Have you ever asked your residents to bead a necklace at your facility? Do you have bright colored plastic round beads that remind you of 1st grade? I’d like to ask you to consider whether beading a necklace is an activity that most people do on their own when they are grown adults. For most adults, the thought of putting random colored beads on a piece of plastic seems boring and childish. So why do we who work with older adults seem to think it should be great fun for them?
When you’re trying to make sure an activity is age appropriate, its a great idea to look to the real world to see what grown adults are actually used to doing. Ask yourself what materials they are used to working with. For what purpose do they carry out this activity?
In truth, adult beading is almost an oxymoron. However, when you look around, jewelry making is something that some grown women have turned into a hobby. Today, there are kits that let you piece together earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that many adults purchase for their own enjoyment. One of my co-workers made everyone earrings for Christmas this past year! Here are some tips to make this simple activity more comfortable and rewarding for our residents and members:
Buy Nice Looking Beads
Okay, I know we can get 1,000 cheap, plastic, multi-colored beads for $5, but is that really what you want to hand to your clients? We found some professional looking beads at our local craft store (Michael’s) and organized them into like-colored containers. That way someone could very easily make a piece of jewelry where all of the pieces actually matched!
Look for Charms!
This goes along with the first tip, but many women really enjoy showing off their charm piece on their jewelry. It could be a heart, a musical note, one woman we work with has pink dice on her earrings for good luck. A single charm makes the entire piece of jewelry much more sophisticated.
Quality Over Quantity
If your budget is tight, consider down-sizing your craft. Instead of a three-foot long necklace, try making bracelets. If you’re really strapped for cash, earrings require even fewer pieces. You may also consider a broche. Remember, would you go for a long piece of cheap jewelry for your own wardrobe, or pay the same for a really nice looking smaller piece?
Ask for Help
Well, sort of…ask your residents to help you with the project. Some residents may not feel like wearing jewelry, but they’d be glad to help you organize the beads into like colors. Others may get a kick out of making jewelry for one another. Try asking, “Do you know Ms. So-and-so down the hall? She could really use a bracelet. Would you like to help us and make a bracelet for her?” This is an approach that can really empower a resident and make their day.
