The season is turning, and Spring has finally arrived here at Fulford. Our colourful garden is waking up with beautiful blooms and birdsong, and we’re all looking forward to spending time together, both indoors and outdoors.
In this short blog post, we share six safe and enjoyable activities we’ll be offering our residents during the springtime, with a particular focus on their well-being benefits.
Getting outside
Our garden is a cherished space, lovingly tended to by staff and residents. It offers a gentle and unhurried environment in which to move, rest and reflect. Here are three of our favourite outdoor activities at this time of year:
1. Gentle garden walks or seated time outdoors
Residents are invited to take accompanied strolls or simply sit in the garden to observe the new growth, from snowdrops and daffodils to emerging buds and visiting birds. They’re also encouraged to notice their surroundings, rather than exert themselves.
How it boosts well-being: There’s real value in spending time outside, as fresh air and natural light support vitamin D levels and help encourage better sleep. Birdsong and seasonal scents can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
2. Planting seeds or potting spring flowers
We offer our residents a supervised, hands-on planting session. They get to choose which seeds to plant and care for their own pot through the season.
How it boosts well-being: Gardening supports fine motor skills and offers a meaningful sense of purpose. Watching something grow is uplifting and gives everyone a sense of continuity through the season.
3. Bird watching from the garden or a window seat
We’ve set up bird feeders in the garden and invite our residents to spot visitors (birds, insects, and squirrels). This is a nice, gentle activity that can be enjoyed in mild weather outdoors, or from a window seat on cooler, rainy days.
How it boosts well-being: There’s something naturally calming about simply watching the world go by. For residents with limited mobility, this offers meaningful engagement with the outdoors without physical strain.
Staying in, staying busy
Although the sun has been peeking out from behind the clouds, there are still days when we’re reminded that we’re in York, and it’s not warm enough to spend the day outside. When that happens, the spirit of Springtime can be easily brought indoors with these activities:
4. Flower arranging with fresh spring blooms
With tulips, daffodils, and other seasonal flowers, we help residents create small arrangements for their rooms or shared areas.
How it boosts well-being: Working with natural materials has a calming, grounding effect. The hands-on nature of flower arranging supports dexterity, and the finished display brightens the space.
5. Seasonal crafts and treats
During the recent Easter period, we decorated eggs, made paper flowers and spring wreaths, and enjoyed hot cross buns, Easter eggs, and biscuits. Residents were invited to contribute at their own pace and ability.
How it boosts well-being: Creative activities and socialising over sweet treats are good for the mind and often bring fond memories bubbling to the surface.
6. Spring-themed armchair exercises or gentle movement sessions
We offer seated movement activities set to upbeat spring music, including gentle stretches, light hand exercises, or a short chair yoga session.
How it boosts well-being: Regular gentle movement keeps the body moving and the joints comfortable. Group sessions also help to combat loneliness and give residents something to look forward to.
Read more: Cognitive health and care home activities: How we support brain health every day
Calling all families: Join us this Spring
Whether indoors or outdoors, these activities are always made more special when our residents’ friends and family can join them. If you’d like to spend some time in our garden planting or inside crafting with a cuppa, you’re more than welcome to tag along.
We carefully plan all of our activities, with each resident’s safety, dignity, and individual abilities in mind. If you’d like to visit or find out more about our Springtime schedule, please contact us on 01904 654 269.