Working as a nurse -creative ways to keep elderly minds busy

Working with elderly people who are still very active but are not as physically stable as they once were can be quite challenging. They may want to move around, walk, or even get up from their wheelchair, but the risk of falling is high. As a nurse, this can be stressful because you always worry about their safety. You want to help them stay active, but at the same time, you know they might fall and hurt themselves. It's difficult to find the right balance.

In our situation, we are understaffed, which makes things even more complicated. There are only four workers, but we are responsible for 30 residents. This means it's impossible to keep an eye on every single person all the time. For example, you might be with one resident in their room, helping them with something, but at the same time, someone in the dining room might be trying to get up from their wheelchair. Their legs are weak, and there's always that worry in the back of your mind that when you go back to check on them, they might be on the floor. Even though it's not your fault when someone falls, you still feel guilty. It's hard to shake off that feeling.
To prevent accidents and keep the residents engaged, we try different ways to distract and entertain them. Thankfully, we have an animator who works with them, but with 72 residents in the facility, it’s tough to provide enough attention to each person. This is why we, as workers, also try to come up with creative ways to keep them occupied.

One method that works well is using television. Many elderly people, especially those with dementia, enjoy watching old black-and-white movies. These films bring them comfort and familiarity. It’s like taking them back to a time they remember well. When they watch these movies, you can often see how calm and content they become, as if they are reliving memories from their younger days. Television is a good way to keep them seated and distracted, even if only for a little while.

In addition to movies, we also try games and activities that are suitable for their abilities. While many residents enjoyed playing cards in the past, it becomes more difficult as dementia progresses. However, we’ve found that simple puzzles or memory games can still engage them in a positive way. The challenge is just right for their cognitive abilities, and the sense of accomplishment when they complete a task, even a small one, is always a joy to witness.

One of the best activities we’ve discovered is coloring. Many of our residents love coloring books, and it's amazing to see how much joy and focus it brings them. It's simple, but it works. They can sit quietly and get lost in the colors, creating something beautiful. It's also an activity that helps them feel in control, as they can choose the colors and designs themselves.

Even cartoons can have a similar effect. Some residents love watching old animated shows, and it makes them smile. It's a reminder that distraction doesn’t always have to be complicated.
In the end, working with the elderly requires patience, creativity, and a deep sense of care. We do our best to keep them safe and happy, even when the challenges seem overwhelming. And although it’s not always possible to prevent every fall or every accident, we continue to find ways to bring them moments of joy. The smiles on their faces, even during the simplest of activities, remind us why we do this work. In those small moments of connection and happiness, we find our reward. It’s about making their world a little brighter, one day at a time.

“The greatest gift you can give someone is your time, your attention, and your love.”– AARP

With love, @tinabrezpike ❤️