Interesting research - Activities

What Really Matters to Nursing Home Residents When It Comes to Activities? A Look Inside Their World

Spending time in a nursing home can bring up a lot of questions about how people fill their days—and more importantly, whether they get to choose how to do that. A recent study from Ireland by Keane, Ryan, and Usher (2023) gives us a glimpse into what residents themselves think about the leisure and social activities offered to them.

Researchers sat down with a small number of residents from nursing homes in Ireland, asking how much they were involved with the planning of activities and how the activities on offer made them feel.

At first glance, nursing homes might seem like they have plenty going on—bingo nights, sing-alongs, group exercises—but for the people actually living there, these activities often felt a bit generic. Like things happening to them rather than with them. Some residents said they weren’t really involved in deciding what was offered and often just went along with what was planned (Keane et al., 2023).

What really stood out was how much the environment shaped their experience. Not just the physical layout but the culture of the home itself. Some places felt more open and respectful, where staff encouraged residents to take the lead in choosing activities. Others felt more rigid or risk-averse, where schedules were tight and freedom was limited. When residents felt respected and supported, they were much more likely to engage and enjoy themselves (Keane et al., 2023).

Then there’s the personal side—things like health challenges or how people feel about their own abilities. Not everyone can participate in a group dance or craft session, but some residents found creative ways to stay involved in things they loved, even if it looked different than before. Others admitted feeling bored or frustrated when the activities didn’t really fit their interests or abilities (Keane et al., 2023).

One poignant takeaway? Time felt both abundant and sometimes empty. Residents had hours stretching ahead but often nothing that felt meaningful to fill it.

So what does this mean? The study reminds us that offering activities isn’t enough. Real engagement happens when residents have a genuine voice, when activities reflect their preferences, and when homes cultivate a culture that values autonomy and creativity. It’s about moving beyond ticking boxes to truly listening—and responding—to what makes each person feel alive and connected (Keane et al., 2023).

For families, caregivers, or anyone working in elder care, this is a powerful call to rethink how we design activities. It’s about making space for choice, adapting to individual needs, and remembering that behind every routine is a person who wants to feel seen, valued, and free.

To find out how you can help empower residents in daily life and introduce Essence 52 to  your nursing home please fill out the contact form to arrange an online meeting.

Until next time,

Liz 

Study: Keane, J., Ryan, C., & Usher, R. (2023). Leisure and social occupational choice within nursing home facilities in Ireland: Residents perspectives. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2023.2259222