Pineapple is a perfect food choice for an Aloha Party for nursing home residents.
When planning an Aloha Party for nursing home residents, there are a few simple rules to keep in mind. Everything that is eaten or enjoyed must be easy to handle and not require a great deal of dexterity or diligence to maneuver. Since many nursing home patients can have manual dexterity issues, everything made or presented for their enjoyment must be brought to them and offered in a manner that is easy to use or eat. Does this Spark an idea?
Food
Aloha Party food is fairly simple. An easy take on the roasted pig could include cocktail weiners encrusted in crescent rolls. These are small, easy to chew and perfect to serve as finger food. A variety of dipping options like ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey and mustard offer some variety to this staple. Mango salsa with crackers or chips is a nice side dish. Cubes of fresh pineapple or plastic cups of fresh fruit cocktail are both nutritious and party appropriate, too. Grilled sliced fruits are a nice touch, as many people have only eaten fruit chilled. Slice and grill mango, pineapple and papaya for a delicious treat. Finish off with a slice of white coconut layer cake or coconut creme pie for an authentic taste of the Hawaiian islands.
Crafts
An easy craft for nursing home patients to make at an Aloha Party is a take-off on the ever-popular lei. Purchase or cut out foam flowers at a craft store and punch a hole in each flower's center. Purchase extra long shoelaces in a variety of colors. Patients can string the flowers onto the shoelace. The plastic tip make the stringing process simple and the removed flower centers allow the flowers to slip easily onto the lace. Party workers can assist with tying the finished lei onto each guest.
Keepsake Craft
Party planners can collect or purchase white sand and a variety of seashells. Small jars or miniature fish bowls (available for about $1 each at craft supply stores) and even clear glass ornaments can be filled with sand and then topped with shells for a reminder of the Aloha Party. Write the date of the party or simply the phrase "Aloha Party" on the outside of the jar or bowl with acrylic craft paints.
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