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Summer 2025: 10 Low-Lift Activities That Boost Resident Satisfaction in Long-Term Care

Summer 2025: 10 Low-Lift Activities That Boost Resident Satisfaction in Long-Term Care

Neil Stern |

☀️ Welcome Summer With Joy — And Purpose

Summer’s here — and for long-term care facilities, it’s more than just a season.

It’s a golden opportunity to bring warmth, energy, and connection to your residents’ day-to-day life.

Whether you're managing a large skilled nursing facility or a smaller community, these months offer a chance to boost engagement, uplift morale, and elevate resident experience — all without straining your staff or budget.

We’ve gathered 10 creative, low-lift activity ideas that are already helping facilities across the country make Summer 2025 unforgettable.


🌟 10 Summer Activities Residents Will Love


☀️ 1. Patio Popsicle Socials

Simple, nostalgic, and universally loved. Add music, shade, and casual conversation — and it becomes a weekly event everyone looks forward to.


🎨 2. Outdoor Watercolor Sessions

Give residents a relaxing way to enjoy the sunshine. Display the artwork in a rotating gallery to spark pride and conversation.


🌿 3. Gardening Clubs (Raised Beds or Container Style)

From herbs to tomatoes to flowers, a little soil goes a long way. Great for sensory engagement and a lasting sense of purpose.


🎶 4. Live Music on the Lawn

No stage required. Staff talent shows, local musicians, or acoustic sing-alongs all bring energy and family involvement.


🐶 5. Petting Zoo Visits or Therapy Animal Days

Few things spark joy like animal visits. These moments create lasting smiles — and powerful emotional benefits.


🎥 6. Movie Nights Under the Stars

Outdoor movies turn ordinary evenings into something special. Add popcorn, cozy chairs, and themed snacks for a full experience.


🧁 7. Bake-Off: Residents vs. Staff

Low pressure, big fun. Use simple ingredients, and let the residents judge. It builds excitement across the building.


📸 8. Photo Day with Summer Props

Beach hats. Lemonade stands. Oversized sunglasses. These themed photos are cherished by both residents and families.


🥤 9. Lemonade & Life Stories

Gather with a cool drink and invite storytelling:
“One summer I’ll never forget…”
It’s lighthearted, memory-rich, and a great bonding tool.


🚶 10. Scenic Walks with Purpose

Create short walking loops with mini stations: trivia, nature facts, or memory boards. Keeps bodies moving and minds engaged.


💡 Final Thought: Small Activities, Big Impact

Summer doesn’t require big budgets or elaborate events. Even the smallest activities can brighten a resident’s week, strengthen relationships, and improve the overall culture of your facility.

At SupplyLine Medical, we’re proud to support the operational essentials behind the scenes — so your teams can focus on what really matters: creating moments of joy.


👉 Ready to Make Summer 2025 a Win?

Explore how we support life inside your facility — all year long.
Visit SupplyLineMedical.com

Or connect with us directly on LinkedIn:
👥 Neil Stern (CRO)
🏥 SupplyLine Medical Company Page