30 small ideas to improve wellbeing in care homes

When someone moves into a care home, that doesn’t mean that they stop living rich, full and enjoyable lives full of experiences tailored specifically to their individual needs and preferences. As the care industry evolves, more than ever regulators are putting greater emphasis on the emotional and mental wellbeing of people living in care; so any care home that is looking to go the extra mile to achieve truly outstanding levels of care, a focus on wellbeing in care homes and resident experience equally valued alongside clinical care is a none-negotiable.  

But it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive: there are many fun and novel ways in which you can brighten the day of your residents and bring a little bit more joy into their lives. There are plenty of ways you can offer unique and varied little slices of every day life as well as new and interesting things to explore.

You can even offer something new for every day of the month. So, alongside the more structured, long-term activities-oriented levels of care you should be pursuing, we’ve put together 30 small ideas you can implement to improve wellbeing in care homes. Because sometimes, the little things make the biggest difference! 

1. Resident of the day/week 

Whether it’s by highlighting a fun fact, a memory or a positive trait, recognising  and celebrating one resident per day – for example at mealtimes or on a noticeboard – is a simple way of ensuring that everyone has the chance to feel seen and special. 

2. Tea and talk day 

This could be a dedicated day of the week, for example Tea and Talk Tuesdays, in which you can set up a tea station with biscuits and optional conversation promotes. This will encourage casual conversation in pairs or small groups and can build friendships. 

3. Music memory hour 

Take some time to play familiar music from a significant time of their lives, perhaps songs from the 50s or 60s that remind them of their youth, and invite residents to share memories that the songs bring back. This can be a relaxed and nostalgic experience for the entire community. 

4. Comfort box day 

Especially soothing for those residents who live with anxiety or dementia, passing around a sensory comfort box filled with soft fabrics, textured objects and scented items can be a good way to kindle memories or spark conversations, or even just provide comforting sensory stimulation. 

5. Film nights 

You can dedicate one evening a week to hosting a relaxed screening of a classic movie with popcorn and ice cream – depending on dietary restrictions – which would let residents revisit fond memories and re-live a classic shared experience of going to the cinema. You could suggest residents vote for their film of choice during the week to build excitement.  

6. Dedicated family time 

In so far as it’s possible, you could take some time during a day in the week, for every resident, who want to make a call or do a video chat with a loved one. Even if it’s only for five minutes, it would give them a regular opportunity to engage with family and friends, and would be especially meaningful for residents who do not have family nearby that can visit more regularly. 

7. Postcard writing days  

In keeping with this idea of family engagement, why not provide postcards or cards so residents can write to family, friends or even pen pals. This allows them to retain motor function while simultaneously providing an outlet to express themselves to family and friends. 

8. ‘Name that tune’ game 

You can make a quiz game, similar to ones heard on the radio, where you play a short clip of familiar songs and let residents guess the name of the song or the artist. To make it extra fun, you can hand out prizes for the winners! 

9. Mini garden time 

Bring out small pots, herb plants, or flowers for residents to tend and decorate. It can provide them with a calming activity that also helps them feel a sense of accomplishment. This is the ideal alternative to more involved gardening outside, and would suit well residents with limited mobility. 

10. Room décor help day 

Offer to help residents rearrange, refresh or personalise their rooms. Even simple things like adding a new photo frame, a new cushion or fresh flowers can make it feel more like home. 

11. Resident’s choice music playlist 

Get everyone involved by asking one or more residents to choose their favourite songs for the day’s lounge playlist. Giving them a say in the atmosphere can lift spirits and spark discussions if several residents enjoy the same types of music – or if they’re hearing something for the first time! 

12. Creative corner

To foster creativity, set up a quiet area with colouring books, sketchpads, or simple craft kits for drop-in creativity. This can be a useful way to allow residents to come and go as they please, meaning they can pop in at a time that suits them and indulge in their creativity. 

13. Resident-led stories

Invite a resident to read a short story aloud or share a personal memory with the rest of the community of residents and staff. It promotes pride and gives them a platform to share their experiences and gives them a sense of being seen and heard. 

14. Compliment jar

Leave out a jar with slips of paper for residents and staff to write kind notes to one another. Read a few out loud at the end of the week. If not a compliment jar, then you can try another angle by putting out a suggestion jar, so residents can provide input on the care they receive. 

