What are some of the best summer activities to keep your residents’ families involved in life at the care home?

 

 

Summer is a great opportunity to bring residents and their families closer together. With longer days, warmer weather, and a natural lift in energy, it’s the ideal season to plan activities that encourage connection and create lasting memories. For care homes, it’s not just about keeping residents engaged, but also about helping families feel included in the daily life of the care home community. 

Family involvement has a clear and positive impact on residents’ wellbeing. Shared moments can improve mood, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide comfort to both residents and their loved ones. For families, regular involvement helps build trust and a stronger relationship with the care team because they get a window into the kind of positive experience their loved one is having of life in a care home. When homes create opportunities for families to take part in meaningful activities, everyone benefits. 

Summer is especially the perfect time to foster these kinds of connections. Whether it’s a relaxed afternoon tea in the garden, a music session open to all ages, or a small community fair, the season offers flexibility and a welcoming atmosphere. The most successful activities are often the simplest: those that invite conversation, laughter, and shared experience without needing too much preparation or formality. 

Of course, care homes face real constraints. Staffing, budgets, and the diverse needs of residents all affect what can be realistically delivered. But with a little creativity and forward planning, even small events can make a big difference. 

So, we’re discussing a range of summer activity ideas designed to involve both residents and their families and bring them closer together. Whether you’re looking to organise something bigger or just want to introduce a few thoughtful touches, each suggestion can be adapted to suit your home’s setting and the people who live and work there. 

Creating space for families to feel more connected doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right approach, summer can become a season full of moments that bring people together and strengthen your care home community. 

 

Things to consider when planning summer activities

Weather conditions: Ensure there’s shade and hydration available for outdoor events and always have an indoor alternative in case of heat or rain. 

Accessibility: Choose locations and activities that are suitable for all mobility levels, including wheelchair users and those with cognitive impairments. 

Medical needs: Be mindful of medication schedules, dietary requirements, and any health conditions that may be affected by heat or exertion. 

Supervision and support: Make sure there are enough staff or volunteers available to assist residents and help family members feel supported during the activity. 

With these in mind, you can create safe, enjoyable experiences that bring residents and their loved ones closer, while reinforcing your care home as a warm, welcoming place for all. 

Reminiscence day trips 

Across the country, there are numerous sights that make for a perfect day of immersive reminiscence. There’s something truly magical about watching memories come alive, and reminiscence day trips are a brilliant way to do just that. For care home residents, especially those living with dementia or memory loss, visiting historical sites that reflect their younger years can be incredibly meaningful. And for families, these shared experiences often spark conversations, laughter, and new connections, making them a real highlight of the summer calendar. 

Living museums and heritage sites like Bliss Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire or Beamish in County Durham are fantastic choices. These places aren’t just about looking at history – they let you step into it. From old-fashioned sweet shops and cobbled streets to traditional trades and costumed actors, it’s like walking through a memory. For many older residents, it’s a chance to reconnect with a familiar world, and for younger family members, it’s a chance to understand life through their loved one’s eyes. 

The sensory elements, such as the smell of coal fires, the sound of horse-drawn carriages, the feel of old coins or the experience of stepping into a familiar-looking home from their childhood, are especially helpful for triggering fond memories. It’s not uncommon for a simple sight or sound to unlock a long-forgotten story, creating beautiful moments between residents and visiting relatives. 

Of course, planning is key. Choosing accessible venues with good mobility support, shaded rest areas, and on-site cafes helps ensure everyone enjoys the day comfortably. Many heritage attractions are well-versed in supporting care home groups and can often provide tailored experiences or guided tours. 

Most importantly, these trips offer a sense of freedom and dignity. Getting out of the care home, seeing new faces, and being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a place full of life can work wonders for a resident’s confidence and mood. In this, they can feel like they are still part of the wider world around them. 

Whether it’s a glimpse of post-war Britain or a step into Victorian life, a well-chosen reminiscence day trip is more than just a day out, it’s a shared journey into the past, bringing generations together through stories, smiles, and the joy of remembering. 

Nature drawing or painting 

Sometimes the simplest things are the most meaningful, and for many, nature drawing or painting is just that. There is something wonderfully calming about sitting outside on a sunny day, pencil or paintbrush in hand, simply observing the world around you. 

