Daily Activities

Our program at Charles House aims to promote
total well-being of participants, including:

  • Care and Physical Activity
    Two snacks and a balanced lunch each day 
    Exercises in the morning and afternoon
    Supervision of prescription medications 
    Encouragement of good health and personal habits
    Daily rest period and quiet time

  • Opportunities to Help
    Therapeutic gardening
    Preparing cookies
    Community service projects  Flowerpot scarecrow

  • Enrichment Activities 
    Music education and singing
    Intergenerational activities 
    Games such as general knowledge and puzzles
    Reminiscence
    Field trips
    Programs by community guests

A Day at Charles House - Hillcrest

    7:30 - 8:15                         Early Arrivals/Breakfast
    Early arrivers are offered a light breakfast (oatmeal, cocoa, etc.)
    to start their day at Charles House.

    8:15 - 9:30                         Morning Activities
    Participants are greeted, offered coffee or juice and are invited to join in the activities. Many enjoy the time to read the newspaper, visit with their Charles House friends, help with folding napkins, fill birdfeeders, or join in a craft project. Pink amarylis grown by participants

    9:30 - 10:00                       Small-Group Activities
     One group may gather in the sun porch to listen to reading. Another group has a variety of games and projects.

    10:00 - 10:45                     Snack and Current Events
    Our cook serves  bread or muffins fresh from the oven every morning to accompany group discussion of current events and an overview of the daily news.

    10:45 - 11:30                     Morning Program
    Each day a program is presented based on seasonal topics, educational interests, and entertainment. The group program offers time for fun, learning, reminiscing and sharing. Volunteers and community members often participate in our programs.

    "Tell me and I'll forget.
    Show me and I
    may not remember.
    Involve me and I'll understand."
    (Native American proverb)

    11:30 - 12:00                     Morning Exercises
    Participants gather for seated stretching and exercises.

    12:00 -1:00                         Lunchtime
    Lunches are prepared daily in our kitchen, filling Charles House with wonderful aromas. Sometimes there is also piano music.

                                          
    1:00 - 2:00                         Quiet Time & Community Service Projects
    After lunch many participants enjoy resting or quiet time. Others contribute to the community through service projects such as making dog biscuits for the animal shelter, ceramic hearts for families at the UNC Neonatal Center, or bookmarks for the library.

    2:00 - 3:00                      Music and Singing
    A tradition at Charles House is daily musical activities: sing-alongs of old favorites, musical performances, and music appreciation class.  Volunteers share their love of music and help fill Charles House with song. Pianissimo in the afternoon

    3:00 - 3:30                      Afternoon Exercises
    Participants gather for a routine of seated exercises and stretching designed for seniors.

    3:30 - 4:00                      Afternoon Program
    The afternoon programs offer a variety of topical activities and entertainment.

    4:00 - 4:30                      Afternoon Discussion/Snack
    An afternoon snack and round-table discussion help to draw our Charles House day to a close before participants begin leaving for home.

    4:30 - 5:30                      Departures/Activities
    During this time, while participants say good-bye for the day, others participate in games, friendly visiting, and helping to finish the tasks of our day at Charles House.