When a loved one moves into a care home, families often wonder about the daily life they will enjoy there. One of the most common questions we hear at St Michaels Care is: What Activities are there in a Care Home? The answer is, a lot more than you might think.
At St Michaels Care, we believe life in a care home should be enriching, engaging, and full of opportunities to enjoy meaningful moments. Our activity programme is carefully designed to promote physical health, mental stimulation, emotional well-being, and social connection. Whether someone prefers a lively group event or a calm, creative pastime, we ensure there is something for everyone.
1. Gentle Exercise and Wellbeing Activities
Staying active is key to maintaining health and independence, so we offer a variety of low-impact exercise sessions tailored to all abilities. This can include:
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Chair-based aerobics to improve mobility and circulation.
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Gentle stretching or yoga for flexibility and relaxation.
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Group walks in our beautiful gardens for fresh air and conversation.
Our trained carers ensure each activity is safe, enjoyable, and adapted to individual needs, helping residents maintain strength and confidence.
2. Creative Arts and Crafts
Art is a wonderful way to express personality, spark creativity, and boost mood. At St Michaels Care, our arts and crafts sessions include:
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Painting and drawing for relaxation and self-expression.
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Seasonal crafts, from making decorations to themed creative projects.
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Knitting, sewing, and other hands-on hobbies that encourage focus and fine motor skills.
These activities aren’t just about creating beautiful things; they’re about creating joy, memories, and connections.
3. Music and Singing Sessions
Music has an incredible power to lift spirits, trigger happy memories, and bring people together. Our regular music activities include:
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Live performances from visiting musicians.
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Group sing-alongs of familiar favourites.
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Music appreciation afternoons, exploring different genres and eras.
For residents living with dementia, music can be especially therapeutic, helping them connect with past experiences in a comforting way.
4. Games, Quizzes, and Puzzles
Keeping the mind active is just as important as physical exercise. That’s why we organise plenty of mental stimulation through:
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Group quizzes with friendly competition.
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Board games and card games for all skill levels.
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Crosswords, sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles.
These activities not only sharpen the mind but also encourage social interaction and laughter.
5. Social Events and Celebrations
Life at St Michaels Care is filled with moments of celebration. We love to mark birthdays, anniversaries, and seasonal holidays with themed parties, decorations, and special treats.
We also arrange:
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Afternoon teas with residents and their families.
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Movie nights complete with popcorn.
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Themed evenings celebrating different cultures and cuisines.
These shared experiences strengthen friendships and create a sense of community.
6. Gardening and Outdoor Activities
For those who enjoy the outdoors, our gardens are a peaceful place to relax or get involved with light gardening. Activities may include:
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Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
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Watering and caring for plants.
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Birdwatching and enjoying nature’s seasonal changes.
Fresh air and sunshine can make a big difference to mood and energy levels, which is why we encourage outdoor time whenever possible.
7. Reminiscence and Life Story Work
Sharing personal stories and memories is a deeply rewarding activity, especially for residents with dementia. We host reminiscence sessions using photographs, keepsakes, music, and scents to spark conversations about the past. This not only helps preserve a resident’s sense of identity but also strengthens the bond between residents, staff, and families.
8. One-to-One Time
Not every resident enjoys large group activities. That’s why our team also offers personalised one-to-one sessions, which might include:
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Reading aloud from a favourite book.
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Playing a game together.
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Simply having a cup of tea and a chat.
This ensures every resident feels valued, understood, and included.
Why Activities Matter at St Michaels Care
Engaging activities in a care home setting are not just a way to pass the time — they are vital to overall well-being. At St Michaels Care, we see how participating in activities can:
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Reduce loneliness and isolation.
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Boost confidence and self-esteem.
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Maintain physical health and cognitive function.
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Create a sense of purpose and belonging.
Every activity is planned with our residents in mind, ensuring it’s enjoyable, safe, and accessible.
A Vibrant Life Awaits
So, What Activities are there in a Care Home? At St Michaels Care, the answer is: a wide variety, tailored to suit every personality, interest, and ability. From creative arts to gentle exercise, from social events to quiet one-to-one moments, our goal is to help every resident live each day to the fullest.
If you’d like to learn more about our activity programme or arrange a visit to see it in action, contact St Michaels Care today. We’d be delighted to show you how we make life here engaging, joyful, and truly personal.
