The Importance of Engaging Activities in Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers

Quality of life is something we all strive for, no matter our age or circumstances. For residents in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, maintaining a vibrant quality of life becomes essential to their overall well-being. Each resident arrives with a unique history, a set of talents, personal needs and goals. Recognizing and nurturing these individual qualities is central to creating an enriching environment where residents can thrive.

Engaging Activities: A Key to Quality of Life

Engaging activities are more than just leisure; they are integral to a resident’s physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. An activity is any pursuit, aside from routine daily living tasks, that enhances a resident’s sense of purpose and promotes health. These activities can include:

  • Creative outlets, such as arts and crafts
  • Social gatherings, like themed events or group games
  • Physical activities, such as chair yoga
  • Educational pursuits, including lectures or book discussions

“Activities keep my mind sharp, keep me thinking, keep me motivated, keep me exalted,” said Katie Stankey, a resident of Mary Gran Nursing Center in Clinton, North Carolina. “I’m excited about coming, so it does a lot for me to come here every day. I try not to miss not one activity. I’m here at all of the activities and it’s a joy.”

Creating Joyful Moments Through Activities

Engaging programs create opportunities for residents to build social connections, stay active and experience moments of joy.

“My role here as the activities director is to make sure the residents are not lonely, depressed or sad,” said Alexis Tyson, Activities Director at Mary Gran Nursing Center.

The variety of activities offered at communities like Mary Gran Nursing Center ensures there is something for everyone.

“Activities have been a vital part of Mary Gran Nursing Center from the days of the facility opening in the early 70s,” shared Marilynn Spell, Administrator of Mary Gran Nursing Center. “We have activities that take place inside and outside. It is not just solely an indoors thing. We have carnivals, trunk-or-treats, Family Day and Community Day. We’ve even had parades. We’ve done balloon releases. We’ve done a number of things here, so Alexis adds a lot of variety to the program.”

Fostering Connection and Community

Activities provide more than just entertainment—they foster a sense of belonging and joy.

“When I go visit residents, I let them know that they don’t have to stay in their room and that there’s more than just therapy. They can come out and socialize with everyone,” Tyson shared. “It gives them so much joy and so much hope when they come to activities. They’re so excited to come to activities and they’ll let everyone know that activities is where to come and where to be.”

Bringing Residents and Staff Together

Activities help create a home-like atmosphere where staff and residents form close bonds.

“Alexis gets the staff involved with the activities as well, which is very rewarding to the residents. Our residents typically have that home-like atmosphere here and the staff become their family here. Alexis is their family,” said Spell.

Residents also recognize the impact of activity professionals like Alexis Tyson. “Alexis plays a great role and has a great personality,” shared Stankey. “Everybody that comes this way, she reaches out to them. It makes me know she has a heart for people and that’s the joy that I see in her. She’s a great motivator.”

Engaging activities are a cornerstone of quality care in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. From arts and crafts to community-wide celebrations, these programs enrich residents’ lives by promoting independence, joy and meaningful connections. At Liberty Health and Rehab, we are proud to support activity programs that ensure each resident feels valued and fulfilled. Together, we can create an environment where residents not only receive care but also experience vibrant, engaging lives.

 

About Us:

Liberty Health and Rehab is part of Liberty Health, a family-owned company that has provided continuum of care services across the Carolinas and beyond since 1875.