Everyday creativity
52 weekly activities
Chocolate Tasting
This informative, sensory activity gives participants space to chat and to share their reactions and experiences whilst tasting chocolate. It is also a fun way to learn more about the history of chocolate.
Credit:
“Food in Georgian times”, Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums. Developed in partnership with Age UK North Tyneside, ‘Time Travellers’ Dementia Group.
52 weekly activities
Making a fabric basket
An activity best done one-to-one or in small groups. It requires clear and concise step-by-step instructions to get it right, but it is very achievable. The finished basket is an attractive object to be proud of!
Credit:
The Whitworth Age Friendly Programme.
52 weekly activities
Colour and mood
A sensory activity exploring colour and emotion. It is dementia friendly and can help support speech and communication. It can create a space to discuss feelings and emotions, and to stimulate mindfulness.
Credit:
Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums. Developed in partnership with Age UK North Tyneside – Time Travellers Dementia Group.
52 weekly activities
Sensory colours
A simple activity that works really well in pairs. Depending on the level of need and/or confidence, the activity could be undertaken by the participant and a family member or friend with minimal support.
Credit:
Hoot Creative Arts / Andrea Freeman. Developed in partnership with Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees companionship groups.
52 weekly activities
Hand and foot bathing
An easy experience to set up that can be enjoyed by anyone. It can be done in a group whilst chatting or framed as a relaxation activity to be done with one person.
Credit:
Spin Turn Creative Movement.
52 weekly activities
God’s eyes
Inspired by a traditional craft from South America, the process of making these woven ‘God’s eyes’ (‘Ojo de Dios’ in Spanish) is very simple once the sticks are secure. They can also be joined together to create wall hangings.
Credit:
Avondale Care Home.
52 weekly activities
Magic Basket
A basket of sensory items can easily become an instant way of connecting with the people. People are naturally curious about what’s in the basket and it can become a source of curiosity opening up delight, memory and stories.
Credit: Maria Harvey-Lavin / Roaming Aromas. Developed in partnership with C&C Care Homes.
52 weekly activities
Something to talk about
A two-session activity that encourages participants to curate their own set of personal objects into something that offers the opportunity for reflective discussion.
Credit: Roger Hill / Bluecoat, developed in partnership with Belong.
52 weekly activities
Sashiko stitching
Sashiko is a mindful and peaceful activity that enables participants to share and chat. This 500-year-old technique from Japan can create both simple and more complex designs depending on the participants’ knowledge of stitching.
Credit: Derby Quad, GoldsQUAD / Phillipa Larkin.
Art by Post: Explore and Inspire
The Southbank Centre in partnership with NAPA, Nightingale Hammerson and Nenagh Watson
This booklet has been developed for anyone working in care settings, and was inspired by The Southbank Centre’s Art by Post project, which brings free creative activities direct to the door of the individuals, care-givers, practitioners and professionals most isolated by social distancing methods.
It includes a range of activities designed to take creativity into every corner of your care setting, including making nature clay prints, shadow puppets and slow looking.
Paintings in Hospitals – Creative Care Homes
Paintings in Hospitals
Paintings in Hospitals is delighted to present Creative Care Homes; a practical and helpful guide to enable everyone to deliver creative sessions within a care home environment.
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