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:
