Resources

The social connection tool from Uniting et al. is a conversation-based set of questions designed to help aged care staff understand residents’ social connection needs, preferences, relationships and activities.

This resource by Dementia Australia offers practical guidance on selecting and adapting activities for individuals living with dementia. It emphasises the importance of engaging in meaningful, enjoyable, and culturally appropriate activities to promote well-being and social connection.

This article in Australian Ageing Agenda by ARIIA describes what meaningful activities look like in aged care settings, based on their own research and a round-table review. 

This introductory webpage from LiveUp provides details of how to stay independent for longer. It provides a gateway to resources including a healthy ageing quiz, ideas for exercise and fitness, benefits of staying socially connected and outlines assistive technology products that may be helpful to stay independent.  

This video, from Canadian gerontologist Dr Lakelyn Hogan of Home Instead, discusses meaningful engagement activities for people with dementia, including why meaningful engagement is important, considerations for tailoring activities to the individual, and ideas for activities that are affordable and fun.

This webpage from Compass Care Group describes ten leisure activities that can be undertaken indoors, by adults living with a disability. Activities include games, cooking and baking, indoor gardening and ‘virtual sightseeing’. 

This webpage from Onya Magazine describes various leisure activities that can be undertaken in residential and home care settings, and in the community more broadly, such light exercise, games, music and dance.

This webpage from Dementia Australia describes various activities that can help people with dementia stay socially active and engaged. Advice is provided on how to plan such activities, what activities might be suitable, and how to enjoy the activities. Videos are embedded in the webpage for further illustration. 

This webpage from Baptistcare describes various leisure activities – for both brain and body - that can be undertaken in residential care settings, such as book clubs, games, exercise classes and gardening.

This webpage from Altaira describes various leisure activities that can be undertaken in residential and home care settings, and in the community more broadly, such as gardening, group exercise, music therapy, arts and crafts and games.