Winter Activities For Care Home Residents

As the winter months approach, care homes face the challenge of keeping residents engaged and active due to the colder weather and shorter days. These seasonal changes can sometimes lead to decreased levels of activity, feelings of isolation and shifts in health and emotional well-being if they aren't managed. Thoughtful activity planning not only supports physical health but also offers residents a sense of joy and warmth during the winter period. In this blog, we explore the numerous benefits of providing activities for residential or nursing home residents and common examples you could expect to be offered.

The Benefits of Activities for Residents

Maintaining a broad range of activities through the winter months is extremely beneficial for care home residents. Cold weather and reduced daylight can affect energy and mood, making it easy for older adults to become less active. Encouraging residents to stay active through stimulating activities helps prevent loneliness and reduces the risk of physical decline or Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is important to collaborate with residents and their loved ones to plan activities that are suited to their needs and interests, as this can increase their sense of purpose and belonging. Regular opportunities to spend time with other residents, loved ones and team members alongside first-class care services can offer an improved quality of life during all parts of the year.

Examples of Winter Care Home Activities

Board and Card Games

Board games and card games are a classic choice for cold winter days. Playing together helps keep residents warm indoors and provides friendly competition and cognitive engagement. These games encourage residents to reminisce on their favourite games from their youth and share memories, while also developing problem-solving skills. Board games are especially supportive for mental health and improving memory in a relaxed setting. Residents can play these games one-on-one or in a group, making it easy for everyone to take part regardless of their ability or preference.

Baking and Decorating

Baking and decorating winter-themed treats is a fun activity that brings residents together to combat the cold weather. Residents could bake gingerbread house cookies, decorate festive cupcakes, make winter biscuits with icing and sprinkles and much more. These activities strengthen fine motor skills and offer rewards in the form of delicious snacks and shared enjoyment through teamwork and stories of previous recipes or family traditions.

Winter Walks

Encouraging residents to get fresh air is important, even when temperatures are low. Winter walks in the local area, bundled up in warm clothes, help residents stay active and maintain physical well-being. These gentle outings have several health benefits such as improved circulation, vitamin D levels and greater exposure to natural light. For some residents, a stroll in the garden with friends can be just as rewarding. Walks are a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the season together with loved ones and staff.

Arts and Crafts

Creative activities are highly popular during the winter months, as they allow residents to spend time indoors and let their imaginations thrive. Painting sessions, winter-themed arts and crafts projects, and making paper snowflakes or paper chains foster skill development and motor dexterity. Residents may make festive decorations for the home, create cards for family members, or work on group projects that brighten the winter period. Arts and crafts can be tailored to individuals with complex needs so everyone can get involved, and they provide a sense of achievement and companionship.

Winter Movie Marathons

Gathering residents together in the cinema room or lounge for winter movie marathons can bring much-needed warmth and comfort on cold days. Watching favourite seasonal films or children’s classics from years past creates a communal atmosphere and allows residents to share laughter and stories. Movie nights also offer the chance for residents and the whole family to spend time together, enjoy cinema-style refreshments and build positive memories.

Winter Themed Quizzes and Group Games

Hosting winter-themed quizzes and word games is an excellent way to keep residents mentally stimulated and involved. These activities can be tailored to residents' individual interests, personal and medical needs and cognitive functions so they are accessible for all. Group quizzes boost friendly competition and support problem-solving skills, while word games, crosswords and Sudoku help sharpen memory and focus. Residents are able to experience a sense of pride with completed puzzles, and their participation encourages positive social interaction with other residents and staff. These formats can be enjoyed indoors, making them a staple of the activities programme during the winter period.

Christmas Jumper Day or Themed Fetes

Christmas jumper day is a joyful tradition in many care homes during the winter months, offering a lively opportunity for residents to express creativity and community spirit. Residents and staff wear their most cheerful or quirky festive jumpers, some featuring classic knitted designs while others showcase bright colours or playful decorations. Homes often host friendly competitions to see who can assemble the most fun or original jumper and capture the day with photos that are shared with family members and loved ones. This is often incorporated with charity fete days, where the local community and loved ones are invited to join in with their own festive attire.

Gentle Indoor Exercise Sessions

It is essential to keep residents active and maintain physical health throughout the winter months. Indoor exercise sessions, such as seated yoga, tai chi or gentle aerobics, support flexibility, balance, strength and circulation. These group sessions can be adapted for residents with physical disabilities and are often led by staff or local community partners. Gentle movement helps residents keep warm and boosts overall well-being even when cold weather keeps outdoor activity limited.

Life at Harrier Grange Care Home During The Winter Months

At Harrier Grange Care Home in Andover, residents thrive throughout the winter due to a lively programme of activities designed to nurture mind, body and spirit. Every individual benefits from stimulating activities held in our luxury facilities. Our dedicated team supports residents in enjoying quality time with family members and friends to strengthen bonds and make the colder months productive and joyful. Whether you require residential care, nursing care, dementia care or respite care, there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout every season. With a commitment to offering the utmost levels of comfort, safety, community and well-being, our Andover care home is proud to offer a homely environment where every resident can stay warm and engaged all winter long.

Come and See Our Home For Yourself

Our home truly does speak for itself. If you are looking for a luxury care home in Hampshire ahead of the winter that will support you or your loved ones with all aspects of care, we would love to welcome you for a tour. Get in touch with a member of our team to find out more.