ABSTRACT
The suggested approach is one of planned flexibility. Start with a plan and be prepared to change it as necessary, so that if a group of residents decides that Bingo is not the activity of choice on a particular day – even though it may be on the programmed – then the plan can be dropped and Bingo replaced with an alternative. To promote choice, residents and relatives need to be involved: arrange discussion times; make use of Resident and Relatives meetings; talk about available activities; encourage involvement in the planning process, and advertise the programme. When planning a programme of activity, be sensitive to age, class, culture, and background, and provide suitable sessions accordingly. Planned programmes must be advertised, to ensure that residents, relatives and staff know what is on offer, and can make an active choice as to whether to participate.
