In August we celebrate International Friendship Day, a time when we celebrate the positive impact of friends on our lives. It was officially recognised by the United Nations in the year 2011 to encourage friendly relations among the people, nations, cultures, and personalities. Thus, International Friendship Day is important to the residents in care homes. It could also be a chance for people to make friends, boost their morale, and create togetherness. Hence, the commemoration of International Friendship Day in care homes is to foster happiness, friendship, and nostalgia.
Here are some ideas and activities that are both playful and fulfilling for the residents of the care home on this special day.
Role of Friendships in Care Homes
Friendship is also very essential in the improvement of the standard of living of any individuals who live in care homes. A feeling of integration and solace is beneficial for the mind and body, and it helps establish a feeling of integration. Those people who have amassed good friends will be more satisfied, safer, and never isolated.
Additionally, friendship brings an element of support amongst the staff members of the care home. Participation has also improved the social aspect, brought people together and helped reduce instances of loneliness. Hence, International Friendship Day should also be conducted in care homes to enhance those relations and improve the atmosphere of the homes for all the members.
Games and Other Activities Associated with International Friendship Day
1. Crafting Friendship Bracelets
Among traditions that are perfect for International Friendship Day, is the tradition of making friendship bracelets. This uncomplicated plan invites people’s imagination and lets the residents make something unique for their friends. It is a very efficient method of strengthening social relationships and cooperation as residents can assist each other and exchange recommendations. It would be made even more fun and engaging if children were given some colourful beads and threads which will be used in coming up with the final product.
2. Storytelling Sessions
Group presentations in the form of storytelling are a fun activity that can be undertaken with residents and they enable a resident to share their life story and or other narratives. Besides enhancing relations this activity enables the residents to discover each other’s lives and day-to-day experiences. One way of making people more friendly is to let them tell favorite stories about friendship which can make people closer.
3. Friendship-Themed Games
The fun element can be upgraded with friendship-themed games as part of the celebrations. Some such games can include Bingo, charades or even simple trivia whose themes are based on friendship and cooperation. Healthy competition is also advisable in making the celebration enjoyable and at the same time creating unity among the residents.
4. Movie Marathon
Playing movies related to friendship on a big screen is one of the best options for setting a cosy and social atmosphere. Growing over movies like The Bucket List, Fried Green Tomatoes or Toy Story can be ideal. Making this activity as if it is a special event with comfortable seats and perhaps some snacks or treats can make it a fun time to be together for the residents.
5. Special Friendship Day Meals
Food is a circle of all social events and has a large impact on festivities. Preparation of a special Friendship Day menu can also be helpful to set up an appropriate mood for the festivity and also for encouraging friends to sit together and enjoy some delicious food.
Planning a Special Menu
One can try to prepare the menu with the first dish to which residents are addicted or prepare meals that are associated with friendship to make the day special. You also have the opportunity to incorporate the residents in the planning especially when asking them what they prefer and this is sure to make them feel wanted and valued.
Hosting a Themed Tea Party
The themed tea party is a wonderful way to celebrate International Friendship Day with friends and loved ones. Organize the dining area to look like a friendship party and prepare teas, sandwiches, pastries and biscuits to be served to the friends. Those who would be part of the building would be able to survive socially by telling various stories as well as creating new stories.
6. Involving Families and Volunteers
It is interesting to celebrate International Friendship Day in care homes, especially when the residents’ families and volunteers are engaged. It’s like adding some characters to the Christmas incomparable event with an essence of people’s togetherness.
Inviting Families to Join the Celebrations
It is especially valuable to invite residents’ families to the celebration since it adds more worth to the day. It also helps the residents bring happiness to their friends during Friendship Day, which in return increases their feeling of being affiliated with the community and happiness. Families can experience crafting, storytelling, games, and a meal together and those experiences will be everlasting.
Encouraging Volunteer Participation
Care home residents’ quality of life is boosted by volunteers, With volunteering, care homes become better. Invite them to participate in the Friendship Day events; this can help to bring new enthusiasm and outlooks. Volunteers could arrange and manage the founded activities, befriend the elderly people and, in addition to that, tell and listen to the individual stories and valuable experiences which enrich the day and make it more colourful.
Conclusion
Holding International Friendship Day in care homes is quite rewarding as it is a great chance to create new relationships for the improvement of residents’ quality of life. Some ideas for this day may include engaging activities as well as preparing and enjoying special meals, including the families of the children as well as volunteers as this day may turn out to be a joyful one. If combined with friendship, care homes would promote the development of togetherness and people’s feelings of value within the community. To all residents, let us turn this International Friendship Day into a colourful, fun, and memorable day.