15. Aromatherapy hour

To promote a sense of calm and mindfulness, you could try using a diffuser with calming essential oils (like lavender or orange) in shared spaces. The subtle scent can boost mood and reduce stress. You can ask for resident input by  

16. Birdwatching break

You could place a bird feeder near a window or bring out binoculars and a bird spotting chart to be used by anyone in the home, especially those with limited mobility. Nature is calming and full of little surprises, and it has often been said that exposure to nature is a natural de-stressor and brings about better emotional wellbeing and mental health. Or you can go a step further by including this activity as part of a walk around the gardens or in nature if residents are able.  

17. Soothing hands session

Offer gentle hand massages with moisturising lotion (with permission). A few minutes of kind touch can go a long way. This activity would be especially meaningful for those who are living with dementia.  

18. Quiet hour lounge

No matter how lively or fun you want the atmosphere of your care home to be, there will always be times when residents need a space that promotes quiet and peace. So you could designate a space for one hour of calm, with soft lighting, no talking, and gentle background music. This would be perfect for reflection or reading. 

19. Nature video viewing

Play a short nature documentary featuring birdsong, waterfalls, or the sea. Serve herbal tea to create a soothing, spa-like environment. It doesn’t have to be nature: you could have themed days with shared viewing based on the interests and preferences of those living in your home. 

20. Memory box sharing

Especially good for those living with dementia, you could bring out themed memory boxes, for example something from their school days, and encourage residents to explore, touch and share their stories. You could also do this for each individual resident, and could make for a really meaningful afternoon if each resident works to build their own memory box before sharing with others if they wish. 

21. Dress-up day

Encourage everyone to wear hats, scarves or colourful clothes, even just silly socks. Take a group photo and enjoy a good laugh over tea. And, if consent is given, it can be shared out to friends and family of residents so they can see the fun their loved ones are getting up to! You can even go a step further by inviting friends and family to get involved and making it a regular occasion. It could be themed, for example around Christmas or Halloween, but you don’t need an excuse to break out the silly socks! 

22. Snack trolley treats

You could bring around a trolley with nostalgic favourites like jelly, fudge, fruitcake or classic biscuits. Residents can choose a little indulgence that rekindles fond memories of their youth and might prompt them to share their experiences with other residents, who may well have the same shared memories. 

23. Puzzle station day

Puzzles are always a great way to help residents engage in a fun but meaningful activity. It can be done separately or in small groups, but you could also set up a large jigsaw puzzle in a communal area so all the residents can drop by and add a few pieces throughout the day. 

24. Pet visit or virtual zoo tour

It's commonly thought that animals can bring about better emotional wellbeing in people, especially residents in care homes. You could arrange for a local therapy animal to visit, or stream a live animal cam on a tablet. Even virtual animal contact can soothe and amuse. 

25. Trivia nights

Host a night of trivia questions from different eras or topics (for example British history, films, local landmarks). Keep score if wanted, or just play for fun! You could make this a monthly or weekly night and maybe even keep a scorecard, with the winner at the end of the year winning a prize or something similar. 

26. Sing-along sessions

Print lyrics to a few well-loved songs and enjoy singing them together. Even those who don’t sing may enjoy mouthing the words or clapping along. Or you could invite a musical member of staff or family member to come in and get everyone singing and clapping along. 

27. Baking together

Get residents involved in a simple baking activity, such as making fudge, decorating biscuits, or stirring ingredients for a no-bake treat. Not only is this a great way for residents to feel connected to the world around them through sensory stimulation, but it means everyone gets a tasty treat at the end! 

28. Gratitude tree

Draw or set up a tree on a wall. Residents can write what they’re thankful for on paper leaves and add them to the branches. 

29. Virtual tours 

It’s a great idea to take residents out on day trips if circumstances allow, but if not, then why not bring the world to them? You could organise a shared viewing experience of a virtual tour of beautiful locations all around the world, which would spark conversations and improve intellectual wellbeing. 

30. Musical sessions 

If you have a musical resident in your home, for example someone who plays the piano or the guitar, then it would be a great idea – if circumstances allow – to bring their chosen instrument into the home and give them a platform to perform for the community if they wanted to. Or, if they are unable to perform as perhaps they once did, you could try and find someone to come in and play for them, and then they can be as involved as they are able to be.