s patient can be taxing to say the least. Any activity that can keep them occupied for any length of time can be a lifesaver for the caregiver.

We’re so glad these suggestions are helpful!

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EVENTS & ENTERTAINING

Food & drink, relationships & family, craft activities for elderly nursing home residents, more articles.

Activities for Homebound Elderly

Indoor Activities for the Elderly

• List of Volunteer Ideas for a 12-Year-Old

Activities for Singles Over 60

Types of Community Projects

What do you look for in a nursing home for your parents? Quality of services? Amenities for the residents? Experience and reputation of the staff? Finding a facility that checks off all your major requirements is a relief, but don't forget the little things like social activities. Organizing craft activities for your parents and their fellow nursing home residents helps expand the offerings to make living there even more rewarding.

Benefits of Craft Activities in Nursing Homes

Craft time in a nursing home gives residents a chance to do something creative, but the benefits go beyond creating something pretty. Nursing home residents experience a variety of positive outcomes when you organize craft time, including:

• Socialization in a fun, relaxed environment with people other than caregivers
• Stronger community when residents interact
• Sense of purpose
• Improved quality of life
• Renewed interest in hobbies they once loved
• Sense of independence
• Positive self-image
• Break from the regular routine
• Brightened surroundings with the finished products on display

Scrapbook Pages

Help each resident make a personal scrapbook of memories. Photocopying pictures the residents have lets them use personal photos without destroying the originals. You can also ask family members to bring in photos. For residents who don't have many visitors, snap some photos in the nursing home to make a current scrapbook.

Scrapbooking is easy to modify for residents of all levels. Use punches to cut photos and accents into various shapes. Use stickers for easy embellishments. Getting staff involved to help residents with reduced mobility helps build the bond with caregivers.

Quilting or Crocheting

Residents who have experience quilting or crocheting might enjoy starting up with the hobby again. This craft option is ideal for a small group that meets regularly. Choose a project that gives the members a sense of purpose. The group members might sew lap quilts for other residents to spread a little joy through the nursing home. Another option is crocheting blankets for babies in local hospitals. They can also teach other residents how to quilt or crochet. These projects make the residents feel like they're making a difference.

Parade Float

Help connect the residents with the community by creating a nursing home float for a local parade. Choose a fun theme, and line up people to volunteer a trailer and truck to pull the float. Residents can make decorations to put on the float. Invite a few residents who are healthy enough to ride on the float in the parade to throw candy or wave to the crowd.

Holiday Decorations

Keep it seasonal with homemade holiday decorations throughout the year. Not only does this craft option add a festive air to the activity, but these crafts also bring a cheerful look to residents' rooms.

Try these holiday decoration ideas:

• Valentine's Day cards: Organize a valentine card exchange. Offer paper, stickers and other accents so residents can make valentine cards. They can give them to other residents or family members. * Painted Easter eggs: Prep for Easter by decorating eggs. Wooden eggs are easier to handle than real eggs, and they last year after year. * Painted pumpkins: Painting is easier than carving for residents who have limited hand movement. It's also safer, and the pumpkins last longer. * Holiday wreaths: Celebrate the holidays with DIY wreaths for the residents' doors. Start with premade, undecorated wreaths. Let residents add ribbon, ornaments, beads and other decorations to customize the wreaths.

Tips for Organizing Crafts

Organizing crafts for residents with lots of different ability levels, health conditions and interests is a challenge. Make it easier on yourself with these tips:

• Offer modifications for crafts to account for different ability levels. Have paintbrushes with larger handles for residents who can't grip well, for example. For scrapbooking, offer stickers for simple decorating options and supplies for more advanced crafters.
• Limit activities that require strong memory retrieval as they can be frustrating to residents with dementia.
• Work in groups instead of doing individual crafts. Pairing residents with more experience or stronger physical capabilities with those who have limitations can balance things out and encourage social interactions.
• Partner with a local school or kids' group. Invite the kids to join the residents for craft time so they can help with steps that are challenging for some residents. It's also a great chance for the residents to socialize with a different generation.
• Form interest groups. If you have some residents who love scrapbooking, organize a regular scrapbooking club once a month. 
• Let residents suggest ideas. Some of the residents might have hobbies they loved before moving to the nursing home. You could even ask a resident to lead the craft activity to provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

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Adult Activities to Do at Home

• Unforgettable: 21 Ideas for Group Activities in Your Care Home
• National Institutes of Health, Educational Gerontology: Activity Engagement: Perspectives From Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
• Nursing Home Activities for Senior Citizens
• Nursing Home Activities Resource, an Activity Directors virtual toolbox:

Shelley Frost writes professionally on a full-time basis, specializing in lifestyle, family, parenting and relationship topics. She holds an education degree and has extensive experience working with kids and parents.

Photo Credits

Luz Diaz/Demand Media

12 Easy Arts & Craft Ideas for Seniors and Grandparents

Updated 09/16/2022

Published 03/7/2021

Sarah Kessler

Contributing writer, editor

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Arts, crafts, and other creative activities have countless benefits for seniors. For example, crafts keep the mind active and help prevent anxiety. They can also grant a sense of achievement and improve self-esteem. And for seniors who are cooped up in the house or a care center, crafts can help facilitate socialization. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

Fall or thanksgiving-themed crafts for aging adults, winter or holiday-themed crafts for aging adults, summer-themed crafts for aging adults, craft ideas for seniors with limited dexterity, craft ideas for seniors in a nursing home.

If you’re looking for activities to do with retired parents or grandparents, arts and crafts are an excellent choice. Below, we’ll give you some ideas for crafts that are perfect for seniors, from holiday art to projects for limited dexterity. 

Fall is the perfect time for crafts, no matter what your age. The weather’s cooling down, the leaves are changing, and the holidays are approaching. 

Seniors might need new activities to keep them busy throughout the cooler months, or they might be inspired by the scenery to express their artistic abilities. And fall crafts have the added benefit of helping you decorate for the holidays. 

If you’re looking for arts and crafts that are perfect for seniors during the fall and around Thanksgiving, try out the ideas below. 

