Preparing for the possible loss of a loved one is never easy, but it's important to cherish the time we have with them. This blog post offers a guide for an Advance Care Planning Week; fun activities for families that are going through the process of Advance Care Planning, allowing them to create lasting memories and find joy amid difficult times.
Gifting Memories
If a member of the family is going through Advance Care Planning an amazing gift you can give them is Evaheld to end the Advance Care Planning Week. With Evaheld’s legacy connection packages, users can create and safe keep personal memoirs and life storybooks, family history journals and even personalised messages that will be safely delivered to their loved one on a date they choose in the future or after they pass. This platform has over 40 guided templates and guides to make the user’s experience of self-expression and content creation easier, enabling people to create content in any format they like, including videos, podcasts and written. If there is important information and messages that they wish to pass on to their loved ones after they’re gone, this will give them peace of mind that their connections will be everlasting and that their legacy will be preserved for their loved ones and generations to come.
Outdoor Adventures
Are you ready for a day of outdoor exploration and excitement? Your Advance Care Planning Week of adventures begins with an invigoration of your senses and connects you with nature. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll, a relaxing picnic, or maybe an immersive birdwatching experience, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Take a Leisurely Stroll
Start your day by taking a leisurely stroll in a nearby park or nature reserve, and even revisit places that are important to you or your family. Take in the sights and sounds of the natural world as you and your loved ones walk along winding paths and through peaceful meadows and don’t hesitate to do some beautiful flower picking on the way. Breathe in the fresh air and let your worries melt away as you connect with the beauty of the outdoors.
Pack a Picnic
No outdoor adventure is complete without a delicious picnic lunch. Pack a basket full of your favourite treats and drinks, and find a scenic spot to enjoy your meal. Whether it's a sunny meadow, a shady grove, or a peaceful lakeside, take the time to relax and savour every bite while surrounded by nature's splendour. Escape has a vast amount of articles on amazing sites in Australia for parks, picnics, reserves and even campsites and is the easiest way to choose a nearby destination for the whole family.
Creative Crafts
Crafts are not just a way to pass the time; they are also an excellent way to unleash your creativity and create unique and personalized items. On day 2 of the Advance Care Planning Week, we will explore different crafts that you can try to bring out your artistic side and create beautiful memories.
Set up a craft station and create personalized memory boxes
One of the best ways to preserve memories is by creating personalized memory boxes. Set up a craft station with various art supplies, such as paints, markers, stickers, and glitter and ArtShed can help get you started with its large range of beginner’s art products. Encourage your guests to bring their own photos, trinkets, and mementos that hold special meaning to them. Provide small wooden or cardboard boxes that can be decorated and customized and guide your guests in transforming these ordinary boxes into stunning memory boxes. Each participant will end up with a unique and personal treasure box filled with memories that they can cherish for years to come.
Create a scrapbook filled with photos and mementos
A scrapbook is a classic way to preserve memories, and it allows you to be as creative as you want. Set up a scrapbooking station with blank scrapbooks, colourful papers, stickers, adhesive tapes, ribbons, and other decorative elements. Encourage your guests to bring their favourite photos, ticket stubs, postcards, and any other mementos that hold special memories. They can also decorate the pages with stickers, drawings, or collages. By the end of the day, participants will have created a unique scrapbook filled with their favourite memories. They can flip through the pages and relive each moment whenever they want. For those who are great with a computer, you could create a customisable digital photo album with Newlywords and get copies printed for the whole family.
Cooking Together
There's a reason why they say that food brings people together. The act of preparing and sharing a meal can be a bonding experience like no other. On day three of your Advance Care Planning Week, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking together. Whether you choose a favourite family recipe or try something new, the key is to create something delicious while enjoying each other's company.
Choose a favorite family recipe and cook it together
Every family has that one recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation – the dish that always brings back fond memories. Take the opportunity to teach your kids this family gem and create new memories together. Cooking together will not only strengthen your family bond, but it will also pass down important traditions and culinary skills. Even take the time to set the dinner table either formally or even with a theme so that your dining experience can be enriched by your surroundings.
Baking
If there's one thing that kids love more than eating sweets, it's making them. Baking cookies or a cake together is not only a fun activity, but it also provides an opportunity for creativity. Let your kids choose their favourite cookie cutters or cake decorations, and watch as their imaginations run wild. BBC’s Good Food has over 40 baking recipes designed for the whole family to enjoy.
Movie Marathon
Have you ever had one of those days where you just wanted to curl up and watch your favourite movies or binge-watch a beloved TV series? Well, the fourth day of the Advance Care Planning Week is the perfect day for that! It's time to have your very own movie marathon and create a cozy movie corner in your home. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your movie marathon day.
Create a Cozy Movie Corner
First things first, you need to create a cozy movie corner where you can relax and enjoy your favourite films. Gather some of the softest and fluffiest blankets and pillows you can find and arrange them in a comfortable spot in your living room or bedroom. You can even set up a makeshift fort using chairs and blankets for an extra cozy feel. Don’t be afraid to whip up funny movie snacks.
Watch Favorite Movies or Binge-Watch a Beloved TV Series
Once your movie corner is all set up, it's time to decide what you want to watch. You can go for your all-time favourite movies that never fail to bring a smile to your face, or you can finally start that TV series everyone keeps raving about. The choice is yours! If you're in the mood for a movie marathon that follows a specific theme, you can choose a genre or director and select movies accordingly. For example, you can have a superhero movie marathon or a Quentin Tarantino movie marathon. IMBD has a list of the Top 50 Best Family Movies so that you can all enjoy the experience.
Music and Sing-Alongs
Music has a way of bringing people together and setting the mood for any occasion. Whether it's belting out your favourite tunes or learning to play a musical instrument, day 5 of the Advance Care Planning Week is all about music and sing-alongs. So, let's dive in and explore some ways to incorporate music into your day!
Play your favourite songs and sing along together
There's nothing quite like singing along to your favourite songs with friends or family. It's a great way to bond and have fun together. So, gather everyone around and create a playlist of everyone's favourite songs. Whether it's pop, rock, or even old classics, there's something for everyone. Turn up the volume, grab a hairbrush microphone if you're feeling extra theatrical, and let loose! You could make it even more fun by turning it into a karaoke night, Yokee Karaoke is a free app from the Apple Store designed for the iPad that has hundreds of songs to sing along to with the family.
Create a personalized playlist of meaningful songs
Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories. Take some time to reflect on your life and create a personalized playlist of meaningful songs. These could be songs that remind you of happy moments, songs that inspire you, or simply songs that make you feel good. This playlist will be your go-to when you need a boost of motivation or a trip down memory lane. Every family member should curate a playlist for each member of the family, as a way to always be able to connect with them.
This Advance Care Planning Week of fun activities is intended to help families and loved ones get through the process of Advance Care Planning whilst keeping everyone's mood light and warm. We hope that the Advance Care Planning Week plan has been helpful and that whatever your family chooses to do, it brings purpose and joy to your lives.
Download your free Legacy Letter Kit
Share this article