Disclaimer: All activities run by Fulford Nursing Home are subject to strict, COVID-secure measures. Every activity offered to our residents is planned on risk and with shielding in mind. If you have any questions about our social events programme, please contact us on 01904 654 269.
When you’re considering a nursing home for a loved one, chances are you’ll have a long list of questions.
And, in our experience, one of the most popular questions asked by family and friends centres around the type and variety of social activities on offer.
Here at Fulford, we recognise that socialisation and morale are every bit as important as the day-to-day living and medical care we provide. Our wonderful staff work tirelessly each and every day to coordinate mood-boosting events and excursions. These are designed to engage our residents’ brains, enhance their quality of life, and — above all else — make them smile.
In this short post, we share just some of the 20+ popular activities we offer and why we’ve chosen them.
Variety is still the spice of life
Socialising in a nursing home isn’t what you’d imagine. At least, not in this day and age. No-one’s gathering around the wireless to sing war songs, and it’s not all dreary games of bingo and boring daytime TV.
Instead, we actively listen to our residents to learn more about their interests and hobbies, developing a schedule of events to suit. We also want to broaden their horizons and introduce them to things they may not have tried before. Even in a nursing home, there’s still an opportunity to learn something new — and variety is still the spice of life.
A typical week at Fulford can look something like this:
- Monday – Arts & Crafts
- Tuesday – Song Box Community Singing Group
- Wednesday – Flower Arranging
- Thursday – Hairdressing
- Friday – Painting Class
- Weekend – Family Visiting Hours
Many of these activities have been selected to stimulate different parts of the brain and body, helping residents with cognition or dexterity issues. A lot of what we offer is also very therapeutic and relaxing, while something as simple as hairdressing can instill a great deal of confidence and raise self-esteem.
Meanwhile, we must give a special mention to the Song Box music sessions, which have proven to be particularly popular. Run by trained singer and experienced community musician, Thea Jacob, these informal events promote creative personal expression and social connection, lifting the mood of both residents and staff alike.
Other activities at Fulford (inside & out)
Our social events don’t end with the daily schedule outlined above. Throughout the year, we plan special excursions, visits, and outside activities to introduce some diversity and excitement into the mix.
From something as simple as visiting the local designer centre for a shopping trip, to arranging holidays in adapted hotels, caravan holidays in the Dales, and trips to local attractions, museums, and beautiful, scenic gardens, we’re always looking for new ways to delight our residents.
It’s especially exciting around Christmas time, when we get to come together for an annual trip to the panto. And this is usually accompanied by lots of tasty festive food, singing, and fun & games.
Other activities on offer include:
- Walking and Exercise Classes
- Swimming in Small Groups
- Gardening
- Baking
- Pet Therapy
- Technology workshops (helping our residents get to grips with video calls and social media — something that has taken on greater importance during the COVID-19 lockdown)
- Board games
- Play Your Cards Right
- Afternoon Tea
- Social Dancing
We even had a visit from Elvis! And when the King shows up, one thing’s for sure: It’s never boring!
A happy, safe environment
Our trained staff work closely with outside event providers and community experts to deliver a range of activities tailored to our resident’s needs and capabilities. And even during the most difficult of times, faced with a global pandemic and limited outside interaction, we remain dedicated to making Fulford a happy, safe environment for everyone who lives here.
If you’d like to speak to us about moving your loved one into a nursing home, or if you currently offer COVID-safe community events for seniors, please contact us on 01904 654 269.