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5 Fun Activities Residential Aged Care Facilities can do to Celebrate Christmas in July!
Lucia Fong • Jun 20, 2024
Christmas in July is a delightful way to bring the joy of the holiday season into the middle of the year, especially for elderly residents in aged care facilities. Engaging in festive activities not only uplifts spirits, but also provides therapeutic benefits across various aspects of healthcare and well-being. In this blog, we outline five fun Christmas in July activities and explore how they can complement the resident’s physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, or dietetics treatment and management plans.
1. Christmas Craft Workshop:
Organising an afternoon craft session where residents can make Christmas decorations like ornaments, wreaths, and holiday cards are a fantastic way to stimulate creativity and dexterity. Arts and craft activities can enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination where engaging in repetitive motions like cutting, colouring, and folding strengthens hand muscles and improves joint flexibility. Crafting also promotes problem-solving and cognitive functioning – encouraging residents to follow steps and use various tools, aiding in daily living skills. Be sure to have Christmas songs in the background for residents to sing along too as well!
2. Christmas Themed Baking Day:
Hosting a baking day where residents can participate in making and decorating Christmas cookies will be a guaranteed hit! Baking provides an opportunity to educate about healthy eating and Dietitians can modify recipes to include healthier ingredients and toppings, teaching residents about nutritious choices while still enjoying festive treats. Family and loved ones can visit to lend a hand too, encouraging conversations and feelings of togetherness and belonging whilst making fruit mince tarts, Christmas fruit cake, and decorating Christmas themed short bread.
3. Holiday Music Sing-Along
There is no better way to celebrate Christmas in July than breaking out the Christmas records and singing those traditional Christmas carols like ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Silent Night’, and ‘Come All Ye Faithful’. Singing familiar songs can evoke memories and emotions, helping residents with cognitive impairments connect to their past, as well as helps with speech rhythm, articulation, and breath control. If you have percussion instruments on hand too like castanets, triangles, and bells, this will make the sing-along extra fun as well, and will involve residents who struggle to use their voice. Music can be very therapeutic and uplifting for the elderly, and who knows, you might discover a talented opera singer that are waiting for their time to shine!
4. Christmas Bingo:
Creating a special Christmas-themed bingo game with festive images or words instead of numbers is an enjoyable and inclusive activity. Bingo is a popular game that many elderly people enjoy and can easily participate in. Bingo stimulates cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and visual scanning. It is also a great social activity that promotes engagement and interaction. Calling out and listening for words can enhance auditory processing and speech comprehension. Residents can also practice articulation when calling out "Bingo!".
5. Christmas Photo Booth:
Setting up a festive photo booth with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and Christmas-themed backdrops creates a fun, inclusive and interactive experience. Taking photos and printing them out as keepsakes can also bring joy and a sense of belonging. Posing and interacting with props can be a gentle form of physical activity, improving balance and mobility. Be sure to also invite the resident’s family too, creating treasured memories for the little ones to remember!
Certainly, these five Christmas in July themed activities will not only bring festive cheer to your aged care residents, but also provide holistic therapeutic benefits. By integrating fun with functionality, you can ensure that your Christmas in July is a celebration enhances the well-being of all participants.
With the Australian population living longer and fuller lives, the desire to maintain our independence and way of life in our homes and communities is growing. Our Vivir Healthcare Home Care service recognises the importance of this for our health and well-being and the meaningful roles our Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Dietitians play in providing tailored healthcare to their clients in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Below we explore the benefits of clinician home visits that bring peace of mind to clients who find it difficult to access necessary care. Convenience and Accessibility For many individuals, especially the elderly, those with mobility issues, medical conditions, or no mode of transportation, traveling to and from medical appointments can be a challenge. Our clinician home visits eliminate this barrier as they will happily travel directly to your location to deliver you a targeted care plan with sessions. This convenience reduces the physical and emotional strain on you and your family, ensuring that you receive timely and consistent care without the added burden of transportation. Financial Savings Home care services can also offer financial benefits. Regular visits to healthcare facilities can accumulate substantial costs in terms of travel expenses and time off work for yourself and even your family members who accompany you to your session. Home visits reduce these indirect costs, making it a more cost-effective option. Additionally, by focusing on preventive care, early intervention, and home modifications, our home care services can reduce the need and chance of more expensive hospital admissions and emergency room visits. Enhanced Personalised Care One of the foremost benefits of allied health home care services is the level of personalised care clients receive. When clinicians visit their clients at home, they can more easily tailor their approach and sessions based on the individual's living environment and daily routines. For our Occupational Therapists , identifying potential home modifications is easier, allowing for customisations based on clients’ movements around their home, enhancing safety and independence. Our Physiotherapists can develop exercise routines that integrate with the client’s home layout and complement their daily routine and lifestyle. These affordances, only possible through a Home Care service, ensure that the therapy provided is specific to the client’s needs and practical for everyday life. Peace of Mind for Families Clinician home visits provide peace of mind for family members who may worry about their loved ones’ ability to access, travel to, and receive adequate care. Knowing that professional, compassionate, and personalised healthcare is being delivered at home allows families to feel more secure about their loved one's well-being. Having sessions at home also encourages greater and more active family involvement and provides opportunities for our clinicians to educate your loved ones about your progress. Improved Health Outcomes Receiving care at home often leads to better health outcomes. Our clinicians can closely follow their clients' progress in the comfort of their own homes and implement any necessary adjustments while addressing environmental challenges. Clients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans when they are comfortable and less stressed. Home visits by healthcare professionals can also help in the early detection of potential health issues. For example, a Dietitian might notice signs of malnutrition or dehydration during a routine home care session that might otherwise go unnoticed. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from becoming major health problems, thus improving overall well-being. Enhanced Quality of Life The goal of our home care service is not only to address immediate health concerns but also to enhance the overall quality of life for our clients, empowering them to reach their goals. Our clinicians help clients maintain their independence, which is crucial for their mental health and well-being. For example, our Speech Pathologists can provide therapies that improve communication skills, fostering better social interactions and reducing feelings of isolation. Our Occupational Therapists can help clients engage in meaningful activities within their community, promoting a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Comprehensive Support Our allied health services offer a holistic approach to client care. By having a team of diverse specialists such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, and Dietitians, our clients are reassured that they will receive comprehensive support that addresses various aspects of their health and well-being. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all health needs are met in a coordinated and efficient manner. At Vivir Healthcare, our Home Care services are dedicated to bringing high-quality Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, and Dietetics services to the comfort of your home. By offering personalised, convenient, and comprehensive healthcare, we aim to support our clients like you in leading healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. Interested in making an enquiry or referral about our Home Care services ? Fill in our form here .
