Valentines Day is about love, but it doesn’t have to be all about one type of love, it can be all kinds.
Valentine’s Day in a care home is one of those seasonal events that is important to celebrate with care.
For many residents it can be an upsetting time, reminding them of a love from the past that they no longer have, or struggle to recall. For others, it can bring up feelings of loneliness, and even sending traditional Valentines from ‘secret admirers’ within the home can create confusion or uncertainty.
A better way to focus your activities and games is through concepts that celebrate all kinds of different love, and allow residents to benefit from it in this way. Love is always a good thing to bring into the conversation we should lead with love and we should show our love and compassion as an example. But we must make sure it creates a space for happy recollection and kindness, rather than anything negative.
With care, and in a small group or one-to-one setting, you could get a discussion group going to talk about first loves and crushes – a light, playful subject that should get them all giggling. Old scrapbooks, photos and cards can help to get the conversation started, while getting them to think about their first dates, movies they went to see, outfits they wore etc.
A love or memory tree is a great way to get residents sharing happy memories of their loved ones. Create an image of a big tree, a strong oak or chestnut tree is always nice, and provide people with paper hearts or leaves to write on, and then stick them to the tree.
There are some great Valentine’s crafts on this Pinterest page – and an even wider selection here.
Mindstart has some great ideas, especially ones that include baking with the focus on the Valentine’s theme, rather than pushing the love angle. Their ‘Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls’ are especially good!
Here is some lovely advice you might want to share with loved ones and family members as they approach Valentine’s Day, perhaps unsure about how to tackle it.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
