There are several ways in which you can encourage residents to take part in the activities you have planned for them. These include:
Find out what type of activities they would enjoy by engaging them in conversation about their hobbies and interests. Take note of anything they mention and work out how to incorporate that into your activity planning. Encourage people while the activity is underway and check that they are comfortable and have everything they need. Ask for feedback afterwards and act on what people say – both good and bad.
Active participation is a strategy that empowers individuals in their daily interactions and activities, giving them the chance to plan, assess and adjust their own care plans as required, to enable them to live as independently as possible.
As with any strategy involving the participation and cooperation of your residents, the best way to enable and encourage them to actively participate is to involve them in the planning and execution of their own social care and support, right from the start.