7 Summer Activities to Keep Home Care Patients Engaged

It's summer, a season ripe with opportunities to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for home care patients. As the temperature rises, so does the potential for crafting moments of joy and connection within your caregiving environment. These activities are designed to enrich the lives of patients, providing them with moments of delight and relaxation during the warmer months. By incorporating these carefully curated activities into your summer schedule, you can cultivate a vibrant atmosphere where patients can engage, socialize, and savor the season's pleasures, all while receiving the care and support they need in the comfort of their home care setting. So, let's explore these seven activities tailored to bring the spirit of summer alive for your home care patients, making this season truly special and memorable for everyone involved.

1. Ice Cream Socials 

Ice cream socials are a delightful way to bring joy to your home care patients throughout the summer months. Consider organizing a series of events where your patient along with their family and friends can indulge in different ice cream flavors and toppings. For an Ice Cream Tasting event, procure a variety of unique flavors like Ben & Jerry’s or local artisanal brands. Patients can use plastic spoons to sample and share their favorites with fellow residents and caregivers.

Another engaging activity is an Ice Cream Making session, where patients participate in creating their own ice cream concoctions. Provide options for various toppings and encourage creativity. Additionally, hosting an Ice Cream Sundae Bar can create a festive atmosphere. Set up a buffet-style spread with different flavors of ice cream, toppings such as chocolate sauce, nuts, whipped cream, and cherries, allowing patients, caregivers, and visiting family members to build their perfect sundae.

2. Refreshing Lemonade Breaks 

During the hot summer days, it's important to keep home care patients hydrated. Set up lemonade stations strategically throughout their home, marked with pitchers of freshly made lemonade and disposable cups. This allows patients and their family to easily access a refreshing drink whenever they feel the need, promoting hydration and comfort during the warmer weather.

3. Backyard Picnics and Games 

Utilize your facility’s outdoor space to host backyard picnics and games tailored for home care patients. Arrange seating and shade for comfort, and consider providing blankets or cushions for those who prefer to relax on the grass. Organize gentle outdoor activities such as watching a friendly baseball game among caregivers and family members, or setting up a batting tee for patients who wish to participate in hitting practice.

For those who prefer to watch, distribute snacks to enhance the experience and create a lively atmosphere. These backyard gatherings offer patients an opportunity to enjoy fresh air and socialize with others in a comfortable and familiar environment. However, when providing snacks, always be sure to check the patient's POC in whatever home health software the agency uses so you're sticking to protocol.

4. Friday BBQs 

Collaborate with your patient's family and staff to plan  barbecue cookouts every other Friday. Offer a menu featuring classic summer favorites such as hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled vegetables, and seasonal fruits. Consider setting up picnic-style tables or outdoor seating areas decorated with summer-themed decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere.

BBQs provide patients with a special treat to look forward to at the end of each week, fostering a sense of community and relaxation as they enjoy delicious food and companionship.

5. Indoor Virtual Museum Visits 

Beat the summer heat by organizing indoor virtual museum visits for home care patients. Research local museums that offer virtual tours, as most of them are free and if not, it's just a small fee that you can plan ahead to arrange for.

Coordinate with museum staff to schedule guided virtual tours or special exhibitions that align with patients' interests, whether it’s art, history, or science. Consider contacting historical societies or cultural centers within your community to discover lesser-known attractions that offer educational and engaging experiences while keeping patients cool and comfortable indoors, and also while not risking their homebound status.

6. Evening Stargazing Sessions 

Take advantage of cooler summer evenings by arranging stargazing sessions on your patient's patio or outdoor space. Create a cozy ambiance with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and blankets for patients to relax and enjoy the night sky.

Serve light desserts such as cookies, brownies, or fruit along with refreshing beverages like juice or herbal teas. Encourage patients to socialize and share stories while marveling at the stars, fostering a sense of wonder and relaxation under the evening sky.

7. Summer Bake-Offs 

Engage patients and staff in friendly bake-off competitions throughout the summer months. Encourage participation from patients who enjoy baking or have a passion for culinary arts, as well as enthusiastic staff members. Even those who are bed bound, if they are completely immobile, you can work with them hand-over-hand, or you can work with them and allow them to verbally guide you; the point is to increase patient engagement.

Coordinate themed bake-offs with categories such as cakes, cookies, or pies, and provide patients with opportunities to taste and judge the delicious creations. If you can get their friends and family to join, consider awarding winners with small prizes or certificates to acknowledge their culinary talents and contributions to the community.

Conclusion

Summer in home care settings offers a unique opportunity to infuse joy, connection, and comfort into the lives of patients. By embracing activities like ice cream socials, refreshing lemonade breaks, outdoor picnics and games, Friday BBQs, virtual museum visits, evening stargazing sessions, and summer bake-offs, caregivers can create a season filled with memorable experiences and moments of relaxation. These activities not only cater to patients' physical well-being but also nurture their emotional and social needs, fostering a sense of community and happiness.