1. Fall luminaries

A luminary is a beautiful and decorative craft that the artist can enjoy for years to come. And it’s fun and easy to make, too! Better still, part of this craft involves going outside to enjoy the crisp autumn air. 

First, you’ll need some mason jars. They should be large enough to hold a battery-powered tea light. 

Next, gather up some fall leaves from outside. To create the luminaries, you’ll use PVA glue to coat the sides of the jar. Lay down the leaves in overlapping patterns, and then apply another layer of glue. 

When you place the tea light inside and turn it on, you’ll have a beautiful, fall-themed luminary. 

2. Recipe book

If your parent or grandparent cooked or baked special dishes every Thanksgiving, they might enjoy making an artistic family recipe book . 

A hand-made recipe book can showcase all of the recipes they learned from their parents, passed on through the generations. And it can give them the satisfaction of knowing that the family recipes will continue to be enjoyed at future holiday celebrations. 

A senior can hand-write their family recipes down on fall-themed stationery. Then bind the pages together using yarn or by placing them into a binder. For an added personal touch, the senior can write down an anecdote or favorite memory for each dish, too. 

You can even help them take pictures of their famous dishes to include alongside the recipes. 

3. Family tree

Another craft that includes paper and pen is a family tree. You can do this craft any time of the year, but Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity. It’s a holiday all about togetherness and family, so a family tree fits right in. 

There are multiple ways to make a family tree , from detailed paintings to a simple photo collage. One of the easiest methods for making a family tree is by using colorful construction paper leaves on a large piece of poster board. 

Some of the best arts and crafts projects are winter-themed. And that’s great because seniors might have fewer activities to keep them busy during the winter months. 

As the holidays approach, seniors might want to create meaningful gifts for family members or just decorate their space with colorful art. If you’re looking for the perfect winter craft idea for seniors, consider the winter- and holiday-themed projects below. 

4. Holiday wreaths

A holiday wreath is a lovely way to decorate for the holidays and let a senior’s personality shine. You can provide an assortment of materials to create wreaths, or you can let the seniors choose their own materials and come up with a unique wreath idea. 

5. Ornaments

Another decorative holiday craft is a Christmas tree ornament. Some DIY ornaments out there are complex and detailed. But you can also find craft ideas for simple and easy ornaments, perfect for seniors. 

Check out these ideas , for example, for some unique but easy-to-make DIY ornaments. 

6. Orange and clove pomander balls

Pomander balls are a unique but traditional holiday craft that incorporates the sense of smell. They also look festive and are easy to make. 

Pomander balls are citrus fruits (traditionally oranges) studded with whole cloves. If created correctly, you can make a pomander ball over Thanksgiving and it will last through the holiday season. 

Here’s a good explanation of how to make great-smelling and beautiful-looking pomander balls. 

For many people, summer is ideal for spending time outdoors and breathing in the fresh air. But many seniors are limited in what they can do when it comes to outdoor activities in the summer. They might have to stay indoors much of the day, avoiding intense summer temps. 

For those summer days when a senior’s stuck inside, these summery crafts can help make the most of their time. 

7. Rainbow luminaries

If you like the idea of the fall leaf luminary described above and want to make something similar in the spring or summer, you can. 

Instead of using fall leaves, use colorful contact paper to create an eye-catching candle holder for your battery-powered tea light. 

8. Homemade photo frames

Nothing brightens up a room like a photo of family and friends. Seniors might want to decorate their own space with a unique photo frame, or they might want to give one to family members as a gift. Either way, a homemade photo frame is an excellent craft for elderly individuals. 

You can provide plenty of plain photo frames in a variety of sizes, as well as all of the materials needed to make it their own. Photo frames are also a great craft idea for seniors to do with their family members, including grandchildren. 

Making art, and even just viewing art, can improve cognitive function for seniors. It helps the brain create new neural networks and adapt to new situations. So seniors with neurological illnesses that affect dexterity, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, can benefit even more from creating arts and crafts. 

At the same time, though, crafts can be difficult for seniors with limited dexterity. It’s important to choose projects that don’t cause frustration or highlight the person’s limitations. 

So if you want to help a senior with limited dexterity express themselves creatively and spend some time making arts and crafts, consider the ideas below. 

9. Tape painting

Painting intricate shapes by hand can be difficult for a senior with limited dexterity. But they can get the same satisfaction of creating something new and unique with paint through the use of the tape-painting method. 

To do this craft, you’ll need a piece of poster board, acrylic paints, and painter’s tape, as well as a large or medium paintbrush. The artist should make geometric shapes using the tape, and then paint over the design using different colors. When you peel off the tape, you’ll reveal a beautiful and unique pattern. 

10. Clay sculpting

Clay art might be one of the messier crafts, but it’s perfect for seniors with limited dexterity. Their fingers might not be as nimble as they used to be, but they can still push, pull, and play with clay. They can even make something functional, like a cup or a bowl. 

If you want to keep the mess to a minimum and keep things simple, try these easy crafts using air-dry clay instead. 

Seniors living in nursing homes might not have access to many of the daily activities they’re used to. Especially during crises like COVID-19, a senior’s day might be extremely limited in terms of socialization and unique experiences. And this lack of stimulation can lead to anxiety and depression for seniors who are already coping with health problems and other difficulties. 

Creative pursuits, like arts and crafts, are key to helping seniors feel accomplished and find meaning in their downtime. So whether you work at a nursing home or you’re planning a visit to an elderly loved one, consider the craft ideas for seniors in care homes, below. 

11. Suncatchers

A suncatcher is a perfect craft for seniors to create and take back to their rooms in assisted living. It’s fun to make, as well as beautiful to look at day after day. The artist hangs the suncatcher in the window of their room to reflect sunlight, and its appearance even changes depending on the weather. 

To make a suncatcher, you’ll need: 

• Mason jar lids or plastic container lids
• Colored glass beads
• A needle or pin
• Clear-dry glue

Check out Method 2 here to learn how to make a glass bead suncatcher. Seniors might also enjoy making suncatchers using the other two methods listed. 

12. Painted pots

Another craft that helps seniors spruce up their space in assisted living is painting terracotta pots. Making a clay pot from scratch might be beyond a bit challenging and messy. But painting and decorating a pot can be just as fun, and a whole lot easier. 

Provide the seniors with terracotta pots in different shapes and sizes. Maybe they can paint one for themselves and one for a loved one. Lay out a variety of paints and stencils for them to use. You could even provide added decorative elements like hot glue and beads. 

When the pots are done, the seniors can plant succulents in them and place them in their rooms or around the community areas. Or they can give them to family members as gifts. 

Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Seniors

Working on a craft project like the ones listed above is a fun way to pass the time, no matter your age. But did you know that expressive arts offer vital health benefits to seniors, too? 

New research shows that artistic activities can reduce the depression and anxiety associated with chronic illness and aging. Studies even show us that crafts can help seniors, including those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other degenerative diseases, unlock their unique creative potentials. 

And that’s important: seniors have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with younger generations. Sometimes, art is the key to expressing those thoughts, memories, and emotions.

• Bagan, Barbara. “Aging: What’s art got to do with it?” Today’s Geriatric Medicine. https://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/news/ex_082809_03.shtml
• Poskin, Ashley. “Make all-natural, great smelling orange pomanders for the holidays.” Apartment Therapy. 30 April 2019. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/easy-to-make-christmas-orange-pomander-balls-238705
• Picard, Caroline and Garrity, Amanda. “75+ homemade Christmas ornaments to easily personalize your tree.” Good Housekeeping. 09 December 2020. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g393/homemade-christmas-ornaments/
• “10 things to make with air dry clay: fun and beautiful projects.” Fun Loving Families. 10 June 2020.  https://www.funlovingfamilies.com/things-to-make-with-air-dry-clay/

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S&S Blog

Winter Craft Ideas For Your Senior Living Facility

Are your looking for some fun new winter craft ideas for your residents this season? Weve shared six fun wintertime craft ideas from Notjustbingo for you to add to your activity program. These activities are easy and require only a few materials!

Snow Globes & Decor

Snow globes are synonymous with winter. Provide residents with snow globes , where they color the paper insert, then fill the globe with water and watch the snow fall around their design. View a tutorial and design ideas for this activity here . As an alternative, show your residents how to make plastic domes that can be used as decoration throughout your facility for the season. For the craft, have residents create their own scene. They can add  sparkling snow to the base of the globe, place miniatures inside to display, or a candle and holly for a holiday theme like one of our customers made and used as centerpieces.

Winter Necklaces and Bracelets

Supply residents with blue and white beads and jewelry cording to make winter-themed necklaces and bracelets for the season. Encourage residents to be creative in their design by adding in other types of glass beads to make the winter jewelry unique.

DIY Snowflake Clings

Show residents how to make their own snowflake clings using school glue , glitter glue , or puffy paint , along with snowflake templates you can print out. If you don’t have any snowflakes templates on hand, just use a pencil to draw snowflake designs on wax paper for residents to trace with the school glue. Allow the snowflakes to dry overnight or until the glue becomes transparent. Then gently peel the snowflakes from the paper and moisten one side of the snowflakes before applying to your windows. View these awesome ideas on Pinterest

Finger-Knit Scarves

Host a weekly class to teach residents how to finger knit using yarn to make colorful scarves. Once the scarves are complete, donate them to a local homeless shelter.

‘Tis the hot cocoa season! Get your crafty residents ready for the winter and lots of hot cocoa by decorating white mugs using colorful permanent markers. Allow the marker to dry. To set the mug designs, bake the mugs on low for 20 minutes and allow them to cool before using.

Snowman Craft

Invite residents to decorate their apartment doors for the season by assembling snowman banners that can easily hang on a door. To make the banners, simply stitch buttons to the felt to create the snowman before stitching a border using the pre-punched holes. Finally, to complete the craft, glue the included felt snowman hat to the banner to dry.

Find more ideas from Notjustbingo  on the S&S blog here .

About Not Just Bingo:

Not Just Bingo  is an online resource of fun, senior activity ideas for activity professionals of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They have been providing fun activity ideas online since 2009, and continue to assist activity professionals across the country by creating meaningful and engaging activity ideas for their residents that go “beyond bingo.” Not Just Bingo feels privileged to help activity directors better the living experiences of their residents while demonstrating that a senior’s quality of life can actually  improve  when they move to a nursing facility!

Want even more ideas each month? Sign up for the  Notjustbingo Membership  to receive specialized activity ideas to keep your residents and staff engaged, active, and having fun!

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26 Creatively DIY Crafts to Donate to Your Local Nursing Home

Modified: Jan 16, 2024 by Vanessa Beaty · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

Nothing about being in a nursing home is easy. It is a difficult time both for the resident and his or her family and friends, who may not be able to do as much as they would like to provide support to their loved one.

But as a talented crafter, there is a lot that you can do to make a difference. You already love do-it-yourself projects, so why not use your skills at handcrafts to light up an elderly person's day?

1. Create handmade stationery.

2. create a diy address book., 3. make a unique journal using bookbinding techniques., 4. build a cute organizer., 5. make an alzheimer’s sensory stim blanket., 6. create a set of bookmarks., 7. up-cycle old sweaters into warm, fuzzy socks., 8. sew a warm poncho., 9. make an infinity scarf., 10. prevent slips and falls with grippy socks., 11. donate handmade walker caddies., 12. keep nursing home residents warm with a handmade lap quilt., 13. making dressing gown out of an old duvet cover., 14. give the gift of decorative hand soaps., 15. make diy moisturizing lotion., 16. make lip balm from scratch., 17. create fun and original mugs., 18. sew a backrest pillow with cushy arms., 19. stitch an on-the-go reading pillow., 20. provide the comfort of companionship with a handcrafted plush toy., 21. keep residents warm with wheelchair wraps., 22. scarves with pockets make great gifts for nursing home residents., 23. handmade bibs contain messes., 24. crochet some flowers., 25. try another pattern for a walker caddy., 26. make some cute, customized eye glasses cases..

Seniors who are stuck in nursing homes do not have a whole lot of options when it comes to staying entertained. So anything you can do to provide them with what they need to fill some hours of the day is helpful.

Many elders enjoy writing detailed letters to family and friends who they do not get to see while they are in the home.

