Our nursing home facility has decided to do a monthly newsletter to give out to residents and family members. We of course have consent from each person to include them in the newsletter. So what kind of fun articles should we include? We have resident/staff birthdays, pictures and highlights from the activities we do, a "Resident Highlight" on a different resident each month, upcoming events, and a recipe of the month. Maybe a little game/puzzle? Thanks in advance!
Including any kind of word puzzle (find-a-word, crossword, jumble) will entertain some while find-a-difference can be done by even those that aren't good at word games.
Maybe including a trivia question with the person/persons who answer correctly by the end of the month get a little prize and recognition in next month's newsletter.. including their picture would even be better (group photo if it's a bunch of people), it's something they could then send to loved ones.
Go to Pinterest and enter 'nursing home newsletter ideas' and you'll get a bunch of fun ideas.
Mom was in 2 NH & 1 did a minimum number of hard copies but sent it out on line for all to see to be environmentally aware
This would be a great opportunity for students/older schoolchildren to interview a different generation. Any resident have budding journalists in their families? Do you have links with any local schools or colleges?
The trick is to pitch it right between too sweet or too highfalutin'. You want to strike the happy mean that will appeal to your particular community. But your readers' interests will be as varied as your residents, so try not to make assumptions about what they'll like without asking. A "little game/puzzle" is a nice idea, but these people may solve cryptic crosswords daily before breakfast - don't make it too "little." Or, throw in a modest variety - an easy one, a standard one, and a puzzle fiend's one.
Resident interviews about the personal impact of historical events?
Short wisdom blurbs from the elders on specific current topics?
What you as the facility want residents and their families to know about you, the facility, general aging, dementia. Facility adjustment period.