Spring into action: How the change in season can bring a fresh perspective to care home activities.

As the days grow longer and the first blossoms appear, spring offers a natural opportunity to refresh activity planning in care homes. The change in season isn’t just about warmer weather. It’s a chance to bring renewed energy, inspiration, and variety to the activities you provide.

It's time to stretch and wake-up from our hibernation season.

By using my HELPS framework - Histories, Experiences, Lifestyles, Preferences, and Strengths, you can create meaningful activities that truly resonate with your care home residents this spring.

H - Histories: Connecting spring to residents’ memories

Spring is a season full of personal family and cultural traditions. Many residents will have fond memories tied to Easter, May Day celebrations, or simply the joy of seeing daffodils bloom.

Use sensory prompts like fresh flowers, bird song recordings, and seasonal foods (hot cross buns, Simnel cake) to spark conversations about past springs.

E - Experiences: Bringing the outdoors in

Some of our best memories are linked to our experiences of being outdoors. It may not be possible for you to arrange for all residents to spend time outside, but that doesn’t mean they can’t experience the beauty of spring.

Fill trays with soil, herbs, and fresh flowers so residents can engage with nature through touch and smell.

Use videos of spring landscapes or live stream from a local garden to bring the season indoors.

L - Lifestyles: Adapting spring activities to suit residents’ daily routines

Spring’s energy is contagious, but activities should still fit comfortably into residents’ lifestyles.

As the clocks go back this weekend, you may need to be more aware of how your care home residents are affected by a new routine.

If you don't already have one, set up a bird feeder outside and keep a simple log of visiting birds, perfect for a calm start to the day.

Swap heavier winter treats for fresh, lighter options like fruit tarts and herbal teas.

P - Preferences: Tailoring activities to individual interests

As with any other themes you choose for activities, spring-themed activities should reflect what residents enjoy, ensuring everyone can take part in a way that suits them.

Creative residents? - Organise a spring-themed art session with flower painting or pressed flower crafts.

Music lovers? - Play classic springtime songs like Tiptoe Through the Tulips, A Beautiful Morning or Vivaldi’s Spring and encourage gentle movement or singalongs.

Food enthusiasts? - Try making fresh spring salads or baking Easter biscuits together.

S - Strengths: Focusing on what residents can do

Spring is a great time to celebrate what residents can do rather than focusing on limitations.

If residents used to be keen gardeners, encourage them to share their knowledge by advising on what to plant or how to care for spring flowers.

Invite local children to help plant flowers in pots, giving residents the chance to nurture and advise.

Encourage residents to help make floral table centrepieces or decorate communal spaces with handmade spring bunting.

Spring isn’t just about warmer weather - it’s an opportunity to breathe new life into your activity program. By using my HELPS framework, you can ensure activities are personal, engaging, and uplifting for your residents.

What are you planning for spring? Let me know in the comments - I’d love to hear your ideas!

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