But letters are always more special when they come on unique stationery, so one great gift to donate to a local nursing home is a set of handmade stationary. Check the link for an easy project.

Tutorial and Instructions: abeautifulmess

The second idea which is related to the first is to handcrafts address books. Anyone who writes a lot of letters to family and friends is going to be a frequent user of an address book, so this is a fun and handy item to craft and donate to a nursing home or assisted-living community.

Tutorial and Instructions: ollieandco

While a nursing home resident may spend a lot of time writing to loved ones, he or she may also want to write personal memoirs. One wonderful craft that you could donate would be a set of handcrafted journals.

There are many different methods you can use for bookbinding at home. Click on the source link for a detailed tutorial on a versatile technique.

Tutorial and Instructions: tortagialla

Anyone who likes to keep a journal or write letters needs somewhere to keep all of their supplies. Another idea for a craft you can donate is a mini desk organizer. In the video below, you can find out how to make one with bright colors and fun designs, sure to brighten up any room.

If you are looking for a handcraft idea for donating to a memory care unit, one great project is a sensory blanket.

Patients with Alzheimer's develop restless hands, and as a result need some sensory activity which they can use for stimming. At the source link, you can find a project for creating a sensory blanket which takes care of this need.

Tutorial and Instructions: sewmanywayskimi

One super easy project to consider is handcrafting bookmarks for nursing home residents. Many seniors love to read, and bookmarks are something you can make quickly in bulk. In fact, the project at the source link is incredibly easy, because it uses a clever supply—paint chips!

Tutorial and Instructions: jos2ndact

As mentioned earlier, it can be difficult for nursing home residents to stay warm and comfortable. For that reason, simple gifts like warm, fuzzy socks to make excellent donation items.

Here is a project for turning old sweaters into insulated socks which are as warm as they are soft and cozy.

Tutorial and Instructions: ecouterre

Like warm socks, ponchos are also good items to donate. Because they have a loose fit, they can work for residents of all sizes, and they can provide plenty of warmth for cold days. Watch the video for an easy sewing pattern.

Another warm and versatile garment that you can make is an infinity scarf. There are so many different ways you can wear infinity scarves.

At the source link, you can find instructions for simple infinity scarf project which you could donate to seniors in need at a nearby nursing home. Looking for more patterns? Find 26 of them right here.

Tutorial and Instructions: sewcanshe

Elderly nursing home residents who have difficulty getting around safely can benefit from wearing socks which are not slippery.

You can make these yourself at home, which is more cost-effective and fun than purchasing them ready-made from a department store. Find out how at the link below.

Tutorial and Instructions: brownthumbmama

A walker is of course supposed to help you get around when you can no longer do so on your own.

Unfortunately, using a walker requires you to use both hands. This makes it impossible to carry around glasses, notebooks, remote controls and other items if you do not have handy pockets.

This is where a walker caddy becomes very useful. Donate a few of these to a nursing home, and you could greatly improve quality of life for residents in need.

Tutorial and Instructions: mellysews

If you enjoy quilting, here's a project which is perfect for nursing home recipients. Because nursing home residents are not very active, they can end up with cold hands and feet.

Create a lap quilt with flannel-lined pockets, and residents who use the quilts will always be able to keep their hands warm.

Tutorial and Instructions: http://www.homesewnbycarolyn.com/lovie-lap-quilts.html

Many nursing home residents may spend the majority of their time wearing pajamas or dressing gowns, because it is no longer easy to get dressed for the day. Did you know that it is easy to make dressing gowns to donate using nothing more than an old duvet cover?

The linked tutorial will show you how.

Tutorial and Instructions: karimascrafts

While nursing homes do provide residents with basic hygiene supplies, sometimes it is nice to enjoy something extra special.

These handmade decorative soaps look fancy, and would bring a smile to any face with their bright colors and pretty shapes.

You might think that they would be hard to create on your own, but making handmade decorative soaps to donate is actually cheap and easy, as you will see in the tutorial.

Tutorial and Instructions: darice

The older you get, the harder it is to keep your skin moisturized, smooth and soft. So you can be sure that a donation of handmade moisturizing lotion will be greatly appreciated by residents of a nursing home.

Tutorial and Instructions: onegoodthingbyjillee

On that same note, lips can become dry as well, so another great idea is to make lip balm from scratch to donate to local elderly folk in need.

Tutorial and Instructions: kakabeautyblog

It is always nice for those in nursing homes and assisted living to curl up with a good book and a nice warm mug of tea.

Did you know that you can create fun, unique customized tea mugs with nothing more than the aid of a sharpie? Find out all about it at the link.

Tutorial and Instructions: livingwellspendingless

Many elderly people struggle with back, shoulder and neck problems, and have a hard time getting comfortable as a result. At the link, you can discover a step-by-step tutorial to create a cozy backrest pillow with cushy arms.

Tutorial and Instructions: sewhappygeek

For the nursing home or assisted living resident who loves to read or even write, and on-the-go reading pillow would make a wonderful surprise. A pillow like this makes it easier to carry things and stay comfortable.

Tutorial and Instructions: polkadotchair

It is true that most people feel like they need to give up their plush toys when they grow out of childhood, but the reality is that a lot of people secretly enjoy cuddling up to a soft toy. Surprise a few nursing home residents with some handcrafted plushies, and you can be sure your donation will be a source of delight.

Tutorial and Instructions: hobbycraft

In the same category as shawls and scarves, wheelchair wraps are designed to be comfortably worn while sitting in a wheelchair. This donation will provide warmth to those in need.

Tutorial and Instructions: ravelry

Residents in nursing homes and retirement communities often enjoy knitting or crocheting. So one perfect idea for a handcrafted donation is a set of scarves for residents which include pockets. These can be used to hold knitting or crocheting supplies—but they are also great for keeping hands warm!

Tutorial and Instructions: simplymodernmom

Sometimes nursing home residents have a hard time feeding themselves—particularly those in memory care units. An adult bib is a great way to contain messes; this is a big help to residents and nurses alike.

Idea from: etsy.com

A room in a nursing home typically looks like a cross between a hospital room and a hotel room. Naturally, they could use a bit of sprucing up, so ornamental crafts make excellent donation items as well. Just think how beautiful a bouquet of these crochet flowers would be sitting on a windowsill.

