by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: June 04, 2010   Last Updated: June 06, 2010

Ergo-therapy and occupational therapy are systems in use with the infirm and elderly to help them to use their thinking processes and hands to create craft type projects, and the incentive of the Fourth of July celebrations can be used as a focal point to help them. The celebration of the 4th July is something which elderly people or nursing home residents can look forward to, and by creating craft projects, feel as if they are participating in what's happening in the world outside. Many will have their own ideas based on their past experiences, and these should never be ignored. Elderly people may actually be approached to suggest ideas and to feel like they are part of the organizational process.

Up and coming events in the nursing home.

The way to focus the residents is to tell them of events which will take place within the nursing home as a celebration of the Fourth of July. From there, ideas can be gleaned as to what the residents would like to make, and the following are given as suggestions, bearing in mind that different residents will have different capabilities.

Fourth of July painting competition.

To celebrate the Fourth of July, why not tap into the creative juices of the residents and ask them to paint themed pictures. Many have put art to one side during their busy lives, to bring up families or have given their service to their work, but may indeed have artistic tendencies. Providing the mediums of acrylic and water color paints and paper, the residents can work either as a group or singularly on their project. This encompasses those residents who are not particularly good at mixing with others, allowing them the same leverage as others to participate.

Fourth of July flags.

The flags can be made in a craft project by having loads of material in red, white and blue, which is cut into size using a flag as a pattern. The stars can then be sewn into place by hand, and these can perhaps be used for the celebrations themselves. Use of a fabric cutter makes this a lot easier, as multiple flags can be made, and threading them all onto bunting string can also be a part of the craft process. The elderly and infirm residents will be able to see the fruits of their labor as these are used at a celebration dinner or some such event.

Fourth of July patchwork.

Making patchwork is something many older people enjoy, but the nice thing about a patchwork project of this nature and in this kind of environment is that everyone can contribute their little

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