There have been a couple of threads lately asking for advice about activities for those living with advanced dementia and/or physical limitations - this was a peeve of mine while mom was living at the NH because the majority of her day was spent literally on the sidelines of life, and frankly most of the activities weren't very successful for more than a handful of those living there. Maybe if we had a list of ideas that really work at your facility (or home) it would be something we could give to the activities director or family council, and hopefully a step toward improving QOL for those living in our local facilities.
Red Hat Clubs for the women
Current Event Groups
Men's Clubs
Games, cards are popular
Pet Therapy
Have the home your loved one is in contact NCCAP (National Certification Council for Activity Professionals). This group certifies activity directors and is a great resource for ideas.
There are too few "hands on deck" for the number of different people at different levels to care for. And the staff there have "other duties" to do. One or two activities directors can't do it all by themselves.
Kids no, but maybe high school students having to earn volunteer hours. Church youth groups?
I went and the staff loved me. So grateful a loved one showed up to be there and help. Not looking for acknowledgement, just saying.