Tutorial and Instructions: myhobbyiscrochet

Previously, I shared a tutorial with you for sewing a walker caddy which makes it easy for an elder to carry his or her things while moving around the nursing home. Because there are so many beautiful patterns for creating these, I wanted to share at least one more with you. Check out the link.

Tutorial and Instructions: http://ithappensinablink.com/sew-a-diy-walker-bag/

Oftentimes, nursing home residents need glasses for near or far vision. They also need somewhere to keep their glasses safe, which makes these stenciled eyeglasses cases a cheap and useful donation item.

Tutorial and Instructions: mintedstrawberry

Conclusion: DIY Handcrafted Donations Can Bring Warmth and Joy To Your Local Nursing Home.

Ideally, none of us would ever have to go to a nursing home to live out the final months or years of our lives. We would be able to spend that time at home surrounded by the people we love.

But that does not mean that there cannot be some beauty, fun, and joy during a difficult time. Your gifts of DIY handcrafted donations can brighten up your local nursing home, bringing delight to the hearts of the elderly residents who need it the most.

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April 27, 2017 at 7:39 pm

I have visited assisted living or nursing homes many times and the people really get lost in there. To have something that is homemade can help them re-connect to the world. Just imagine your sitting in that wheelchair or hospital bed and how lonely it becomes.D

National Home School

July 10, 2017 at 7:05 pm

These are some really cool stuffs, each and everyone is very Unique and some of them are very helpful.

August 25, 2017 at 8:07 pm

I volunteer at a nursing home, and these are great ideas! I especially like the lap quilts with the hand pockets.

November 15, 2017 at 6:11 pm

All the above ideas are good ones. However before you take a lap quilt or some other item that has to be kept up with, please make sure you know your loved ones capabilities.. A lap quilt for a dementia patient is just something the employees will have to keep picking up off the floor. I have two relatives in a facility. One is sound of mind but a failing body, the other has a FAILED mind and sound body. So I'm very thoughtful about what I take to each. The MOST important thing you can give is your time. Not only is it good for your loved ones, it's also helpful for the people working in these facilities, they work long, hard hours with very little thanks. Anything you can do for your loved one is something that the caretaker doesn't have to do. It's the little things that count, take their empty tray to the cafeteria, tidy their room if it needs it, keep the closets organized. And I personally try to do something special for the Nurses and CNA's on a regular basis. You would be surprised how much they appreciate receiving homemade baked goods, everyone loves cupcakes 🙂

vivian bunch

March 04, 2019 at 2:59 am

Thank you for all these great suggestions. I have been reflecting on new ways I can use my God given talent as an artist and crafter to bless the people who have no one to brighten their surroundings with pretty things. I am a retired nurse and have been in nursing homes off and on throughout my career and have been touched by some of the drab environments I have found in residents rooms. Just like most of us, I love to surround myself with pretty things. It dawned on me one day as I was buying yet another pretty thing to hang on my walls at home how fruitless it was for me to continue doing this when my home was just beautiful as it was. So I turned my attention and talents outward. It is so much more satisfying to give than to continue to heap up pretty things for myself. Just seeing them light up when they receive a little something special is a rich reward indeed! Your article has given me new ideas. Thank you again!

June 29, 2019 at 4:46 pm

I like the Lap Quilt idea and I do understand the response that the quilt may just end up on the floor. For residents in wheelchairs, I would suggest that the quilt be made like a long apron. The sash can either tie in the back (velcro works as well, and may be more comfortable) or even be tied to each arm rest on the wheelchair. I have been volunteering at a Nursing home for over 8 years now as a Pastor Praise & Worship Service Leader. Recently, I added a more hands on duty with the Arts and Crafts class, and found myself as the only person, with 6 residents in wheel chairs...limited mobility with their hands and speech, waiting for me to help them create "Something" Since my first instinct was to run (but they already know me) These ideas are awesome! I look forward to more ideas. Thanks

May 28, 2020 at 11:29 pm

The Arts and Crafts for people who have problems is quite a challenge! Maybe get a coloring book that has animals or flowers and copy several pages so they can color. Coloring can help with coordination somewhat. If they have been crafters, that might help. God bless.

Zenen Garcia

September 20, 2019 at 6:35 pm

Is there anyway someone can tell me where can I donate art paintings my daughter lives painting can someone provide me with a list of places they will take my daughter's art Thank you.

21 Nursing Home Activities That Make the Most of Every Day

The best activities for nursing home residents engage the mind and the body. Here are some of our favorites.

Kelly has more than 12 years experience as a professional writer and editor.

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Getting older doesn't have to be the end of having fun. Whether you live in a nursing home and want to find a new hobby to occupy your time or you work for one and are looking to bring your clients new experiences, there are tons of fun nursing home activities you can explore. There are games, gardening, ice cream socials, and so much more.

Fun & Engaging Activities for Nursing Home Residents

If you're a recreational therapist, then you know that the biggest challenge with nursing homes is pairing up people with the right activities for them.

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Naturally, every person has their own physical and cognitive capabilities, as well as stuff they enjoy, and it can take a few tries to find the right activities for everyone. Don't give up on the first try! Instead, explore all of these different activities in your nursing home and see which ones are a hit.

Social Activities for Nursing Home Residents to Get Gabbing

The older you get, the more isolated you can become. Encourage residents or yourself to stay involved by planning social activities like these.

Birthday Parties

With birthday parties, the possibilities are endless. Some residents might like to take part in decorating a room for a fellow resident's party. Others might like to help bake and decorate a cake.

The party could be set up as a private event for the resident and his or her family, or it might include fellow residents according to the birthday honoree's preferences.

Ice Cream Social

If you've ever seen college Freshmen go after an ice cream social, you know these are always a hit at any age. You'll need chocolate and vanilla ice cream, as well as favorite toppings like hot fudge, strawberry sauce and whipped cream, and maybe a few extras like sprinkles, crushed Oreos, peanuts and cherries. Residents can choose their favorites to make a delicious sundae.

Tailgate Parties

Weather permitting, cordon off a section of the parking lot and recruit staff or volunteers to park their cars together and set up a cooking area to grill brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers.

