Craft Activities For Seniors In Assisted Living

Creativity in assisted living goes beyond simply making art. It brings residents together, fuels their imaginations, and provides an outlet to express themselves. 

These simple activities serve as a reminder that creativity and joy have no age limit: 

• Memory jars
• Beaded bracelets
• Felt bookmarks
• Decorative mason jar lanterns
• Personalized coasters 

The Benefits of Creativity

Crafting can be more than just a fun hobby. It’s a therapy for the mind and body, promoting mental wellness and creativity, strengthening fine motor skills, and encouraging social connections.  

Creating even the most simple of art can foster a sense of accomplishment, boost self-esteem, reducing feelings of depression or anxiety. Creative activities stimulate cognitive function, keeping minds sharp while encouraging memory recall. 

Skills like painting, needlework, or beading can help improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, especially in older adults experiencing arthritis.  

While crafting can also be a great way to independently unwind, creating art in a group setting is a fun way to promote community and encourage social connections. Fostering friendships also plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and wellness as we grow older.   

Craft Ideas for Older Adults

To create an enjoyable crafting experience, it’s helpful to keep a few things in mind: 

• Modify as needed: Choose projects that suit a person’s unique mobility and dexterity abilities and modify using tools or materials if necessary. 
• Keep supplies simple: Aim for simple crafts and avoid complex creations or tools that may be challenging to use without assistance. Plus, keeping things basic allows residents to personalize their final creations however they choose.
• Focus on the fun: The goal is to be creative and expressive. Aim for enjoyment, not perfection. 

Memory Jars 

Preserve beautiful memories with a personalized memory jar. Residents can fill their jars with small trinkets, notes, or keepsakes representing their favorite moments.

For this craft, you’ll need: 

• Empty mason jars
• Paper, pens/markers, glue, and tape
• Small decorative items (mini shells, buttons, ribbons, beads)

Creating this memory jar is relatively easy. The fun part is reminiscing over favorite memories, sharing these experiences with your peers, and decorating the jars. 

1. Decorate the jar lid and exterior with ribbons or beads.
2. Write special memories or positive affirmations on small pieces of paper.
3. Place these notes inside the jar along with decorative items.

Beaded Bracelets

A classic favorite, which has resurfaced in popularity this past year, beaded string bracelets are a great form of colorful and wearable art. 

As per tradition, you can create matching bracelets with your friends or share bracelets with other residents, fostering community. 

For this craft, you’ll need: 

• Elastic string
• Beads of various sizes and colors (solid, glittery, or charms)
• Scissors

Beading exercises fine motor control and creativity. Plus, finished bracelets make meaningful gifts to share!

1. Measure and cut a piece of elastic string to fit around the wrist with some extra length.
2. Thread beads in any pattern or color scheme.
3. Knot the elastic once all beads are on, and trim the excess string.

Felt Bookmarks

Crafting unique bookmarks from felt is both practical for avid readers and enjoyable. These bookmarks can be personalized and make perfect gifts for fellow book lovers.

For this craft, you’ll need:

• Colored felt sheets
• Scissors
• Fabric glue
• Decorative buttons, ribbons, or sequins

This activity supports fine motor coordination and fosters creativity as residents design their bookmarks: 

1. Cut out fun shapes or simple strips from the felt sheets to serve as bookmarks.
2. Use fabric glue to attach decorative buttons or sequins to the felt.
3. Add a small ribbon at the top for an extra touch of elegance.

Decorative Mason Jar Lanterns

Mason jar lanterns add a touch of warmth and charm to any space. 

For this project, you’ll need: 

• Mason jars
• Twine or wire
• Battery-operated tea lights
• Glass paint or markers
• Optional: Small charms or beads

The comfort and warmth of the finished project make it a great activity for the holiday season. It’s relatively simple as it just requires placing the tea light inside the jar, and decorating the “lantern” however you’d like. 

1. Paint or draw designs on the outside of the jars with glass markers and let them dry.
2. Wrap twine or wire around the rim and create a handle.
3. Place a battery-operated tea light inside the jar to illuminate the designs.

Personalized Coasters

Customized coasters are a functional craft that can be used as household items. These can be themed for different seasons or events, adding a personalized touch to social events. 

For this craft, you’ll need:

• Cork or wooden coasters
• Acrylic paints or markers
• Brush
• Water-based varnish (for sealing)

Thankfully, we don’t make the actual coasters. Instead, we focus on decorating them how we’d like: 

1. Decorate the coasters using acrylic paint or markers, adding patterns or images of choice.
2. Once dried, apply a coat of water-based varnish to seal and protect the designs.

Embroidery Wall Art 

Embroidery is a calming and relaxing hobby suitable for all skill levels and encourages dexterity and concentration. After learning to create beautiful hoops, decorating your wall with these pieces adds a personal touch to any room. 

• Embroidery hoops
• Fabric pieces
• Embroidery thread and needle
• Simple design patterns

Focus on creating your hoops for the wall. Once you’ve finished a few hoops, you can begin to map out your wall.  

Most embroidery hoops have a tiny hook placed on top. Something as simple as a thumb tack can secure your needlework to the wall to display your hoops.

1. Secure fabric in an embroidery hoop and choose a simple design or pattern.
2. Use embroidery thread to stitch the pattern onto the fabric.
3. Once complete, trim excess fabric and display it as wall art.

Building Connections Through Creativity

Crafting isn’t just about making something beautiful. It’s also a chance to stay active, express creativity, and connect with others. 

For assisted living residents, crafting can profoundly impact emotional, physical, and mental well-being. Connect with our team at Retirement Unlimited, Incorporated at Woodland Hills to schedule a tour of our assisted living community.