10 National Talk like a Pirate Day Activities for Your Loved One in Assisted Living
Arrrrrrr ye ready for some fun on National Talk like a Pirate Day? Here are 10 activities that your loved one in assisted living can do to celebrate. They can be used by activities staff to fill in time gaps in the daily schedule as well. These activities are easy to do and require little to no setup. So get ready to have some fun!
1. Give everyone a pirate name.
Have each person come up with a pirate name for themselves. For example, Resident Ruth could become “Ruthless Ruth” or “Pirate Ruth.” Then start using those names throughout the day. Arrrr!
2. Have a treasure hunt.
Hide small prizes around the assisted living facility for residents and patients to find. You could even make a map for them to follow. The first person to find all of the treasures wins a prize! Residents can be in on the treasure hiding as well, making them the original pirates. You could almost make a simple capture the flag game except it’s capturing the treasure. Be sure all safety rules are known and in place.
3. Make some pirate-themed food.
Serve up some “scurvy-preventing” citrus fruits or make some “golden” rice Krispie treats. Get creative and have fun with it! If you can, get residents in on the food making if possible. Personal pizzas can be a great way for a small group to cook together and be part of the cooking.
4. Walk the plank.
Okay, maybe don't actually force anyone to walk off a plank (unless they want to, of course). But you can set up an obstacle course with a balance beam, mats, and cones to pretend like they're walking the plank. Just be sure to have someone supervise so that no one gets injured. Be sure you are including people in this activity that are physically capable of completing it.
5. Play some pirate-themed games.
There are lots of great pirate-themed games out there that the whole group can enjoy, like “Walk the Plank” or “Captain's Coming.” You can also play classic games with a pirate twist.
6. Make some pirate crafts.
Some simple pirate crafts include making flags, telescopes, and eyepatches out of construction paper and other materials you have around the house or facility. This will be a great opportunity to start some conversations around pirate memories. When people are busy with their hands it is often easier for them to start talking depending on their cognitive ability. You can use the prompts in list number 10 to kick off the conversation.
7. Watch a pirate movie or TV show together.
Pop some popcorn and settle in for a fun movie or TV show about pirates. One option is Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which are sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages. After the movie, ask everyone to share something that was memorable for them or that they enjoyed about the movie or show.
8. Put on a pirate play or skit.
Write your own script or adapt one from another source for your very own pirate play or skit! Encourage everyone to get involved by assigning roles, costume requirements, and props before rehearsal begins
9. Watch a video on how to talk like a pirate
This episode is How to Talk Like a Pirate: A Practice in Play. The content starts at about 01:45. The video covers:
- What do we admire about pirates?
- How can it apply to our lives today?
- What does this mean for our storytelling?
10. Write about your favorite pirate memory.
In honor of #talklikeapirateday, The Legacy Lady Proudly Presents an opportunity to share your pirate nerdery and excitement. These are the prompts for writing your story.
- Do you have a favorite #pirate dream or pirate memory?
- Who was with you?
- What happened?
- When did this moment happen?
- Where did this moment happen?
- Why did this moment happen?
- Why is this pirate dream important to you?
- How does this pirate dream make you feel?
- What do you want people to remember about this pirate moment?
And there ye have it—10 fun activities to help yer loved one celebrate National Talk Like A Pirate Day in assisted living! Arrrrre ye ready for some fun?