As some parts of the world cool down, others are just starting to warm up. If warmer weather is on the way, a good idea is to organize a pool party for your residents! It’s a fun and refreshing way to enjoy the season! This blog will be your guide in hosting an effective Pool Party for your beloved seniors in aged care.
Benefits of Pool Party for Seniors
Curious about the benefits of this activity for seniors? Here are some advantages of hosting a pool party for your seniors well-being:
Gentle Physical Exercise: Water activities are easy on the joints, helping improve mobility, flexibility, and overall fitness. It’s a form of light exercise, perfect for our beloved seniors.
Social Engagement: A pool party creates a fun environment for seniors to interact and build friendships with others. It can be enjoyed with close friends and new friends in the facility.
Improved Mood and Relaxation: Being in the water and enjoying the outdoors can help reduce stress and promote a positive mental state. It’s a therapeutic activity that seniors can enjoy.
Cooling and Refreshing: It provides a safe way for seniors to stay cool and comfortable in warm weather, preventing overheating. It makes them feel refreshed and cooled all throughout the warm season.
How to Set Up a Pool Party for Seniors in Aged Care
A pool party is a fantastic way to help seniors in aged care enjoy warm weather while staying cool and engaged. With a few simple steps, you can create a fun and refreshing experience for everyone. Here’s how to set up a pool party in your aged care facility:
1. Choose the Perfect Location
Select a shaded area to ensure residents stay cool and comfortable. A grassy lawn or a covered patio is ideal for setting up. The shade will protect seniors from excessive sun exposure, reducing the risk of overheating and sunburn. You can also set up umbrellas for additional shade, having an extra protection from the heat of the sun.
2. Set Up the Pool
Purchase or borrow an inflatable children’s pool that can accommodate several residents to play around. If the space is large enough, you can set up more than one pool so that everyone can enjoy the activity. Just make sure to prioritize the seniors’ safety while you set up all the fun.
3. Encourage Appropriate Attire and Accessories
Make sure to inform residents beforehand to wear comfortable swimwear attires. You can add a fun, festive touch by providing hats, sunglasses, and leis for everyone to wear. These accessories not only protect from the sun but also add to the pool party atmosphere.
4. Play Summer-Themed Music
Music can instantly elevate the mood of any event. Play classic summer tunes such as the Beach Boys to create a lively, beachy vibe. This nostalgic music is sure to bring smiles and create a joyful atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. Here’s a retro summer playlist that we found for you:
5. Serve Refreshing Treats
Keep everyone hydrated and refreshed by offering cold drinks like mocktails, icy poles, and fruit kebabs. These treats are not only delicious but also a great way to cool down and enjoy the warm weather. Be sure to have plenty of water available as well. Always remember that the seniors’ health is always a priority throughout this activity.
Here are some refreshing treat ideas:
Sorbet Cups: Small servings of fruit sorbet for a sweet, refreshing desserts
Fruit Kebabs: Skewers with colorful, chilled fruit like watermelon, strawberries, and pineapples
Icy Poles: Frozen fruit juice popsicles for a cooling treat.
Mocktails: Serve fruity mocktails like a tropical punch or lemonade with mint.
Smoothies: Blended fruit smoothies with yogurt for a light and healthy refreshment.
Chilled Cucumber Water: Infuse water with cucumber and mint for a refreshing drink.
6. Organize Fun Poolside Games
A pool party isn’t complete without some light-hearted games. Bring out a beach ball for residents to toss to each other, or fill water balloons for a bit of splashing fun. You can also blow bubbles for a whimsical touch, bringing out a sense of playfulness in everyone.
Here are some additional poolside games you can include:
- Pool Noodle Relay: Divide residents into teams and have them pass a pool noodle in a relay race.
- Rubber Duck Race: Residents can blow on rubber ducks to race them across a small pool or water table.
- Floating Ring Toss: Toss rings onto floating objects or pool noodles.
- Fishing Game: Use magnetic fishing rods to “catch” fish floating in the water.
- Water Balloon Toss: Partner up and toss water balloons to each other without popping them.
These games add fun and engagement for everyone at the party!
7. Add Some Entertaining Surprises
For extra fun, get one of the staff members—especially someone with a good sense of humor—to hop into the pool and splash around. Whether pretending to swim or simply playing around in the water, this can provide plenty of laughter and entertainment for everyone watching.
Key Takeaway
Creating new and engaging activities for seniors in aged care will always be a challenging task for seniors in aged care. However, with Memory Lane Therapy, most of your problems are solved!
Know that a well-organized pool party can be a memorable and enjoyable event for seniors in aged care, promoting social interaction, relaxation, and fun! So, what are you waiting for? Implement what you’ve learned and beat the heat!
