In the day-to-day life of a nursing home, care needs to extend beyond meeting residents’ physical needs. Carers must also nurture happiness, purpose, and connection to improve wellbeing and enhance quality of life.
This is especially true for those living with dementia or cognitive impairment. Structured, meaningful activities play a vital role in boosting mood, focus, and social engagement.
That’s where therapeutic activities such as adult colouring, puzzles, and games can work wonders. They’re simple, adaptable, and, most importantly, they can bring joy and laughter to everyday experiences.
In this short blog post, we explore why therapeutic activities matter, highlight some examples to try in a care home setting, and share some tips for care home staff.
Why therapeutic activities matter in care
“Therapeutic activities” are more than just ways to pass the time; they’re carefully chosen experiences that support the emotional, mental, and social health of residents.
In a care home setting, these activities can:
- Encourage focus and mindfulness to reduce restlessness or anxiety.
- Support fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination.
- Foster social interaction and a sense of belonging.
- Build confidence through achievable, rewarding tasks.
They also help staff form deeper, more personal connections with residents — moments of shared laughter or creativity can be just as meaningful as clinical care.
Three activities to try in a care home setting
1. Adult colouring: creativity with a calming effect
Adult colouring books are a simple yet powerful therapeutic tool. The repetitive motion of colouring helps residents relax, focus, and express themselves creatively.
Benefits include:
- Promoting mindfulness and calm — helpful for residents who feel anxious or agitated.
- Supporting dexterity and coordination through gentle hand movement.
- Providing a sense of achievement when a page is completed.
Activity tips for care homes:
- Choose large-print or bold-outline books for residents with visual impairments.
- Offer a range of colouring materials — soft pencils, felt-tip pens, or crayons for easier grip.
- Themes such as flowers, seaside scenes, wildlife, or familiar British landmarks can prompt conversation and reminiscence.
Many UK suppliers, such as The Works or Care Shop, offer colouring resources designed for older adults and care environments.
2. Puzzles: stimulating memory and concentration
Puzzles like jigsaws, crosswords, and word searches remain a firm favourite in many care homes because they gently challenge the mind while offering a great sense of accomplishment.
Benefits include:
- Enhancing memory, focus, and visual recognition.
- Encouraging problem-solving and patience.
- Building social bonds when completed together as a group.
Activity tips for care homes:
- Use large-piece jigsaws with bright, familiar images — countryside scenes, animals, or vintage British posters.
- Word searches and crosswords can be adapted for different ability levels.
- Group puzzle sessions encourage teamwork and positive social interaction.
Brands like Gibsons and Ravensburger offer special “large piece” collections ideal for residents with reduced dexterity or visual changes.
3. Games: building connection and lifting spirits
Games are an excellent way to combine mental stimulation with companionship. They invite laughter, conversation, and friendly competition, all of which contribute to a vibrant, positive care home atmosphere.
Examples of suitable games:
- Dominoes, bingo, and card games are familiar and easy to adapt.
- Scrabble and other word games can enhance language and memory skills.
- Simple matching or cooperative games can be calming and inclusive for residents with more advanced dementia.
For nursing homes with access to technology, tablet-based games and memory apps can also be used under supervision, offering residents another layer of cognitive engagement.
Integrating activities into daily care
The most successful care home activity programmes combine routine, flexibility, and empathy. Therapeutic activities should never feel rushed or forced; the goal is enjoyment, not performance.
Practical suggestions for staff:
- Create a calm, inviting environment: soft lighting, background music, and minimal distractions help residents relax.
- Encourage resident choice: offer a small selection of activities each day to foster independence.
- Celebrate small achievements, such as finishing a puzzle section or colouring a page.
- Encourage group participation to strengthen social bonds while also offering quiet one-to-one options for residents who prefer calm spaces.
- Keep sessions short (15–45 minutes) and flexible depending on residents’ concentration levels. Even brief, well-chosen activities can reduce agitation, lift mood, and enhance residents’ sense of dignity and inclusion.
In summary
In care homes, therapeutic activities are not just “nice extras” — they’re essential elements of holistic care. From a simple jigsaw to a shared game of bingo, these moments provide comfort, connection, and purpose.
For residents living with cognitive impairment, these activities can rekindle memories, nurture creativity, and maintain vital mental skills. And for staff, the joy comes from seeing residents smile, engage, and flourish.
If you’d like to learn more about the therapeutic activities we offer here at Fulford, contact us on 01904 654 269 to chat with one of our friendly staff members.