Nature drawing or painting sessions are a gentle yet rewarding way to bring residents and their families together, encouraging creativity, conversation, and a sense of shared achievement. 

Care home gardens or local parks can become open-air studios with just a few tables, some basic art supplies, and a bit of sunshine. No artistic experience is needed – it’s all about taking the time to notice the colours of the flowers, the shape of the trees, the way the light hits the grass. It’s often less about the end result and more about the process: slowing down, focusing on the moment, and enjoying it together. 

For residents living with dementia, nature-based creative activities can be particularly beneficial. The sensory experience of being outside, experiencing the warmth of the sun, the sound of birdsong, the feel of a brush on paper, helps with relaxation and can even reduce agitation. Families often find it’s a lovely way to bond without the pressure of constant conversation. Sitting side by side, sharing materials, admiring and discussing each other’s work, these things naturally encourage interaction and closeness. 

This can also be a great opportunity to invite local artists or volunteers into the home to guide sessions or offer gentle inspiration. Some care homes even turn the results into small exhibitions, giving residents a real sense of pride and a talking point for visiting relatives. 

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry, because you can simply bring nature indoors. Fresh-cut flowers, leaves, or even photos of local scenery can still provide plenty of inspiration. 

Ultimately, nature drawing or painting is about more than just art. It’s about creating space – both physical and emotional – for connection. A quiet afternoon with watercolours and wildflowers can become a treasured memory, and the artwork itself, however simple, a keepsake that captures not just a moment, but a feeling. 

Gardening or visiting a sensory garden 

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from getting your hands in the soil, planting something small, and watching it grow. Gardening is not only a gentle physical activity but also a powerful way to boost wellbeing, provide purpose, and encourage meaningful moments with loved ones. Whether residents are potting plants at their care home or taking a trip to a local sensory garden or enjoying some tea and a slice of cake at a garden centre, it’s an ideal summer activity that brings generations together. 

For many older people, gardening was once part of daily life, whether it was tending to a back garden, growing veg at the allotment, or simply keeping window boxes blooming. Reconnecting with that part of their identity can be incredibly fulfilling. Even for those who haven’t gardened before, it offers something calming, creative, and satisfying. 

Care homes can set up raised beds or container gardens that are easy to access from seated positions. Families can join in too, chatting while planting herbs, watering flowers, or pulling a few weeds together becomes a natural way to connect.  

For those less able to participate actively, visiting a sensory garden can be just as rewarding. These specially designed spaces are made to stimulate the senses, with fragrant plants, textured leaves, colourful flowers, trickling water features, and sometimes even wind chimes. They’re gentle on the mind and body, and ideal for residents living with dementia or limited mobility. Many public sensory gardens also have accessible paths and quiet seating areas, making them great destinations for family outings. 

The beauty of gardening – or simply being among plants – is how it invites reflection, encourages conversation, and creates a sense of achievement. It’s not uncommon to see a resident light up while sharing their gardening tips or naming the flowers from memory. And when those seeds start to sprout, there’s a real sense of pride that everyone can share. 

Ultimately, gardening – whether hands-on or observational – reminds us that growth, in all forms, is possible at every age. And when experienced together, it can be as nourishing for relationships as it is for the soil. 

Trips to the seaside 

There’s something very familiar and uplifting for many of us about a day at the seaside. The fresh air, the sound of the waves, and the sight of open water can do wonders for everyone’s mood. For care home residents, especially those who spent holidays or lived by the coast growing up, a seaside trip can be a great way to stir happy memories and enjoy a relaxed day out with family. 

Whether it’s a classic spot like Weston-Super-Mare, Llandudno, Blackpool, or a quieter stretch of beach, these trips offer simple pleasures that most people can enjoy. Simple things can potentially offer the greatest rewards, like fish and chips on a bench, a walk along the promenade, or watching children build sandcastles. It doesn’t have to be complicated; often, the most meaningful moments come from just sitting together and taking it all in. 

Many seaside towns are well equipped for older visitors, with accessible paths, beach wheelchairs, and plenty of places to sit and rest. With a bit of planning, making sure there’s shade, toilets nearby, and maybe a café for a cup of tea, these outings can run smoothly and be enjoyable for everyone. 

