Want to whisk your residents away on a virtual adventure? Our Virtual Staycation for Seniors in Aged Care provides the perfect guide to hosting a fun-filled a Virtual Boat Cruise or Armchair Travel. Residents can explore new destinations, learn about different cultures, and create lasting memories – all from the comfort of a familiar setting.
How to host a Virtual Staycation Cruise
Talk to your residents about what countries and destinations appeal to them for a cruise. Some popular countries might be Italy, India, Jamaica, Greece, America & Spain. You can do a different destination every month, reusing some of the props we will prepare.
1. Prepare the Passports
Let’s take your residents on a global adventure! Whip up some personalized passports and boarding passes. You can either design them yourself and photocopy them, or find ready-made templates online for a quicker start.
2. Decorate the Activity Room
Ahoy, Mateys! It’s time to set sail! Let’s transform your activity room into a luxurious cruise ship, ready for an adventure on the high seas.
- Roll out the red carpet: Greet your residents like VIPs with a grand entrance. Unfurl a red carpet walkway, leading them into the heart of their cruise adventure.
- Flagship decorations: Deck the room with international flags, creating a vibrant tapestry of countries they might visit on their imaginary voyage. Imagine the stories these flags could spark!
- Life-size nautical fun: Craft giant cardboard cutouts of an anchor and life buoy. These won’t just be decorations; they’ll become photo-worthy backdrops for cherished memories and silly seafaring poses!
- Ocean views for all: Create a stunning “seaview” scene. Paint a calming ocean and horizon on a large piece of fabric. Drape it across one wall for a truly immersive effect. Let the residents feel the gentle ocean breeze and vastness of the sea.
- Ship-shape doors: Spruce up the doors so they match the nautical theme! Transform them into portholes, offering a peek at the ocean beyond. Alternatively, paint them a nautical blue with silver doorknobs, resembling cabins on a grand ship.
3. Print Out a Virtual Staycation Deck Plan
Become Navigational Experts: To heighten the cruise illusion, print out a simplified deck plan of the ship. Mark their “cabin” locations and highlight key areas like the dining room and activity center. This will spark conversation and help them feel oriented onboard.
Daily Itinerary Awaits: Complement the deck plan with a personalized itinerary for each resident. List “shore excursions” (activities) and “entertainment” (meal times) for a realistic cruise feel. Place both on a table or bulletin board for easy reference, just like on a real cruise ship!
4. Virtual Staycation Luggage Labels
Set the Stage for Their Voyage!
- Personalized Luggage Labels: Create fun luggage labels for your residents. You can include their names, destinations (real or imagined!), and even cruise line logos. This will add a personal touch and help get them excited for their adventure.
- Play Money with a Nautical Twist: Create “cruise ship currency” for your residents to use in onboard activities. You can design them with pictures of life buoys, anchors, or even marine animals. This can be used for playing games, buying snacks, or participating in a mock auction for fun prizes.
5. Host a Virtual Staycation Captains Table Event
Prepare to be whisked away on a luxurious adventure with a one-of-a-kind Captain’s Table event! Dust off your finest nautical attire – think captain’s hats, sailor stripes, or anything that sparks your seafaring fancy.
Once you’re dressed to impress, set sail for an unforgettable evening filled with a delectable themed menu fit for a first-class voyage. Get ready for an evening of delicious food, delightful company, and maybe even a sea shanty or two!
6. Create a Questionnaire
Create a questionnaire for the end of the trip to see what impact it has made on your residents, and use their feedback to tailor future virtual adventures!
Armchair Travel Series
Don’t miss the wonders of the world as we take you different parts of the world through our Armchair Travel Series! Specifically made for seniors, you can transport your beloved residents to famous places at the comfort of your facility!
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