Pop the kettle on. This is the first in a new series of blogs,The Box. Take a moment to relax as you read, give yourself time to breathe, and take whatever feels helpful for you today. ☕💚

In February, it’s often something small that gently draws the eye and invites us to pause. For residents, especially those living with dementia, these visual anchors can make the garden feel purposeful, calming, and full of quiet interest.

Your first week is not about having all the answers. It’s about learning, observing, and building trust - with residents and staff alike.

care home notice boards can be so much more than a “tick-box” exercise for CQC. When used well, they tell a story to residents, families, staff, and inspectors, about life in your home.

Colouring encourages focus, reduces anxiety, and creates a soothing moment of joy - exactly what so many people need during the busy festive season.

A seasonal version of Bingo for your care home residents to enjoy.

December traditions do far more than mark the passage of time, they create a sense of belonging. They help residents feel part of something bigger, spark memories, and soften feelings of loneliness that can intensify during the winter months. Most importantly, they remind us that no matter our backgrounds, people everywhere seek joy, connection, and meaning.

Hygge helps us to slow down, notice the little things, and create moments of connection that really matter - and those moments are at the heart of good activities work. Below are five ways Hygge can quietly transform the way you plan and deliver activities.

Christmas in a care home can feel like a juggling act — decorations, music, parties, and presents all competing for your attention. But what if the season didn’t have to be frantic?

Remembrance Day can hold deep meaning in a care home, offering residents a moment to reflect, remember, and connect. While it’s easy to assume the day no longer feels relevant, gentle, inclusive activities can bring comfort, conversation, and shared understanding for everyone, whether they lived through wartime or have different life experiences.

“Hydration isn’t just about water - it’s about flavour, fun, and sharing moments. For older people, staying hydrated can boost energy, focus, and wellbeing, yet it’s something we often overlook. We believe that food and drink are more than nourishment; they’re stories waiting to be shared. This Halloween, why not turn hydration into a creative, social experience with a ‘Potion Station’? Residents and families can mix colourful mocktails, invent spooky names, and share memori

When Activity Coordinators are given the time, tools, and support they need, the results speak for themselves: residents are more engaged, staff feel more connected, and the whole home benefits from a sense of purpose and joy.

"Why is it that in my role I never feel good enough and question what I’m doing? Maybe it’s because my co-workers think I do nothing and they really don’t understand my job. It’s hard to just brush it off."

For many care home activity coordinators, the phrase "no budget " is all too familiar. You’re expected to provide a full, engaging programme of activities, but the money simply isn’t there. It can feel frustrating, especially when you’re passionate about delivering the best for your residents.

When I began writing my blog series on the SPIES model of wellbeing (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual), I thought...

Spiritual wellbeing isn’t a one-size-fits-all. For some residents, it means practising their religion, joining a service, or connecting with a local faith leader. For others, it might be sitting by the window with a cup of tea, listening to birdsong, or sharing memories from their childhood.

Emotional wellbeing isn’t about eliminating the lows, it’s about recognising where someone is in that moment, and offering the right kind of support.

"The richest, most surprising stories from care home residents often appear in those quiet, in-between moments - waiting for the kettle to boil, walking to the dining room, or peeling veg for shepherd’s pie. These golden snippets of lived experience can transform your activity planning, turning everyday conversations into meaningful, mind-stimulating sessions that celebrate residents as experts in their own stories."

As an Activity Coordinator, you're in a brilliant position to support physical wellbeing without needing a physio’s degree or a gym in the lounge. In fact, many of the best ways to help residents move more don’t look like exercise at all. Let’s explore why physical wellbeing matters and how you can help support it through meaningful, joyful activity.

Discover how to support social wellbeing in care homes with meaningful, everyday activities. This post explores small group ideas, purposeful connections, and practical tools for activity coordinators using the SPIES wellbeing model.