An important responsibility in any senior care center is finding ways to keep the residents involved in life the way they were years ago. Holidays are the perfect time to encourage their participation because it gives them something to anticipate and it can be a lot of fun. This participation helps to fight depression and can keep people healthier longer. Here are two quick, easy and inexpensive ideas to try out this Valentine’s Day with the residents at your facility.

Valentine’s Heart Creatures

• Red and pink construction paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Googly eyes
• Pipe cleaners – any color
• Stickers,  mini pom-poms or any other decorative item
• Markers

Draw or trace a heart shape onto a piece of construction paper and cut out. Glue the eyes onto the heart and attach the pipe cleaners as arms and legs. Draw designs with markers or add stickers or any other items available. These simple and easy creatures can be any size, any design and are great for residents to make for their grandchildren or to even make with them, if possible.

Heart-Shaped Frame

• Heart-shaped paper doilies
• Plastic heart-shaped cookie cutter (slightly smaller than the doilies)
• Strong craft glue
• Red or pink acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Personal photo
• Scissors
• Magnets

Paint the cookie cutter pink or red. (This step can be skipped if you are happy with the color as-is.) Once the paint is dry, place it on top of the photo and trace around the