From '1 to 1' to connection: Rehumanising individual activities in care homes

It popped up again the other day. A printed activity sheet listing activities in a care home, and in among the bingo, seated movement and craft was a vague entry: “1to1s with Anna.”

Personally, I really dislike this phrase - and for a setting built on the principles of person-centred care, I think this kind of wording really misses the mark.

When I pointed it out to my husband, he glanced at it and said, “What even is that?”

And you know what?

He’s not wrong.

What is it?

The term "1 to 1" (or "one-on-one," which somehow sounds like a battle I really don't want to get involved in) is everywhere in care homes - on whiteboards, printed timetables, digital calendars.

But it’s time we asked ourselves:

Does it actually mean anything to the people it’s meant for?

It’s time to rehumanise our language in the care home environment.

In the world of activities in care homes, "1 to 1" is shorthand. It probably started life in care planning language or staff allocation, a way to record that time is being spent individually with a resident.

But when it gets plonked into a weekly planner or on a poster next to “Music Hour” and “Film Club,” it’s… meaningless.

Even worse, it can sound like a private meeting or, as my husband thought, a medical intervention. There’s nothing warm or inviting about it.

And yet, these are often some of the most meaningful interactions our residents have all week.

So, let’s reframe it.

It’s NOT a task - It’s a connection

When you sit with someone to look at old postcards together, listen to their favourite music, or just have a quiet cuppa and a chat, that isn’t a “1 to 1.”

That’s:

• A personal visit

• A quiet moment of company

• A shared memory

• An individual activity

• Time well spent

• And, most importantly, it’s human.

  
  

Better ways to describe one-to-one activities in care homes

Let’s stop using the shorthand and start describing the experience:

• “Quiet chats with Anna”

• “Tea and conversation - individual room visits”

• “Anna will be visiting residents for memory box moments”

• “Personal time with Anna - music, magazines, or a cuppa”

• “Individual activity sessions such as; crafts, puzzles or life stories”

  
  

Yes, it takes a few more words. But it paints a picture. It invites curiosity.

It says, “You matter, and I’ve got time just for you.”

Why this matters

The language we use in care isn’t just admin. It shapes how people feel. If something looks vague, clinical, or confusing on a planner, residents may skip it - or worse, feel that it’s something being done to them rather than with them.

When we’re intentional about the way we describe activities in care homes, we can:

• Make residents feel more included

• Help family members understand what’s being offered

• Reassure other staff that these aren’t optional extras, but meaningful moments of connection

• Reinforce that care is not just physical, but emotional and social, too

  
  

So next time you’re putting together your planner, ask yourself:

Would I know what this means if I were new here?

Would a resident feel welcomed by this language?

Is this something that sounds like it belongs in a life, or in a file?

Because what we’re offering isn’t “1 to 1s.”

It’s kindness.

company.

And connection.

This is the heart of person-centred care, recognising the individuals living in your care home and creating meaningful moments based on who they are.

Let’s make sure the words reflect that.

If person-centred care means meeting people where they are emotionally, socially, and cognitively then the words we use to describe activities should reflect that level of respect and thoughtfulness too.

Do you use different terms for individual activities in care homes? I’d love to hear what works in your setting, pop a comment below or drop me a message.