My career journey with Vivir Healthcare began in 2020 when I started working as a Sydney-based contractor physiotherapist . And yes, you’re thinking correctly – NSW and Sydney experienced the first of many lockdowns pretty soon after! Despite the restrictions, I continued to provide essential home care services and even had the opportunity to explore telehealth . It was truly a privilege to work with clients during this challenging time when they couldn't have any other visitors. In 2021, I had the opportunity to transition to a full-time role in home care. One of the highlights was regularly seeing several clients in their 90s, helping them improve their balance and mobility. One remarkable client I supported was still climbing up and down 16 stairs at the front of her house at the age of 98! That same year, I took on the role of clinical lead for our home care clinicians in NSW and ACT. This position allowed me to support and guide new clinicians joining the team as they navigated the complexities of the home care environment. Additionally, I began working in a hybrid role, balancing homecare with residential aged care . This combination was enriching, providing a broader perspective on assessing and managing aged clients in different settings. Building relationships with clients through multiple weekly visits led to engaging conversations about politics, sports, crosswords, and many delightful stories which I really enjoyed as well. The years 2021 and 2022 were significant for my career growth, with multiple roles offering numerous opportunities to expand my skills. Although juggling time between various responsibilities was challenging, it was equally rewarding to see both clinical results and personal development. To support my work and feed my passion and interest in musculoskeletal injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, exercise therapy, and Parkinson’s disease, I pursued further training in aged care, hydrotherapy, Sports Level 1, and Parkinson's disease. In 2023 and 2024, my primary focus has been in the home care space. During this period, I have had the privilege to support a wide variety of clients from all walks of life — from an incredibly motivated post-stroke client who did 100 squats in response to my request for 10, to a client who loved to sing. My work has ranged from setting mobility goals, such as walking to the local shops, to functional goals like standing up from a chair, and addressing various conditions including post-surgery recovery, lower back pain, and Parkinson's disease. It has been a joy to work with such diverse individuals and to witness their progress. I love working with and alongside people as they age, building relationships, offering support, and helping to make life easier and more manageable. It is one of the many reasons why I enjoy working at Vivir Healthcare. The opportunity we have to assist people when they are feeling vulnerable and to witness the joy that comes from their progress is incredibly fulfilling. My journey with Vivir Healthcare has been very rewarding so far, and I look forward to continuing to grow and make a positive impact in the lives of my clients. We are always on the lookout for amazing Physiotherapists with a passion for 'making lives better' to join our team right around Australia! Check out all our roles on our jobs page here.
As National Pain Week approaches in July, now is a good time to shed light on the crucial role physiotherapists play in supporting individuals in managing their pain. Pain, whether acute or chronic, can be a debilitating force that impacts every facet of an individual's life. It can restrict mobility, impede on daily activities and independence. In part one of our Physiotherapy for Pain Management blog series, our Clinical Coordinator for Physiotherapy, Jyoti Chatla discusses the role physiotherapy plays in the management of pain and the key strategies and lifestyle changes we can all do to lead a healthier, more active life that is free of pain. How can physiotherapy manage chronic pain conditions? Physiotherapy plays as vital role alongside other medical and allied health interventions in the management of chronic pain. Chronic pain is multi-factorial in nature and extends beyond the normal expected timeline of tissue healing. Chronic pain has a complex biopsychosocial nature to it and physiotherapists are trained to work with clients experiencing it. Physiotherapists with thorough assessment can identify underlying factors that could be contributing to chronic pain. Some of the factors which can be improved with physiotherapy include core and global muscle weakness, muscle tightness, reduced range of motion in joints due to restrictions in intra-articular movements, and tightness in surrounding structures of the joints. Clients with chronic pain also go through a phenomenon known as fear avoidance behaviour where due to their pain experience, they avoid movements with the anticipation of triggering their pain. Physiotherapists can work with clients to help them by gradually exposing them to the movements that they may be fearful and avoidant of due to anticipation of pain using pacing strategies, graded exposure to exercises and client education. Also, there is strong evidence in literature that suggest how exercise and physical activity helps with pain perception, mood elevation and has overall mental health benefits which are crucial in management of chronic pain conditions. What are some common techniques or modalities used in physiotherapy for pain management? Treatment modalities depend on underlying impairments that the clinician may have identified during their assessment and are tailored to each client. Some treatment modalities such as manual therapy, dry needling, soft tissue release are used alongside exercises such as progressive strengthening training, balance, range of motion and flexibility, Pilates and core exercises, and hydrotherapy. How do personalised