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Things To Do with Grandma in a Nursing Home
Here are some super fun things to do with Grandma if you're spending time together soon! Whether you’re visiting her nursing home, enjoying the summer sun, cozying up in the winter chill, or celebrating the holidays, these 32 ideas will help you create memories to cherish.
If you’re caught up in the daily hustle and bustle, don’t worry – I've got some quick printable games you can download, print, and play today. Plan ahead and surprise grandma, no matter the season or the length of your visit.
How To Make the Most of Your Nursing Home Visit with Grandma
Visiting Grandma in her nursing home can be a heartwarming experience, but sometimes you might feel at a loss for what to do. Here are some engaging ideas to make the most of your time together:
16 Things to Do with Grandma in a Nursing Home
1. Personalize Your Visit
Bring something personal—a homemade card, favorite snack, or family photo album. These small gestures show how much you care.
2. Join in on the Home’s Activities
Many nursing homes have scheduled events. Participate with your grandma in a craft session or a musical event to show your support for their community.
3. Set Up a Tech Tutorial
Technology can sometimes be daunting for us seniors. Spend some time showing your grandma how to use a new app or device. Patience is key, and the reward of keeping them connected with the family is priceless.
4. Enjoy a Favorite Movie Together
Watch a classic film or a new release that’s easy on the mind and soothing for the soul. Sharing a few laughs or tears over a movie can be incredibly bonding.
5. Have a Real Heart-to-Heart
Simply sitting and talking can be the most meaningful activity. Share stories, life lessons, or discuss dreams and hopes.
6. Create a Memory Jar
Bring a jar filled with slips of paper containing fond memories, inside jokes, or reasons why you love your grandma. Share these heartwarming messages with her.
7. Bring a Pet Therapy Companion
If your grandma loves animals, consider bringing along a friendly pet therapy companion. Whether it's a therapy dog, cat, or even a rabbit, the presence of a furry friend can bring comfort and joy.
8. Plan a Photo Shoot
Capture precious moments together by organizing a photo shoot. Dress up in matching outfits or silly costumes, strike poses, and snap away. These photos will be cherished memories.
9. Create a Scrapbook Together
Craft a scrapbook filled with photos, mementos, and handwritten notes. This collaborative project allows you to reminisce and create something tangible to treasure. >> Check out my life story journal.
10. Bring a Taste of Home
Prepare a homemade meal or bake her favorite treats. Sharing a meal can evoke comforting feelings of family and love.
11. Music Therapy Session
Music can uplift spirits and evoke memories. Bring her favorite songs or play soothing music as you spend quality time together.
12. Plan a Virtual Family Gathering
If other family members can’t visit in person, arrange a virtual family gathering. This allows everyone to connect and share stories, creating a sense of togetherness.
13. Actively Reminisce
Take a trip down memory lane by looking through old family albums, letters, or keepsakes. Encourage your grandma to share stories from her past. Happy memories are great to help enhance mental agility.
14. Offer a Hand Massage or Pampering
Treat your grandma to a relaxing hand massage or pampering session with scented lotions or essential oils for a sensory experience that promotes relaxation and well-being.
15. Leave Behind a Thoughtful Gift
Surprise your grandma with a thoughtful gift, like a personalized photo frame, cozy blanket, or journal. Even easier - one of my coloring books or printable games to play.
16. Color Together
Bring some coloring pages and color together. Ask her what flowers she'd like next time! You can find some great coloring books and games here.
>> Get your copy of the coloring books and games here.
Get The Memory Game!
Things to Do with Grandma This Summer
Summer is a season for outdoor fun and creativity. Here are some activities to enjoy together:
17. Garden Adventures
- Planting Flowers: Bring along some colorful blooms. Help grandma plant them in pots or the garden and watch them grow together over the summer.
- Herb Garden: Start a small herb garden. Basil, mint, and parsley are easy to grow and can be used in simple recipes later.
18. Outdoor Picnics
- Al Fresco Dining: Grab a blanket, pack a basket with her favorite treats, and find a shady spot for a picnic in the nursing home garden.
