Activities in nursing homes are an important part of improving the residents’ quality of life by encouraging social interaction, learning new things, and having fun.

To ensure that activities are fun, interactive, and beneficial for the residents, it is essential for activities staff to plan ahead. Here are some things to keep in mind before planning nursing home activities.

Laws and Regulations of Nursing Home Activities

One aspect that goes into planning activities in nursing homes is making sure the activities planned follow state and federal laws. It is important to note that each state’s nursing home activities laws are different, so it is advisable for activities staff to look up their state’s specific rules.

Federal law requires that nursing homes have group and individual-based activities that residents will enjoy based on their interests, physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, and abilities.¹

Resident-Focused Nursing Home Activities

Another important aspect that goes into planning activities in nursing homes is ensuring the activities are fun and enjoyable for the residents. Activities staff can do this by asking their residents which activities they enjoy or would like to be incorporated into programming.²

Here are examples of popular activities that promote well-being and are popular with the residents:

• Arts and crafts
• Games
• Music-centered activities
• Gardening
• Exercising
• Outings to stores, restaurants, or events³

Partner Organizations

Another aspect of planning activities in nursing homes is collaborating with partner organizations to assist with activities. For example, a home health organization could sponsor a game activity by providing prizes. Or a youth group organization may assist with a music-center activity by providing a DJ.

By working and collaborating with partner organizations on activities, the activities staff can better prepare activities for their residents.

Nursing Home Activities Resources

There are additional resources activities staff can use to help them plan nursing home activities. For example, the staff can join an activities professionals Facebook group or flip through a nursing home activities book.

Additionally, activities staff can visit resources such as A Place for Mom and The Alzheimer’s Association for guidance and activity ideas.^{4, 5}

Plan Ahead

Once the activities staff have a list of activities they will offer to the residents, it is essential to schedule them by creating a monthly activities calendar. If needed, activities can be adjusted, rescheduled, or replaced with a different activity.

Before hosting the activity, activities staff need to ensure they have the necessary supplies and work with nursing staff to facilitate the residents to the activity. Also, the activities staff will have to coordinate with their community’s transportation driver if the activity is an outing off grounds.