Floating Jellyfish Mobile

Purpose of the Activity

This activity is designed to provide a multi-sensory experience that supports the well-being of residents in memory care. The "vocational" aspect comes from the purposeful creation of a beautiful object that can be used to decorate their personal space or the community, fostering a sense of contribution and pride.

- Cognitive Stimulation: Encourages choice-making with colors and patterns, sequencing of simple steps, and can spark reminiscence about oceans, beaches, or aquariums.
- Fine Motor Skills: Promotes hand-eye coordination and dexterity through drawing, gluing, and threading yarn and tissue paper.
- Sensory Engagement: Provides tactile stimulation through the textures of the paper plate, soft tissue, and yarn. The bright colors offer visual engagement.
- Emotional Well-being: The repetitive, gentle motions can be calming. Completing the project offers a sense of accomplishment and creative self-expression.
- Social Connection: Creating in a group setting encourages peer interaction, sharing, and mutual encouragement.

Materials Needed

- Paper plates (thin, uncoated plates are easiest to work with)
- Strips of tissue paper (shades of blue, purple, white, and other ocean colors)
- Yarn, string, or thin ribbon
- Washable markers in various colors
- A hole punch
- Scissors (staff-use and resident-safe options)
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Glue sticks or non-toxic white glue
- A completed example of the jellyfish mobile to show residents

Estimated Duration

30 to 45 minutes. This allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of time for conversation and individual assistance.

Ideal Group Size

4 to 6 residents per staff member. This small group size ensures that each person can receive the support they need to participate successfully and feel included.