- Homemade Lemonade: Nothing says summer like a refreshing glass of lemonade. Make it together and be sure to get her secret recipe too.
19. Crafty Afternoons
- Nature Crafts: Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs, and create beautiful nature-inspired crafts.
- Painting Pots: Get some terracotta pots and paint them together. These personalized pots can be a lovely addition to Grandma's room or garden.
20. Storytelling Sessions
- Family Stories: Ask Grandma to share stories from her childhood. It's a wonderful way to connect and learn about your family's history. Record them in this Life Story Journal.
- Make a Storybook: Record those stories and create a handmade storybook. Add drawings or photos for a personal touch.
Things to Do with Grandma in Winter
Winter might be chilly, but it’s a season for cozying up and enjoying each other's company.
21. Baking Bonanza
- Holiday Cookies: Bake some traditional holiday cookies. Decorate them together with colorful icing and sprinkles.
- Hot Cocoa Time: Make a steaming cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, and enjoy it with freshly baked cookies.
- Board Games: Bring some classic board games. Monopoly, Scrabble, or even a simple deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment.
- Puzzles: Work on a large jigsaw puzzle together. It's a great way to bond and keep your minds sharp and agile.
23. Handmade Gifts
- Knitting and Crocheting: If grandma loves to knit or crochet, join her in making scarves or blankets. These can be wonderful gifts for family members.
- Holiday Cards: Make holiday cards together. Use glitter, stickers, and colorful markers to create festive greetings for loved ones. You can always use a coloring page, fold it in half and you have a homemade card.
24. Movie Marathons
- Classic Films: Watch some of grandma’s favorite classic films. Pop some popcorn, snuggle under a warm blanket, and enjoy the show.
- Holiday Specials: Enjoy holiday-themed movies. They bring a festive spirit and lots of laughs.
Quick Activities for Short Visits
Even brief visits can be filled with joy and connection:
25. Quick Craft Projects
- Photo Frames: Decorate simple photo frames. Add a picture of you both for a sweet keepsake.
- Beaded Jewelry: Make simple bracelets or necklaces. They’re quick, fun, and can be worn or gifted.
26. A Walk Down Memory Lane
- Photo Albums: Bring old photo albums and go through them together. Reminisce about the good times and learn about your ancestors. Start a collection with my life story journal.
- Memory Jar: Start a memory jar. Write down special memories on slips of paper and place them in the jar. Over time, it can become a source of great memories.
27. Read Together
- Favorite Books: Read a chapter from one of her favorite books. It's a relaxing way to spend time and can be very soothing.
- Poetry: Share some poetry. Whether you read it or create your own, poetry can be deeply moving and connective.
28. Play These Printable Games
- Brain Games: These are perfect for a short visit and can be stimulating and fun.
- Trivia Games: Learn some new fun facts and things and give your brain some exercise.
- Bible Games: A super fun way to learn more about the Christian faith.
MORE INSTANT DOWNLOAD GAMES
Special Holiday Visits with Grandma
Holidays are the perfect time to create magical moments.
29. Decorating Together
- Holiday Decor: Help grandma decorate her room for the holidays. String lights, hang ornaments, and make it festive.
- DIY Ornaments: Create homemade ornaments together. They add a personal touch and can become cherished keepsakes.
30. Music and Singing
- Caroling: Sing holiday carols. Even if you’re not the best singer, it’s the joy and spirit that count. Play this Christmas Name That Tune Game from Granny Maze!
- Musical Memories: Listen to her favorite holiday music. Music has a way of bringing back precious memories.
31. Seasonal Crafts
- Wreath Making: Make a beautiful wreath for her door. Use natural elements like pinecones and holly for a rustic look.
- Snow Globes: Create a simple snow globe. All you need is a jar, some glitter, and a small holiday figurine.
32. Holiday Feasts
- Special Meals: Cook a holiday meal together. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – even a simple dish can be special when shared.
- Sweet Treats: Make some festive treats. Think shortbread, fudge, truffles, or a classic fruitcake.
Quick Fun Things to Do with Grandma
You can get the individual games or all 3 in a bundle - 3 for the price of 2! Click here for the bundle bargain.
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