Hygge ideas for care home activities: Boost engagement and wellbeing
- Bright Copper Kettles CIC
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
When you hear the word Hygge, you might immediately think of thick socks, warm drinks, and soft blankets - the kind of cosy comfort that makes winter feel a little gentler.
But Hygge isn’t just about atmosphere. It’s a mindset. And when we apply it to activities planning in care homes, something lovely happens: engagement feels more natural, residents feel more at ease, and you feel less pressure to constantly perform.
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.
Create warm, cosy spaces that invite residents in
A comfortable environment is often the first step to successful engagement. Many residents, especially those living with dementia, may feel unsure or overwhelmed by busy rooms, harsh lighting, or noise.
Hygge reminds us to focus on comfort.
Think:
soft lighting instead of bright overhead bulbs
blankets or shawls for residents
cushions, soft textures, and warm colours
a lamp-lit corner for reading or quiet chats
When the room feels cosy, residents naturally settle more easily and are more open to joining.
Slow down the pace to reduce stress and fatigue
Care homes are busy places, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of filling the calendar because it looks impressive on paper.
But Hygge teaches us to embrace calm, gentle moments.
Rather than rushing from one activity to the next, consider planning:
slower, more mindful sessions
simple crafts that don't require lots of steps
relaxed conversation circles
quiet afternoon teas with soft music
When the pace is unhurried, residents are more engaged and less overwhelmed -
and you, as the coordinator, feel less pressure to keep things lively.
Use sensory comfort to support emotional wellbeing
Sensory activities are a cornerstone of Hygge. The goal is to create experiences that feel warm, familiar, and comforting.
Think about adding:
gentle seasonal scents; orange, cinnamon, lavender.
textured materials; wool, felt, pinecones, ribbons.
warm drinks; cocoa or spiced apple
familiar tastes from residents’ childhoods
soft music or nature sounds
These sensory touches help residents connect with the moment.
For those living with dementia, sensory-centred activities can calm, ground, and soothe in ways that purely cognitive tasks may not.
Focus on shared moments and community for care home activities
Hygge is about togetherness - those small, shared experiences that build connection. Residents don’t always need a big event; sometimes the quietest moments are the most meaningful.
You could try:
reading groups
knitting or blanket-making circles
listening to favourite festive songs
group baking of simple treats
a cosy reminiscence session, if you don't have a fireplace, use a virtual fireplace on a screen
These activities build community, help residents feel included, and gently encourage conversation and companionship.
Support your wellbeing through Hygge-inspired planning
Meaningful activities start with a coordinator who feels grounded and calm. Hygge isn’t just for residents, it’s for you, too.
Give yourself permission to:
simplify where possible
choose activities that feel good to deliver
create a calm workspace with warm lighting and a tidy desk
enjoy a warm drink while you prepare sessions
take small pauses between tasks
Your wellbeing directly affects the energy you bring to residents. Hygge helps you to reclaim a sense of ease and control, especially during busy seasons.
Bringing Hygge into your daily practice
Hygge isn’t a theme.
It’s a way of thinking.
It encourages you to focus on comfort, connection, and calmness, which happen to be three things that many residents deeply need.
By softening spaces, slowing the pace, and creating cosy moments, you’re not just planning activities, you’re enhancing quality of life.
And that is what truly matters.
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