Bristol, UK - The Importance of Meaningful Social Activities in Care Homes

Evermore the importance of older people’s social health and well being is being focused on and taken seriously by care homes and if you are looking for a care home for your loved one then it is something you should take into consideration. Bristol Care Homes offer a diverse range of fulfilling activities in each of their care homes across Bristol and understands the importance of meaningful social activities in their Care Homes. We have sourced information in this article from NICE Guidelines.

The NICE Quality Statement

Older people in care homes are offered opportunities during their day to participate in meaningful activity that promotes their health and mental wellbeing.

What does Meaningful activity mean?

The NICE Guidance for meaningful activity includes; physical, social and leisure activities that are tailored to the person’s needs and preferences. The activity can range from activities of daily living such as dressing, eating and washing, to leisure activities such as reading, gardening, arts and crafts, conversation, and singing. It can be structured or spontaneous, for groups or for individuals, and may involve family, friends and carers, or the wider community.

Good Care Homes will have a dedicated person employed to ensure residents can lead satisfying and stimulating lives through a range of daily activities that are tailored to every resident’s needs and preferences, including; self-care, reading, gardening, arts, crafts, conversations, singing, outings both structured and spontaneous for groups and or individuals and much more. Bristol Care Homes has a very varied programme of activities across all of their homes and they have a dedicated social engagement and well-being manager who is responsible for ensuring meaningful activity is planned and happens across all 4 of their care homes to ensure residents are happy, fulfilled and content.

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Social activities can be planned or spontaneous, they can be a group or individual activities and there should be a diverse range so there is always something for everyone. Whether you enjoy a friendly and competitive game of bingo, you love arts and crafts or you love an afternoon tea should be an activity to suit everyone.

An interactive social life is just as important for older people as it is for younger people and makes a huge impact of a resents mental well being, self-worth and happiness within a ‘care’ environment and this is why social areas and lounges in care homes should be set up to encourage residents to talk and form strong bonds and friendships with other residents and carers whilst enabling them to engage in spontaneous activities that happen.

Social activities should be varied to ensure there is something for everyone, they should be voluntary, not forced and residents should be actively encouraged to get involved.

Engagement in activities beyond routine care is an important factor in the life of a care home. A choice of activities is important for improving a sense of independence, confidence and positive self-image.

Find out more here: www.bristolcarehomes.co.uk/the-importance-of-meaningful-social-activities-in-care-homes/