How to Setup a Book Club in a Care Home

Setting up a book club in a care home can bring residents together, spark conversations, and provide mental stimulation. It is a meaningful way to promote social interaction and enhance the quality of life for older individuals.

This guide covers the steps, considerations, inclusion strategies, book suggestions, and social benefits that come with creating a book club in a care home.

Steps to Set Up a Book Club

1. Assess Interest – Begin by talking to the residents. Ask whether they would like to take part in a book club.
   Find out what genres or types of books they enjoy. Some might prefer fiction, while others may like biographies or poetry.
2. Find a Coordinator or Volunteer – Designate someone to lead the book club. This could be a staff member, a volunteer, or even a resident who feels confident managing the group. The coordinator can help organise meetings, suggest books, and facilitate discussions.
3. Choose a Suitable Location – Select a quiet space within the care home. A lounge, activity room, or garden area with proper seating can work well. Make sure it’s accessible for all residents.
4. Decide Meeting Frequency and Length – Decide how often the group will meet. This could be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. Meetings should last an hour to avoid fatigue but can be adjusted based on resident preferences.
5. Set Up a Schedule – Create a fixed day and time for the meetings. Having a consistent schedule helps residents plan their day and builds anticipation. Display the details in communal areas so that everyone knows when the meetings will be held.
6. Select Appropriate Books – Choose books that the majority of the group would be interested in. Consideration is crucial when selecting books, and you should think about the abilities and interests of the residents (more about this below).
7. Make Reading Accessible – Provide large-print books, audiobooks, or e-readers for residents who have difficulty reading standard text. This ensures that everyone can participate, regardless of their eyesight or reading level.
8. Prepare Discussion Topics – Provide key questions or talking points about the book. This can guide discussions and help people who feel shy or unsure about contributing.
9. Promote the Book Club – Advertise the book club within the care home. Use posters, newsletters, or speak directly with residents who may benefit from attending. Encourage staff to remind residents about the club.
10. Evaluate and Improve – After a few meetings, ask participants for feedback. Use this information to improve future sessions and ensure they are enjoyable for all residents.

Things to Consider

When setting up a book club, certain factors need to be thought about:

• Physical Accessibility: Ensure the location is wheelchair-friendly, well-lit, and comfortable.
• Time of Day: Schedule meetings when residents are generally alert—early afternoons tend to work well for many.
• Staff Support: Have staff close by to assist residents who may need help getting to and from the meeting.
• Comfort: Offer tea, coffee, or snacks to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
• Smaller Groups: For residents with hearing or memory challenges, smaller groups might be better to keep discussions manageable and engaging.

Make Sure Everyone is Included

Making the book club inclusive is important. Not every resident may be able to read or follow lengthy plots, so adapt the club to meet a variety of needs.

• Offer Options: Incorporate audiobooks, e-books, or shared reading, where the coordinator reads aloud to the group.
• Encourage Participation: Residents with speech difficulties can nod in agreement, write down thoughts, or simply enjoy listening quietly.
• Choose Diverse Books: Include books representing various experiences and cultures to ensure all residents feel included.
• Respect Individual Choices: Not all residents will want to read every book. Give them the option to join discussions without pressure.
• Pair Up for Support: Residents with better reading skills can support those who struggle, encouraging a sense of partnership.

Book Suggestions for Older People

When choosing books for a care home book club, it’s important to pick ones that are engaging yet easy to follow.

Fiction

• The Railway Children by E. Nesbit: A touching story full of nostalgia.
• Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson: Light and humorous, this novel resonates with older readers.
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett: A timeless tale loved by all generations.

Poetry

• Poems by William Wordsworth: Nature-centred, simple, and beautiful.
• A Shropshire Lad by A.E. Housman: Short poems, great for sparking reflection and discussion.

Non-Fiction

• A History of Britain by Simon Schama: Offers interesting tidbits about history in short sections.
• Life Stories: Consider autobiographies of famous figures from the residents’ youth.

Short Stories

Short stories work well for residents who may not be able to follow a long novel.

• Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected: Quirky and engaging plots.
• The Mistletoe Murder by P.D. James: Thought-provoking yet easy to follow.

Reading Abilities

Reading abilities can vary greatly among care home residents. Some may have lost vision, while others may struggle with comprehension or holding a book due to physical limitations. Address these challenges with simple adjustments:

• Large-Print Books: Designed for individuals with poor eyesight, these are widely available.
• Audiobooks: Residents can listen to the story together or individually. This accommodates both visual impairments and cognitive challenges.
• Short Materials: Use short books, poems, or articles for residents with shorter attention spans.
• Chapter-by-Chapter Reading: Instead of reading the whole book, split it into smaller sections.

Social Benefits

A book club brings many social and mental health benefits for care home residents.

• Building Friendships: Residents come together to talk, laugh, and connect over shared interests. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Improving Communication Skills: Discussing books strengthens their ability to express opinions and listen to others.
• Boosting Memory and Focus: Sharing thoughts about a book stimulates cognitive function and helps improve short-term memory.
• Providing Emotional Connection: Books often bring up personal memories or evoke emotions. Sharing these feelings can strengthen bonds.
• Encouraging Lifelong Learning: Reading introduces residents to new topics, ideas, and perspectives, fostering curiosity and mental engagement.
• Relaxation: Reading can calm the mind and provide moments of peace in busy care home environments.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a book club not only provides entertainment but creates an opportunity for residents to connect with one another and engage their minds. By being thoughtful about accessibility and inclusivity, you can ensure the club is successful and enjoyable for all.