Empowering activities may include:

Empowering activities are designed to enhance the autonomy and self-esteem of individuals, particularly in settings such as long-term care facilities or community programs. Allowing residents to use lifetime skills directly supports this goal by enabling them to engage in activities that they are familiar with or passionate about. This practice not only promotes a sense of purpose and identity among residents but also fosters independence and boosts confidence by recognizing and valuing their prior experiences and capabilities.

For instance, if a resident has a background in gardening, facilitating opportunities for them to plant flowers or maintain a garden can be incredibly rewarding and empowering. Such activities affirm their skills and contributions, reinforcing their sense of community and belonging.

The other choices do not align with the concept of empowerment. Providing structured tasks may limit creativity and personal expression, limiting an individual’s ability to take initiative. Limiting resident choices goes against the principle of empowerment, as it restricts the autonomy and freedom of individuals to make decisions about their own lives. Increasing observation time, while important for safety, does not inherently empower residents; it can sometimes imply greater surveillance rather than fostering independence.