When my mother was in the nursing home in the 90's with Alzheimers, in the summer, I would wheel her out on the porch and quilt. So many of the patients came out and we all talked. It was such a claming effect for me and I think for then also. When it was winter, we sat in the larger "Great Room".
Mom is gone now and I miss this time we had together and with those in the nursing home.