Creating a sense of community in residential care homes: fostering friendships and social connections
7th November 2023
Creating a sense of community is essential in residential care homes. Relationships between residents themselves, as well as staff can be fostered in many ways. Namely through enrichment activities, such as reminiscence activities, puzzle solving, art or dramatherapy.
Today we’ll discus what community really means for residents, it’s importance and the ways in which it can be built.
What is Community in Residential Care Homes?
Simply put, community in residential care homes is the building of resident’s relationships amongst themselves, as well as with staff.
It’s important to note that creating a sense of ‘community’ is different to creating a ‘home-like’ environment.
This is because the idea of ‘home’ may imply a sense of autonomy. However, it’s important to recognise our residents still require specialist care and support.
Instead, it’s important to concentrate on creating a sense of community, as it encompasses factors like need-fulfilment, emotional connection, integration and celebration.
The Importance of Fostering Friendships and Social Connections in Residential Care Homes
Being involved in social activities and the friendships that form from this play a key role in a resident’s happiness and overall wellbeing.
One of the leading causes of depression in older adults is isolation. Through socialising residents can feel loved and maintain a healthy sense of self-worth.
As well as maintaining self-worth, fostering friendships is also very important in creating a sense of belonging. Being in the company of others who share interests or simply wish to listen gives our residents a sense of purpose, which is paramount to their mental wellbeing.
Creating a Sense of Community- Our Top Tips:
The best way to harbour relationships within residential care homes is a great programme of activities. One which takes the different abilities and needs of residents into consideration.
When planning activities for residents, having a broad range of more quiet activities to ones which encourage light exercise is crucial.
For dementia residents in particular, multi-sensory activities such as art or music therapy are great as they can boost mental engagement and self-esteem. Also, tactile activities such as puzzle solving help our dementia residents stay connected to their surroundings.
Our Top Activity Examples:
- Guided meditation
- Music classes
- Garden walks
- Arts and crafts
- Light gardening
- Board games/ puzzle solving games such as Scrabble
- A group sing along
- Reading aloud
- Bingo
Seeking Residential Care in West Sussex?
The Bill House is a luxury residential care home with a stunning sea view, located in Selsey, West Sussex. We put community at the heart of our care, and ensure all residents are able to access the relationship building enrichment they require.
If you’re looking for a nursing home in Selsey that prioritises community and social connections, get in touch with our team to find out more or book a visit.
