Dust off your shamrocks and get ready for some festive fun! Memory Lane Therapy is here to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your senior residents. We’ve curated a collection of engaging activities that will spark joy, creativity, and a touch of Irish cheer.
From traditional crafts to lively games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and embrace the spirit of the Emerald Isle. So, grab your green attire and let’s get this St. Patrick’s Day party started!
When to Celebrate?
St. Patrick’s Day, a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, falls on the 17th of March each year. It honors the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. People around the world don green attire, enjoy festive parades, and partake in traditional Irish food and music.
How to Run a Successful St. Patrick’s Day in Aged Care
In this article, we have provided plenty of images and information to inspire you to create your best celebration in aged care. The Irish sure know how to have fun so let’s make this day a fun experience for our seniors in care!
Dressing Up for the Occasion!
Encourage all staff to dress in green. Costumes can be purchased on Amazon or Ebay. Green Hats and T-shirts can be purchased at discount stores or Op shops (goodwill stores).
Residents Dress Up Ideas:
Let’s transform our residents into a sea of green for St. Patrick’s Day! We can easily achieve this festive spirit with some simple costume pieces. Think shamrock-adorned party hats that will bring a smile to everyone’s face, or vibrantly colored masks featuring lucky rainbows – perfect for adding a touch of whimsical fun!
Decoration & Craft Ideas for St. Patrick’s Day
Making Irish decorations in your art and craft group prior to the day can be a fun idea in itself for St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Here are some examples of how to decorate your room and setting in residential aged care for a festive St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Serving Drinks on St. Patrick’s Day in Aged Care
Let’s get creative with our drinks menu! Host a “Happy Hour” and serve GREEN BEER! (beer which has had a drop of green food coloring added) Guinness is a traditional Irish favorite.
For non-alcoholic drinks mix up some green cordial, apple juice or soft drink. Serve up your drinks creatively on a table with Saint Patrick’s day decorations.
Food to Serve on the Occasion
There are many fun party foods to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day! Serve potato chips, green gherkin dip, St Patrick’s day themed cupcakes, green jelly cups, small cups of Irish stew.
Look at this fantastic veggie, dip and crackers platter shaped as Saint Patrick himself.
Music & Entertainment
Have Irish music playing, here is a great playlist we have found for you. (video below)
Book a local Irish dance group to come and put on a dance display for your residents – that would be fantastic! Adults or children.
Jokes, Quiz & Humor
Let’s get the laughter flowing this St. Patrick’s Day! No celebration is complete without a good dose of giggles. We’ve got you covered with some classic Irish jokes that are sure to tickle everyone’s funny bone. Plus, we’ve thrown in a fun quiz to test your residents’ knowledge of the Emerald Isle.
Run an Irish Quiz at your Saint Patrick’s Day celebration and give out chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil – as prizes (often found cheap at the supermarket).
Are you still looking for more ideas for Saint Patrick’s Day?
