Why activity programmes are essential in care homes

I have often wondered what our care homes would look like if activities such as chair-based exercise, boccia, and singing were considered to be essential staples in the daily life of residents. What if staff could provide a daily dose of music and movement, considered to be as vital as providing medications and personal care for residents? How would the atmosphere in our care homes change if there was a way we could provide more moments of laughter, music, and magic for residents and staff alike?

Maybe in the current climate, with many care homes struggling with basic staffing levels, it is unrealistic to expect fun to be a priority. The CQC’s 2020/21 State of Care report highlighted the negative effects on the health of social care workers caused by working under sustained pressure, exacerbated by the pandemic, including anxiety, stress, exhaustion, and burnout. 

But I suggest that, now more than ever, we should find ways to raise morale not only for our residents but for our staff. Let’s look at how activities can create a deeper sense of community and provide moments of magic.