exercise programs play a role in alleviating pain and improving mobility? Every individual is different and have different factors that can contribute to their chronic pain. A physiotherapist’s role is to complete a thorough assessment to identify underlying impairments that could be contributing to a client’s difficulties in their daily activities, participation in the community, work, and leisure. Based on the individualised assessment, the physiotherapist then designs a client specific treatment plan with intensity and frequency suitable for the client – taking into consideration their baseline pain, fitness and exercise capacity, and most importantly their goals. Physiotherapists can monitor the client’s symptoms and modify the exercises to be more suitable. Physiotherapists ensure that the intensity of exercises are progressed incrementally to ensure the client is progressing, without risk of injuries or compromise in the form of exercise. Are there specific lifestyle changes that are recommended to clients for pain management? There are many lifestyle changes that physiotherapists recommend to clients to help them manage their pain including: Active lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy active lifestyle is crucial for clients with chronic pain. It is a well-known and established fact that the lack of physical activity is one of the major causes of various cardiovascular diseases. Clients with chronic pain are at risk of gradual decline in their level of activities and therefore are at risk of developing various comorbidities. Simple exercise such as brisk walking for 30-45mins per day is very effective. Walking is low impact and low intensity exercise and does not need any additional training or specialised equipment due to which it is easily accessible. There are also various other low impact exercises that can be practiced indoors such as cycling and Tai-chi. Physiotherapists can design a simple home exercise programme which can be easily completed at home. If a client has membership to aquatic centres and enjoy water-based exercises , they can go to the pool and practice under water walking and exercises at safe height. If client enjoys group-based exercise programme, they can enquire in their local gym, councils or local volunteer groups who run such group exercise classes. Adequate sleep: Rest is very important for the body to recuperate and recover. It is during sleep that our body undergoes healing, restores energy, repairs cells and tissues amongst many other important functions. Optimum nutrition and hydration: Maintaining optimal nutrition is important for the body to have adequate resources to help repair, recover and restore. Stress management and relaxation: Stress and low mood has been linked to how an individual with chronic pain experiences or perceives pain. If a client with chronic pain is experiencing stress or has difficulties with their symptoms it is important that they see their GP and talk to them about their symptoms and seek professional help. What are the key strategies or approaches that promote a healthier, more active life for individuals managing pain through physiotherapy? Physiotherapy offers a more holistic approach to management of pain. Physiotherapists with thorough assessment aim to identify the root causes / factors that are contributing to a client’s pain and design an intervention in the form of physical exercises, client education and functional rehabilitation to promote a more active lifestyle and gradual return to function. Physiotherapists may use the below approaches: Hands on techniques: Physiotherapists use various hand on techniques such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue manoeuvres, to help manage pain, improve joint mobility, and promote relaxation. Individualised exercises: Physiotherapists develop tailor made exercise program for the client to improve their function using exercises targeting muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, joint and tissue mobility, balance, and proprioception. Exercise progression, monitoring, and adjustment: Physiotherapists monitor client symptoms and document their progress and accordingly adjust the exercises to suit individual needs and goals. Exercises are progressed gradually with a graded approach so the client’s tolerance to movement improves. Client focussed goal: Treatment designed by the Physiotherapist is focussed and based on individual client goals. They will set SMART goals in collaboration with the client. This helps make the client feel more motivated and focussed when they make progress throughout their rehabilitation process and achieve their goals. Functional rehabilitation: Physiotherapists includes exercises that follow functional patterns and body movements required to perform activities of daily living such as sit to stand, standing on one leg, reaching, lifting, walking to a certain distance, and climbing stairs. It often involves task specific training in a safe and supportive environment under the guidance and support from the physiotherapist. Client education: Physiotherapists promote active lifestyle through client education. The aim of client education is to empower the client with the knowledge of the nature of their pain, understand the tissue healing process and the role of activities and exercise in promoting healing and tolerance to pain with movement. Physiotherapists ensure that the client understands and has self-management strategies so that they can manage their own pain using techniques such as activity pacing, use of proper body mechanics, relaxation, and other modalities such as a heat and cold pack. Education will help clients feel more confident and empowered when they feel they are in control of their pain and have the right tools and strategies when they need to manage their pain. If you would like to book in one of our physiotherapists to help you manage your pain, fill out our referral form here .
