Senior care is about more than meeting physical needs; it’s about fostering meaningful connections, sparking joy, and enriching lives. Few people understand this better than Tina Ogden, founder of Golden Year Activities. With over seven years of experience in organizing engaging and personalized activities for senior care homes, Tina has become a passionate advocate for the transformative power of meaningful interactions.
Before founding her own company, Tina worked for another activities organization that focused solely on one-on-one interactions with residents. While she recognized the value of these moments, Tina noticed a recurring issue during her visits.
“Residents would ask me, ‘Why don’t we get to do these activities?’” Tina recalled. “It broke my heart that others felt left out.”
Fueled by a desire to bring joy to more people, Tina started Golden Year Activities. Her mission was clear: to create a program that engages all residents, not just individuals, and fosters a sense of community. Today, she and her team specialize in group activities tailored to the unique needs and interests of residents, helping senior care homes enrich their environments and stand out in their communities.
Tina’s experience, combined with her deep empathy and innovative approach, has shaped Golden Year Activities into a vital resource for care homes looking to provide exceptional care. Her philosophy centers on making every resident feel seen, valued, and connected—a commitment that shines through in every interaction.
How Activities Build Connection
Activities serve as a powerful tool for creating personal connections with residents and encouraging them to share their stories. Tina recounted moments where even simple activities, like baking cookies or making paper chains, sparked memories and meaningful conversations.
“One time, we were rolling out dough for sugar cookies, and a resident started sharing stories about baking with her children,” Tina shared. “That connection is priceless—it’s about making them feel like their experiences matter.”
These moments aren’t just about entertainment; they’re about creating a sense of belonging and reminding residents of their individuality. Whether it’s reminiscing about a childhood tradition or recalling a favorite family recipe, activities help residents reconnect with their past while building relationships in the present.
Tailoring Activities to Residents’ Needs
Not all activities work for every group, and Tina has learned the value of adaptability. She always arrives prepared with multiple options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Sometimes an activity just doesn’t click with a group,” Tina noted. “I always bring backups—games, crafts, or even just conversation starters. If one thing doesn’t work, we pivot to something else.”
For example, Tina might bring materials for both door hangers and placemats, allowing residents to choose what interests them most. This flexibility ensures that everyone feels included and engaged, regardless of their preferences or abilities.
Reaching Residents Who Prefer Solitude
Group activities aren’t for everyone, and some residents prefer to stay in their rooms. Tina believes these individuals deserve just as much attention and interaction as those who participate in group settings.
“If a resident doesn’t want to come out, we go to them,” Tina explained. “Even just holding their hand for a few minutes or asking how they’re doing can make a world of difference.”
By taking the time to visit bedridden or solitary residents, Tina ensures that no one feels forgotten. Whether it’s a brief conversation or simply sitting with them for a few moments, these small gestures can have a profound impact.
Activities as a Marketing Tool
Activities don’t just benefit residents, they can also enhance the reputation of senior care facilities. Tina shared how some providers use activities as a key selling point during tours, showcasing their commitment to engagement and enrichment.
“Families don’t want their loved ones sitting in front of the TV all day,” Tina said. “They want to know their parents are being engaged on a social level.”
Highlighting activities in marketing materials or during tours can set a care home apart from competitors. It demonstrates that the facility values not just physical care but also emotional and social well-being.
Overcoming Challenges in Planning Activities
Planning and executing activities isn’t without its challenges, just like any other part of healthcare. From managing residents’ reluctance to balancing providers’ expectations, Tina has faced many hurdles. Yet, her focus remains on creating meaningful experiences for residents.
“Sometimes providers have specific ideas, but the residents aren’t interested,” Tina shared. “We’ll try their suggestions, but ultimately, we focus on what brings joy to the residents.”
For example, a provider might request a baking activity, but if the residents aren’t interested, Tina shifts gears to something they enjoy more. Her adaptability ensures that activities are always resident-centered, fostering a sense of autonomy and engagement. This also shows that what matters most is how the residents are doing, and not just doing something to check something off.
Creating Moments of Joy
The true value of activities lies in the joy and connection they bring to residents. Tina recounted a heartwarming story about a resident who shared her whirlwind love story while looking through a photo album.
“It was an honor to hear her story,” Tina said. “Moments like that remind me why I do this work—it’s about creating connections and making residents feel valued.”
From decorating cookies to reminiscing about childhood traditions, these activities transcend mere entertainment. They serve as a bridge to residents’ memories, helping them reconnect with the experiences and emotions that define their lives.
These moments of joy leave a lasting impact on both residents and staff. Activities help residents rediscover the beauty in living, fostering happiness and meaning no matter their circumstances. In the words of Tina, these connections are the heart of senior care.
The Power of Consistency
Tina emphasizes the importance of consistency in building trust and relationships with residents. Regular visits from the same activities coordinator help residents feel more comfortable and engaged.
“Sometimes residents don’t want anyone else to come to the house,” Tina explained. “They build relationships with the coordinator, and that connection makes all the difference.”
This consistency not only enhances residents’ experiences but also fosters a sense of community within the care home.
Why Activities Are Essential in Senior Care
For providers who haven’t prioritized activities, Tina offers a compelling case for their importance. Activities fulfill a social and emotional need that caregiving alone cannot address.
“Being cared for is one thing, but being seen is another,” Tina said. “Activities give residents autonomy and let them express their thoughts, creativity, and preferences.”
She also highlights the benefits of having a dedicated activities coordinator. Unlike CNAs, who are often focused on caregiving tasks, coordinators can devote their full attention to engaging residents in meaningful ways.
Moreover, activities can serve as powerful tools to combat loneliness and isolation, two common challenges in senior care. A resident who feels disconnected from their environment or peers may struggle emotionally, but a well-structured activities program can reintegrate them into the social fabric of the community. From small group crafts to one-on-one interactions, these moments create bonds between residents, building trust and a sense of camaraderie.
Conclusion: More Than Just Fun
At its core, senior care is about making residents feel valued, heard, and connected. Activities provide a means to achieve this, offering residents opportunities to share their stories, express themselves, and engage with others.
As Tina beautifully put it, “Activities are a means to an end. It’s not just about what we do—it’s about the relationships we build and the joy we bring.”
For providers looking to enhance their care homes, prioritizing activities isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Whether it’s a simple craft or a heartfelt conversation, every interaction matters. Tina’s insights serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that activities can have on residents’ lives and the importance of fostering meaningful connections.
Need Activity Ideas?
Looking for more engaging activities to brighten your residents’ days? Or maybe you’d like a dedicated coordinator to bring creativity and connection to your home or facility?
Reach out to Tina Ogden at Golden Year Activities for tailored ideas and support.
Tina Ogden of Golden Year Activities
📧 Email: Tina@goldenyearactivities.com
📞 Call: 503-730-7367
Let’s make every day a little more joyful and meaningful!
