Resident Initiated Tools for Engagement Programming

Engagement Toolkit: February 2022

Movement

The most important thing we can do for our bodies and minds is to keep moving. Movement is cumulative and all the seconds of movements add up throughout the day and throughout our lives. It is not about the amount of time spent per day moving, it is about the consistency and making a habit of doing something daily.

February Focus: Lower Body Exercise 

By strengthening the lower core, residents will improve agility and balance. This helps them avoid falls and injuries during workouts and be more limber when completing daily activities. 

February Tools: Sit to Stand Video Directions for Sit to Stand & Written Example

Mindfulness

Mindset is extremely important during increased alone time. Encourage residents to focus on positivity, peace, gratitude, future goals, hopes, and past memories to help them find good in any day. 

February Tools:Daily Journal

Mindfulness is the practice of directing your attention and awareness to focus on the present moment. What better way to help residents be more mindful than encouraging them to record their thoughts and feelings on paper?

February Tools: Journal Prompts

Creative Opportunities

We all flourish when we find creative outlets to express ourselves. Ask residents how they engage in creative outlets. Some may say board games, cards, photography, writing, poetry, acting, singing, dancing, gardening, flower arranging, designing, sewing or knitting. Be open minded and let others explain options for additional creative opportunities. 

February Focus: Artistic Expression

Mindfulness is the practice of directing your attention and awareness to focus on the present moment. What better way to help residents be more mindful than encouraging them to record their thoughts and feelings on paper?

February Tools: Artistic Expression – Exploring 10 Types of Expression

Mental Stimulation

Novelty is the best approach to counteract a monotonous routine. The mind needs to be stimulated; Learning new skills, trying new things and having new conversations with new people are excellent ways to stay mentally stimulated. Mental stimulation is so much more than brain games or daily puzzles. 

February Focus: Word of the Day

Learning a new word can create a whole cascade of thinking that leads to better mastery of a language. Encourage residents to think about how they can use a new word.

February Tools:  Word of the Day Word of the Day Download- Android Word of the Day Download- Apple