For residents living with dementia, being by the sea can be particularly calming. The sound of the waves and the feel of the breeze often help people feel more settled and present, and can even bring back memories from earlier in life. 

It’s also a great chance for families to reconnect. Whether it’s sharing chips, collecting a few shells, or simply walking together by the water, the time spent side by side – without distractions – can feel really special. 

And of course, the seaside has a way of lifting spirits. It brings out a sense of fun and lightness that everyone benefits from. A good laugh, a shared smile, and a break from the usual routine, that’s what seaside trips are all about. 

Garden games or parties 

Summer is the perfect time to take the fun outdoors, and hosting garden games or parties at the care home is a brilliant way to bring residents, families, and staff together. Whether it’s a casual afternoon of gentle activities or a more organised garden party with music and refreshments, these events offer something for everyone and can really lift the atmosphere. 

You don’t need anything fancy or expensive to make it fun. A few classic games like bean bag toss, skittles, hoopla, or even a light-hearted game of lawn bowls can be both fun and accessible. The focus isn’t on winning, but on having a go, sharing a laugh, and enjoying the moment. Many residents enjoy watching just as much as taking part, and it gives families a lovely opportunity to get involved, support their loved ones, and enjoy some quality time together. 

Adding a garden party element can take things up a notch. Some bunting, a few tables and chairs, and perhaps some live or recorded music from past decades can set the scene. Afternoon tea, ice cream, or a BBQ if the weather allows all add to the sense of occasion. Some care homes even get local performers or school groups involved, which brings a real buzz and a sense of community. 

These events can also be a nice opportunity to involve residents in the planning. Choosing music, helping arrange flowers or decorations, or preparing simple nibbles can all be meaningful ways to contribute. 

Importantly, garden parties and games help break the routine in a really positive way. They create shared experiences between residents and visiting families that feel relaxed and natural – not rushed or structured. They also offer plenty of opportunities for conversation, whether it’s reminiscing over music, chatting with other visitors, or simply enjoying the sunshine. 

In the end, it’s all about connection, and sometimes, a garden, a few games, and a bit of music is all you need to bring people together and provide meaningful experiences that bring residents and their loved ones closer together. 

Summer cooking 

Few things bring people together quite like food. Whether it’s baking a family favourite or trying something new with fresh summer ingredients, cooking is a simple but powerful way to connect across generations. In a care home setting, summer cooking sessions can spark memories, invite conversation, and give residents a chance to share something meaningful with their loved ones. 

These activities don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. They can be easy, seasonal recipes, such as fruit salads, no-bake cheesecakes, homemade lemonade, or simple picnic-style finger foods (which gives you the perfect excuse to have a picnic!). Residents can get involved in different ways, depending on their abilities. Chopping soft fruit, stirring mixtures, buttering bread - even just offering advice or taste-testing - can all be enjoyable and inclusive. 

Cooking together naturally encourages storytelling. A smell or flavour often brings back memories of childhood kitchens, family celebrations, or favourite holiday meals. For residents living with dementia, this sensory connection can be particularly strong. It’s not unusual for someone to recall an old recipe or suddenly start talking about a dish their mum used to make – memories that might not surface in other settings. 

Involving visiting family members adds another layer to the experience. Grandchildren might enjoy learning how to make a classic dish from their nan or grandad, while parents and carers can take a step back and simply enjoy watching those moments unfold. It’s a shared activity that doesn’t rely on constant talking; the process of cooking creates a comfortable rhythm where stories and laughter often happen naturally. 

If weather allows, some homes even take it outside by setting up tables in the garden for prepping or enjoying the finished food as part of a picnic or afternoon tea. It makes the most of the summer season and adds an extra touch of enjoyment. 

Summer cooking is about more than just food. It’s about tapping into skills, memories, and tastes that are deeply personal – and giving residents a way to express themselves, share their past, and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something delicious with the people they love. 

Bringing families closer together with Person Centred Software 

These are just a few examples of the ways in which summer is the perfect time to bring residents even closer to their families, ensuring that everyone can build lasting memories and strengthen bonds. If you’re interested to find out more about activities that can improve the wellbeing of those living in care, why not check out the Oomph! Wellness and Activities Platform.