A large part of our commitment to our elderly community and providing top-notch senior care is learning how to motivate residents throughout their time in our long-term care. Finding new ways to encourage and motivate our elders can be an ever-evolving process that requires creativity on the part of our senior caregivers.
Sometimes, it’s really challenging. Often there are barriers, whether real or perceived, that may be preventing nursing home residents from getting involved in the scheduled enrichment activities.
As we strive for excellence in every part of our long-term care residents’ experience, Sympaticare is committed to evolving to break down these barriers and provide the best experience for our elders, to motivate them, and to keep them moving, happy, and healthy.
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At Sympaticare, we care for those who care for others. Our senior living management and consulting agency is deeply committed to our elderly community and the professionals who care for them. |
Common Barriers Nursing Home Residents Face in Long-term Care
Most barriers our long-term care residents face can be overcome with the right motivators.
A few of the most common barriers our nursing home residents face include:
Language barriers
Feelings of inadequacy
Fear of not being able to keep up with others or looking foolish
General lack of desire to mingle with other residents
Language
Struggling to speak the same language can be difficult and discouraging for long-term care residents when participating in group activities.
For these residents, it may help to ask a family member to attend a few sessions alongside them. Having a familiar face and someone who understands and can translate for them may make for a more comfortable and encouraging transition to life in a senior care facility.
Another option is to seek out a volunteer fluent in the resident’s primary language.
It's beneficial to have this person visit twice per week to assist with group activities so the resident becomes more comfortable speaking to others and attending group activities.
Feelings of Inadequacy
Some residents struggle with feeling like they’re too old, or too sick, to participate in activities.
Have you tried bargaining with them? Try it out. Invite long-term care residents to ‘watch’ activities and slowly invite them to try it out for a short period of time.
People are often more inclined to attend when they have someone to go with. Find the social butterfly of the group who regularly attends scheduled group events, pair them up with someone who fits this category, and invite them to the next session together.
Fear of Not Keeping Up or Looking Foolish
If a nursing home resident feels as though they won’t be able to keep up or will look silly participating in activities, there are a few ways to ease their mind.
Here are some ideas to motivate long-term care residents to participate in group activities:
Kindly remind them that there is no hurry
Help them with each activity; this will help them gain confidence
Invite a guest to join them
Take the reins! Demo the activity yourself.
Sometimes the simple art of showing residents that it’s okay to be messy, to go slow, or to go at their own pace, regardless of what that looks like, is therapeutic and encouraging for others.
A Lack of Desire to Mingle with Other Nursing Home Residents
If someone is not a fan of large groups, invite them to smaller group sessions with a few people.
Link up like-minded people. Pay attention to similarities in personality and overall demeanor. Start out introducing them one by one over a span of several weeks.
Even if you can only connect two people, you may be able to connect more over time; be patient. Slowly introduce them to games and other activities best suited for smaller groups.
Be kind. Be caring. Be compassionate.
At Sympaticare, we strive to provide the best care and experiences for our residents, and breaking down barriers and helping to forge positive relationships between nursing home residents is all part of that journey.
Our senior care management company is here to evolve alongside our long-term care residents, alleviate the stress of transitioning to their new home, and motivate our nursing home residents to truly enjoy their lives in our care. Because with Sympaticare, our commitment is life-long.