Winter Wellness: Creative and Accessible Activities for Long-Term Care Residents

Ontario winters were always a challenge when Shawn lived at home, but now that he’s in long-term care, I’ve had to get even more creative. Winter can feel isolating for someone in long-term care, but there are plenty of ways to keep them engaged and help beat the winter blues.

1. Social Connection

   • Scheduled visits or video calls: Regularly connecting with family or friends through visits or virtual calls can reduce feelings of loneliness.

   • Group activities: If the facility offers group programs, like bingo, movie nights, or crafting, joining in can help maintain a sense of community.

   • Pen pals: Encouraging correspondence with a pen pal or joining a letter-writing program can provide an emotional connection and something to look forward to.

2. Indoor Exercise:

   • Seated exercises: Many long-term care facilities offer seated exercise programs to help with mobility and strength. Encouraging participation can improve mood and physical well-being.

   • Therapeutic activities: Some residents might benefit from physical therapy or mobility exercises led by professionals to stay active, even in a wheelchair.

3. Sensory and Creative Activities:

   • Art and crafts: Participating in arts and crafts, like painting, drawing, or making seasonal decorations, can help express emotions and provide a creative outlet.

   • Music therapy: Listening to or participating in music sessions, whether by playing an instrument or just enjoying the tunes, can be uplifting and help reduce stress.

   • Sensory stimulation: Playing with textured materials, using scented oils, or listening to nature sounds can help stimulate the senses and lift the mood.

4. Memory and Cognitive Activities:

   • Memory games: Simple activities like trivia, word searches, crossword puzzles, or storytelling can keep the mind sharp and reduce the effects of isolation.

   • Life story projects: Encourage reminiscing or creating a life story scrapbook to relive happy memories.

5. Spiritual or Religious Practices:

   • Meditation or prayer: For those who find comfort in spirituality, prayer or guided meditation can provide peace and a sense of purpose.

   • Spiritual care: Many long-term care facilities offer services or visits from chaplains or spiritual caregivers to provide emotional support and connection.

6. Winter-Themed Comforts:

   • Seasonal decorations: Decorating their room with winter or holiday-themed items can create a warm, cozy atmosphere.

   • Scented items: Introducing calming scents, like lavender or cinnamon, through candles or diffusers, can enhance relaxation. (check with the LTC facility if scents are allowed)

   • Hot drinks: Having access to a favourite hot beverage, like tea or cocoa, can create a comforting routine during the colder months.

7. Mindfulness and Relaxation:

   • Breathing exercises: Simple breathing techniques or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and encourage relaxation.

   • Guided imagery or relaxation sessions: Some facilities offer guided imagery sessions where residents can mentally "escape" to a peaceful, calm setting.

8. Virtual Events or Entertainment:

   • Online concerts or events: Many organizations offer virtual performances, church services, or events that residents can watch from their rooms.

   • Streaming movies and TV shows: Offering a selection of comforting or entertaining shows and movies can make the time pass more pleasantly.

By providing options for engagement and maintaining connections, individuals in long-term care can feel more connected to the world around them, even during the winter months.