All work and no play makes Jack and Jill dull. This is why when it comes to making the most of the nursing week, you must not relent in coming up with the best ideas to make it memorable and fun.
One of the best ways to engage residents and staff is by themed dress-up days that spark fun and conversation.
Imagine a week where every day brings a new chance to celebrate life, reminisce, and create lasting memories.
These themed days offer a perfect blend of creativity and camaraderie, encouraging everyone to step out of their routine while embracing the joy of togetherness.
Whether it is a vintage day, costume day, or even a garden party day, each theme brings its unique charm to the week.
It is a fantastic way to honor the hard work of the nursing staff, connect with residents, and spread positive energy throughout the facility.
If you have run out of ideas or don’t know what to do in your nursing home week, we have carefully picked 10 fun and engaging dress-up ideas for you.
Best Dress-Up ideas for Nursing Home Week
1. Retro Day
First, you may consider a retro day. Dress in outfits from past decades like the ’50s, ’60s, or ’70s.
This is a great way to get people reminiscing. For instance, playing classic rock hits from the ’60s, smooth jazz from the ’50s, or disco beats from the ’70s can get everyone in the spirit.
For added fun, you could have a contest for the best vintage outfit, with prizes for the most creative or authentic looks.
Whether for a special event or a regular occasion, a retro day is an easy and enjoyable way to bring a little extra joy to the community.
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Hawaiian Luau
You could consider going tropical with the Hawaiian Luau idea. Celebrate with tropical attire such as leis, grass skirts, and Hawaiian shirts.
Set the scene with vibrant decorations, like tiki torches, palm leaves, and brightly colored flowers to bring the feel of an island paradise to life.
Serve tropical drinks like piña coladas or fruit punch and offer a variety of delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes, such as teriyaki skewers, coconut shrimp, and kalua pork.
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Superhero Day
You could consider a superhero costume day. This gets residents and staff wearing superhero costumes or accessories to unleash their inner heroes.
Residents and staff can join the fun by donning capes, masks, and other accessories that allow them to transform into their favorite characters or create their superhero personas.
The costumes don’t need to be extravagant—sometimes, a simple shirt with a superhero logo or a fun hat can make a big impact.
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Animal Day
For the nursing home week, you could give residents the room to dress up as favorite animals, such as cats, dogs, or even exotic creatures, with fun masks or animal prints.
Encouraging residents to explore different animals through costumes or accessories can spark joyful memories and conversations.
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Pyjama Day
Create a cozy dress-up event like a pajama day. Consider letting everyone wear their warm pajamas for a laid-back and cozy dress-up event.
This is the perfect way to foster a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, where people can feel comfortable and stress-free. Encourage soft fabrics, fun prints, and even matching pajama sets to make it feel more festive.
Whether it’s for a team-building day, a community gathering, or just a special occasion, a pajama day lets people unwind and connect on a personal level.
Plus, it’s a great way to bring out everyone’s playful side while still keeping things casual and comfortable.
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Farmers’ Market Day
Another great idea would be to dress in farm-inspired clothing such as overalls, plaid shirts, and straw hats. This is another great way to help them celebrate those who work hard to grow food.
It adds a fun, relatable touch to the event, and also connects people with the origins of the food they enjoy.
You could even consider offering a mini-workshop on the importance of sustainable farming practices or local food sourcing, encouraging guests to support their local farmers.
The ambiance can be enhanced by playing folk or country music, bringing a nostalgic, wholesome vibe to the day.
7. Hollywood Glamour Day
How about bringing Hollywood to the nursing home? This could be achieved by celebrating with red carpet attire, fancy gowns, tuxedos, and fun accessories like sunglasses and boas.
There could be an old Hollywood marathon playing in the background, with classic films everyone loves.
To add a fun twist, each resident could be nominated for various “awards” like “Best Dressed,” “Most Glamorous,” or “Favorite Classic Movie Buff.”
This event would bring a touch of nostalgia, helping them relive memories of the glamorous Hollywood era while also providing entertainment and a chance to feel special.
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Western Day
Get everyone happy and merry with a ‘western day’, Encourage cowboy hats, boots, and denim for a western-themed day.
This is a good way to get everyone looking Western. You can even have a little competition for the best-dressed cowboy or cowgirl, with a fun prize for the winner.
Consider playing country music or setting up a photo booth with hay bales and other Western props.
It’s a fantastic way to bond with colleagues, break the routine, and create a lighthearted atmosphere.
Western Day can also include themed snacks, like BBQ and trail mix, to bring the experience to life.
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Decades Day
Get everyone to represent the decade they were born. This means each person can dress according to their favorite decade—’20s, ’30s, ’40s, etc. for a stroll down memory lane.
It is a fun way to showcase the unique style and cultural conversations about the music, movies, fashion, and history that shaped those times.
Whether it’s the jazz age of the 1920s, the wartime resilience of the 1940s, or the colorful, free-spirited vibe of the 1960s, this event will bring everyone together, sharing nostalgic moments and discovering new things about the past.
Plus, it’s a great photo opportunity for people to see how trends have evolved. It’s all about embracing the charm of yesteryears while celebrating the diversity and experiences that make everyone unique.
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Garden Party Day
You could also consider a garden party day. This entails dressing in floral prints, wide-brimmed hats, and light, airy clothing to enjoy a beautiful, garden-inspired day.
You can include fun elements like a flower crown-making station or a DIY herb sachet corner, offering guests a chance to take home a little of the day’s charm.
Whether an intimate gathering or a grand affair, a garden party day is a perfect way to unwind and bask in the outdoors.