Coordinate with the kitchen staff to provide some side courses like potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw. Set up tables where residents can eat and bring everyone back inside to the dayroom to watch the game on TV.

To make it more interactive, you could also print off trivia questions and have a round or sports or other trivia to get people talking.

Story time encompasses different things. Of course, young people can read to nursing homes residents. However, an interesting alternative would be for the seniors to tell their stories to the youngsters.

Many children are fascinated by what life used to be like. Kids are eager to hear about life after a war, watching a television for the first time, and advances in technology. Every person has a different story to share, and these precious personal histories deserve retelling. Plus, talking to others can help keep our minds sharp as we age .

• 5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp as You Age

Musical Events

Consider group sing-alongs with songs from various decades. Ask residents about their favorite songs and include them. Invite choir groups or musicians for recitals.

Or, if people aren't feeling musically inclined, take residents on a field trip to a concert. Also, consider gathering residents in the day room to watch live concerts, musicals, or symphonies.

Board Games and Cards

Residents can be grouped according to their cognitive abilities to play games at various levels, from Candy Land to Yahtzee to poker and more. There's a reason bingo has such a pop culture reputation - it's immensely popular with residents, and they can play for small treats and prizes. From classics to new memory games , there's plenty for older adults to explore.

• 9 Memory Games That Seniors Can't Stop Playing

Food-Centered Activities

Consider frosting cookies or baking brownies to be served as that day's desert. Baking bread is another activity that also doubles as a physical activity, since it requires some hand dexterity. Making popcorn, coloring Easter eggs, and making fresh garden salads can all provide opportunities for residents to socialize as they prepare the food.

Holiday Programs

Some social holiday ideas include holding a Labor day picnic or early Thanksgiving celebration and inviting residents' families, offering Halloween trick-or-treating so children from the surrounding community can go from room to room gathering treats, and holding a Christmas decorating party to trim the tree.

Other ideas include holding an Easter egg hunt for the residents' grandchildren, or having a 4th of July celebration that might even include watching the local fireworks display. You might even consider holding a New Year's Eve celebration, although many facilities have their party in the afternoon or early evening rather than keep residents up until midnight.

Physical Nursing Home Activities to Help Seniors Stay Healthy

While the mind is one tenacious organ, your physical body can do quite a number on you as you get older. Fight back against physically aging as much by trying out these physical activities that keep you limber and engaged.

This might include gentle calisthenics that are adapted to the residents' physical capabilities. Bouncing, tossing and kicking beach balls also provides physical activity and mental stimulation.

More and more nursing homes are adding VR systems to their recreation rooms. There are so many potential benefits that residents can get from using virtual reality , and they can have varying levels of mobility to play with it.

Stretching and Resistance Training

It's never too late to start stretching. These activities often include having residents use large elastic bands to help them stretch, tone and strengthen their arms and legs. This might make a nice morning activity to help invigorate the residents, and get their bodies in a good place to start the day.

Sensory Stimulation

Sensory stimulation activities are more suitable for bed-bound residents with diminished cognitive skills, and might include aromatherapy, audio stimulation such as listening to nature sounds, using tablets for matching games, or touching tactile toys to engage their sense of touch.

Pet Therapy

This activity offers a great opportunity for trained volunteers to bring certified therapy pets into the facility for the residents to interact with. Holding a guinea pig or petting a dog or cat can be very therapeutic for animal lovers, and may even draw some more reserved residents out of their shells.

Gardening is a great way to get residents engaging their muscles, soaking in some vitamin d, and getting a breath of fresh air. Some residents might enjoy growing herbs in a window garden or planting flowers in pots.

Although many nursing home residents are no longer capable of fully tending a traditional vegetable or flower garden on alone, some facilities do maintain gardens where volunteers assist the residents by working alongside of them or working under their directions.

• Ideas for Fun Activities for the Elderly

Crafts to Help the Elderly in Nursing Homes Get Creative

Everybody loves a little craft time. In fact, crafts aren't just an entertaining way to pass the time. They also promote manual dexterity, and some can lower anxiety and depression symptoms as well. Consider trying out some of these common crafts, but don't hesitate to ask the people what kinds of crafts they're interested in trying out. You just might find a new hobby to love.

This might include simple hand-sewing projects, but some facilities hold regular quilting sessions where residents work on homemade quilts that are later auctioned off to help provide money to fund other activities. There are also all sorts of small sewing projects that people can make to send home to their loved ones, which gives them something to look forward to accomplishing.

If residents have fairly good mobility and dexterity, they can work on small embroidery projects. These are great not only for it's physical nature but also because everything is pretty contained (in a hoop) and not a mess to clean up.

Rug Hooking

Rug hooking is a great activity that's fairly easy to do. Residents can work on small individual projects, but you might also consider a group project where residents work together to finish a larger rug.

Finger Painting

This activity might be better suited to a resident with diminished cognitive skills, but it can also double as a tactile therapy. After all, everyone loves tapping into their inner child and getting a little messy.

Painting is an activity where precision doesn't have to matter. Whether it's watercolors or acrylics, residents can let loose on their canvas and bring whatever vision they have to life.

Knitting and Crocheting

Residents that have previously enjoyed these kinds of crafts and still have the dexterity to do them can happily spend many hours creating hats, scarves, lap blankets and many other useful items. In fact, you could start a knitting or crocheting circle where residents can socialize together while working on their projects.

Leather Crafts

Leather work is another craft that people can experiment with. With leather, you can make wallets, coin purses and other items. Though, keep in mind that this activity is usually better suited to individuals with higher physical and cognitive capabilities.

Homemade Holiday Ornaments

You'll find easy-to-make ornament kits at local craft stores or online that will give residents something to do during the holidays. It can be a great accomplishment to be able to contribute to the holiday festivities while away from home.

Using a simple nursing home activity calendar can help keep things organized and help communicate to residents what is happening in a given month.

Nursing Homes Can Help Older Adults Live Vibrantly

There's this horrid stereotype that nursing homes are the worst possible place to end up, but they can actually be really fun. It's no secret that people are more inclined to take part in activities that they're interested in, but without trying a few new things, you'll never discover if you're actually interested in one of them.

