Supporting emotional wellbeing through care home activities
- Bright Copper Kettles CIC
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Activity coordinators in care homes see residents through every kind of day. Supporting emotional wellbeing, whether residents are smiling and chatty, or quiet and withdrawn, is a vital part of providing meaningful care home activities.
Build consistent, genuine connections with care home residents.
Emotional wellbeing starts with the simple act of making people feel seen and valued. Taking time for regular one-to-one conversations really matters. Ask about their stories, their opinions, and their feelings.
These moments, repeated consistently, build trust, and trust is the foundation for real connection.
It’s often the small gestures that have the biggest impact. Remembering how they take their tea - and reflecting this back to them as you make it (not just making it how they prefer it), or asking after a grandchild’s visit, shows you care and that you’re paying attention.
Over time, these little details add up to something powerful: residents who feel truly known, not just 'looked after'.
Create opportunities for emotional expression.
As you know, providing activities in care homes isn't just about finding ways to fill the time. It's about giving residents a safe space to express themselves. That could be through painting, poetry, singing, or simply sharing memories in a small group. You'll no doubt have observed that not everyone will want to take centre stage. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of that. Making space for those who may prefer to join in quietly, while ensuring that others feel comfortable with their choice to sit and observe.
The key is to make space for all levels of involvement so that every resident feels respected and supported in how they choose to engage.
Foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
A strong sense of belonging can transform how a resident feels about their day-to-day life. When someone feels they have a role to play, no matter how small, it boosts confidence and emotional wellbeing. Look for ways to involve residents - helping to set up an activity, sharing a skill from their past, or leading part of a group project. You'll find more about this in my previous blog post.
It’s often the simple things - seasonal traditions, shared meals, or collective reminiscence, that create those moments of real connection. These experiences remind residents that they matter, and that they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
Nurturing the good days
When a resident is feeling emotionally well, take the opportunity to strengthen connections and build a bank of positive experiences.
Acknowledge the moment. “It’s lovely to see you looking so bright today.” shows you’re paying attention.
Build on their energy. Invite them to lead or encourage others. Their enthusiasm can be contagious, drawing in residents who might otherwise sit out.
Learn from what’s working. Was it a visit from family? A walk in the garden? Their favourite breakfast?
These clues can help you recreate elements of their good days when they’re feeling lower.
Offering alternative care home activities on challenging days
Even the most sociable resident will have moments when they withdraw. It might be due to fresh bad news, a memory that’s resurfaced, or simply waking up in a low mood. These days are just as important to acknowledge as the brighter ones.
Notice the changes. A normally chatty resident sitting quietly in the corner. Someone declining an activity they usually love. A lack of eye contact or shorter answers than usual.
These are little signals that you can make a big difference if you respond with empathy.
Offer flexible options. A noisy group activity might feel overwhelming when emotions are fragile. Swap it for something gentler like listening to music together, a puzzle in a quiet room, or a comforting cuppa.
Be present, without pressure. Your presence says more than your words. Sit with them. Let them lead the conversation - or the silence. Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can give is time and company without an agenda.
If they want to talk, listen without jumping in to fix the situation. If they’d rather have quiet companionship, respect that too.
Your presence reassures them they’re not alone, even on the harder days.
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.
Often it's about holding space for them to grieve, for loved ones, the life they've lived, the freedom they once took for granted and now hold dear.
Activity coordinators and other staff members are well positioned to be able to support residents in these moments.
If you’d like regular ideas and support with planning care home activities that truly nurture emotional wellbeing, sign up to my weekly newsletter. You’ll get fresh inspiration straight to your inbox.
If you're looking for more help with activity ideas and learning opportunities, the Activity Coordinators Toolbox™ is here to support, inspire and simplify your work - because meaningful moments don’t plan themselves.