So, explore new activities yourself, add some fun ones to your nursing home's roster, or suggest to the staff that they host a specific one you have in mind. At the end of the day, every activity is worth trying once.

Crafts to Make for Nursing Homes

Groups of all ages and sizes spend their time and efforts creating crafts for nursing homes every year. This is a great way to brighten the day of the elderly who live in the nursing homes who may not receive little crafts very often. There are crafts that are quite simple for people of all ages, allowing everyone to brighten the day of the elderly.

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Before You Create

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Creating crafts for nursing homes is very fulfilling for people of all ages. Before you begin to create your crafts projects to distribute you should check with the nursing home you plan to donate to. They may have specific guidelines to ensure the safety of their residents. Knowing ahead of time what you can and cannot create will help guide your creations so residents receive items they will really love.

Simple Ideas for Kids

Brightening the small places in a nursing home often makes a big impact. Children of all ages can create placemats that can be used in private rooms or in a dining hall. All you need to create a fun and easy placemat is construction paper, markers or paints, and clear contact paper. Simply allow the children to create a work of art on the paper and allow the paint or markers to dry. Then place a clear sheet of contact paper over each side of the paper. Trim any excess off the edges and the placemat is complete.

Children can also help create small sachets of potpourri for the residents of a nursing home. All that is needed is potpourri, which can be purchased at your local hobby store, in addition to sheer mesh fabric squares, and ribbon. Simply pre-cut six inch by six inch squares of the mesh material and fill with ½ to 1 cup of potpourri, gather material, and tie with ribbon. The result is a sachet that can be placed in a dresser or nightstand drawer.

Ideas for Adults

Seniors in nursing homes often like to receive items that are living. A lovely idea is to decorate small terra cotta pots, usually found in your hobby shop, with beads or paints and then fill them with fragrant herbs. Herbs can usually be found at your local nursery in various sizes to fit the pots that you have decorated. All you need to complete the project is some potting soil.

The holidays are a time when many seniors need a little more tender loving care. If you would like to do a craft project during the holiday season a great way to go is little decorated Christmas trees. Most nurseries sell small potted trees that look like miniature trees and you can buy them in bulk. Decorate these trees with ribbons, strings of popcorn and cranberries, and even little miniature ornaments that you can buy and paint. These little trees will bring just a bit of holiday cheer to nursing home residents.

• Craft Ideas

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Crafting Happiness With Nursing Home Activities Ideas

Engaging activities play a crucial role in the overall well-being of nursing home residents. As individuals age and move into long-term care facilities, maintaining their physical, mental, and emotional health becomes even more important. Nursing homes are responsible for providing an environment that promotes a high quality of life for their residents, and offering a variety of stimulating activities is an essential part of achieving this goal. Below we cover a variety of nursing home activity ideas that you can implement in your nursing home facility.

Benefits of Nursing Home Activities

Physical benefits.

Improving mobility and overall health enhancement are crucial aspects when planning activities for residents in nursing homes. These fun activities play a significant role in maintaining not only physical but also mental well-being. By focusing on these areas, nursing home staff can help residents lead more fulfilling lives and experience an improved quality of life.

One way to improve mobility is by incorporating regular exercise sessions into the daily routine. These exercises should be tailored to the resident’s abilities and may include stretching, strength training, and cardiovascular activities. Regular exercise can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, increase balance and coordination, and enhance overall physical function.

In addition to exercise, activities such as walking groups or outdoor outings can also promote physical well-being. Fresh air and sunlight have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including boosting mood, improving sleep quality, and increasing vitamin D levels. Taking residents on walks or outings to nearby parks or gardens can provide them with opportunities for physical activity while enjoying nature.

Mental Benefits

Engaging in activities that provide cognitive stimulation is essential for maintaining mental health and preventing cognitive decline in nursing home residents. These mental stimulation activities can include puzzles, brain games, trivia quizzes, reading groups, and craft activities. These types of activities help keep the residents’ minds active and challenged, which can improve memory, attention, and cognitive function.

Social interaction is another crucial aspect of nursing home activities. Many residents may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, so providing opportunities for socialization can greatly benefit their mental well-being. Group activities such as bingo nights, movie screenings, or discussion groups allow residents to connect with others, form meaningful relationships, and combat feelings of loneliness. Creating a sense of community and belonging is important for overall mental health.

Planning Considerations for Nursing Home Activities

When planning activities for nursing home residents, it is important to take into consideration their preferences and interests. Each resident has unique likes and dislikes, so it is crucial to gather information about their hobbies, pastimes, and personal history. This can be done through surveys or by engaging in conversations with the residents themselves or their family members.

Surveys and feedback are an effective way to gather information about resident preferences. By asking residents what activities they enjoy or would like to participate in, nursing home staff can tailor activity programs to meet their needs and interests. This not only increases the likelihood of engagement and participation but also enhances overall satisfaction and enjoyment.

In addition to gathering preferences, it is important to create individualized activity plans for residents . This takes into consideration their physical limitations and health conditions. Not all residents may be able to participate in the same activities, so it is important to adapt and modify activities based on individual needs.

Physical Limitation Considerations

For residents with physical limitations, adaptive activities can be implemented. This may include chair exercises, seated yoga or stretching, or modified sports games. These activities allow residents with limited mobility to still engage in physical activity and experience the benefits of movement.

To cater to residents with specific health concerns, specialized activity plans can be created. For example, for residents with arthritis or joint pain, low-impact activities such as water aerobics or gentle stretching programs may be beneficial. For residents with dementia, memory games or reminiscing activities can help stimulate their cognitive abilities and promote mental well-being.

Time and Resources Available

When planning nursing home activities, it is also important to consider the time and resources available. It is important to have a schedule in place that ensures activities are spread out throughout the day and week, allowing residents to have variety and options. Additionally, having enough staff members or volunteers available to facilitate and supervise activities is crucial.

Welcoming Environment

Creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for activities is also important. Ensuring that the space is accessible, well-lit, and comfortable can greatly enhance the residents’ experience. This may include arranging furniture in a way that promotes social interaction, providing comfortable seating options, and creating a visually appealing environment.

Evaluate Activities

Lastly, it is important to regularly evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the activities being offered. Collecting feedback from residents and staff can provide valuable insights into what activities are working well and what may need to be adjusted or changed. This continuous assessment and feedback loop allows for ongoing improvement and ensures that the activity programs are meeting the needs and preferences of the residents.

Creative Activity Ideas for Nursing Home Residents

When planning activities for nursing home residents, it is important to consider their physical, mental, and social well-being. Creative activities can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy, while also stimulating the mind and promoting social interaction. Here are some creative activity ideas that can be organized in nursing homes.

Physical Activities

• Chair Yoga and Gentle Exercises : Engage residents in chair yoga or gentle exercises that can be done while seated. This allows residents with limited mobility to still engage in physical activity and experience the benefits of movement.
• Outdoor Gardening : Create a small garden space where residents can participate in gardening activities. This can involve planting flowers or vegetables, watering plants, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Mental Stimulating Activities

• Puzzle Games : Provide residents with puzzles, such as jigsaw puzzles or crossword puzzles. These activities can help stimulate cognitive abilities and promote mental well-being.
• Arts and Crafts : Organize arts and crafts sessions where residents can create artwork, make collages, or engage in other creative projects. This can be a therapeutic activity that allows residents to express themselves and explore their creativity.

Social and Recreational Activities

• Group Outings : Plan group outings to local attractions, such as museums, parks, or theaters. This allows residents to socialize with each other and experience new environments outside of the nursing home.
• Movie Nights : Organize movie nights where residents can gather to watch a film. Provide popcorn and drinks to create a cinema-like atmosphere and encourage discussions about the movie afterward.

Remember to tailor activities to the interests and abilities of residents. It is important to offer a variety of options so that residents can choose activities that they enjoy and feel comfortable participating in.

Implementation Strategies

Collaborate with staff and family

Involve nursing home staff and family members in the activity planning process. They can provide valuable insights, suggestions, and support in implementing the activities. Collaboration with staff is also important for ensuring that the activities align with the residents’ care plans and that any necessary accommodations or modifications are made.

Train activity coordinators

Provide training and support to activity directors/coordinators to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively plan and implement creative activities. This may include training on how to adapt activities for residents with different abilities or cognitive impairments.

Regular program assessment

Continuously assess the effectiveness of the activity program by collecting feedback from residents, staff, and family members. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or individual interviews. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjustments to the program as needed.

Overcoming Challenges in Nursing Home Activity Planning

Planning activities for nursing home residents can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some strategies to overcome these challenges and create meaningful experiences for the residents:

Addressing Resistance

One common challenge is resistance from some residents who may not initially show interest in participating in activities. To address this, it is important to take a person-centered approach and understand each resident’s individual preferences and needs. Take the time to build rapport with residents and establish trust, so they feel comfortable participating in activities. Offer a variety of options and adapt activities to cater to different interests and abilities. Provide incentives or rewards for participation, such as small prizes or recognition, to encourage engagement.

Managing Diverse Health Levels

Residents in nursing homes often have varying health levels, including physical limitations and cognitive impairments. This can make it challenging to plan activities that are inclusive and enjoyable for all residents. To overcome this challenge, consider the following strategies:

• Adapt activities : Modify activities to accommodate different abilities and limitations. For example, if a resident has limited mobility, offer seated exercises or modified versions of games. If a resident has cognitive impairments, focus on activities that stimulate their senses or memory, such as music therapy or reminiscence activities.
• Offer a range of options : Provide a variety of activities that cater to different interests and abilities. This allows residents to choose the activities they feel most comfortable participating in and increases the chances of engagement.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals : Consult with healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists or occupational therapists, to better understand residents’ specific health needs and limitations. They can guide appropriate activities and modifications that may be needed.

Budget Considerations

Budget constraints can limit the resources available for activities in nursing homes. However, there are still ways to create meaningful experiences within a limited budget. Here are some strategies:

• Seek community partnerships : Reach out to local organizations, clubs, or volunteers who may be willing to donate their time or resources for activities. This can include musicians, artists, or community groups that specialize in senior engagement. They may be able to provide entertainment or lead workshops at no cost.
• Utilize existing resources : Use the facilities and materials already available in the nursing home. For example, utilize outdoor spaces for gardening activities or use art supplies that are already on hand for art therapy sessions.
• Get creative with low-cost activities : Look for inexpensive or DIY options for activities. This can include things like movie nights with popcorn, trivia games using homemade question cards, or craft projects using recycled materials.
• Prioritize meaningful experiences : Focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to planning activities. Instead of trying to have a packed schedule of activities every day, prioritize meaningful experiences that truly enhance the residents’ well-being and quality of life. This could include personalized outings or trips, one-on-one interactions with volunteers or staff members, or activities promoting socialization and connection among residents.

In conclusion, planning activities for nursing home residents require a person-centered approach, adaptation to diverse health levels, and creative solutions for budget constraints. By taking the time to understand each resident’s preferences and needs, offering a variety of options, and adapting activities accordingly, you can increase engagement and participation.

Final Thoughts

The significance of nursing home activities cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall well-being of residents. Engaging in purposeful, stimulating activities not only contributes to physical health but also fosters mental acuity and emotional fulfillment. As we’ve explored the numerous benefits, from improved mobility to heightened cognitive function and emotional connection, it becomes evident that a well-crafted activity program is an essential component of quality care in nursing homes.

Therefore, there is a pressing need for healthcare facilities, policymakers, and stakeholders to recognize the importance of prioritizing and investing in such activities. By allocating resources and attention to developing robust activity programs, we can create environments that promote a higher quality of life for nursing home residents. This not only aligns with ethical standards of care but also fulfills a moral obligation to provide dignity, joy, and a sense of purpose to those who have contributed so much to our communities.

As we move forward, let us champion a culture that places the well-being of nursing home residents at the forefront. Investing in engaging activities is an investment in the residents’ dignity, happiness, and sense of belonging. By fostering an environment that values and promotes these activities, we can ensure that nursing home residents lead fulfilling lives during their later years. The call to action is clear – prioritize and invest in activities that enhance the lives of our elders, turning nursing homes into vibrant communities where residents can thrive in every aspect of their well-being.

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