A staff of seven, led by an activities director certified (ADC), provides activities based on the residents' needs and care-plan goals. Community volunteers and professionals enrich the program with art, music, horticulture, visitation, and entertainment. The following are programs enjoyed by residents of Pines of Sarasota:

• Exercise and movement activities provide opportunities to increase and maintain flexibility and mobility.

• Music therapy is provided by a certified music therapist who specializes in promoting positive interactions among residents as well as concentration and peacefulness for each participant. During summer 2000, Pines Foundation started funding a music therapy program for residents at the assisted living facility and nursing home. The Older Americans Act of 1992 contains provisions that support the use of music therapy as a supportive and preventative health service.

• Gardening projects provide great satisfaction to participants.

• Arts & crafts of all kinds are offered to assist residents in sharing experiences and creating unique and useful items for themselves or their loved ones.

• Pottery & art classes are offered weekly by a local art teacher who specializes in working with nursing home clients. Many residents have entered the County Fair Hobby Show and brought home awards and ribbons!

• The Cooking Club offers  residents an opportunity to socialize, be creative, and share skills learned throughout their lives.

• Intergenerational activities are provided with children from the onsite Child Care and Learning Center.

• Pet therapy provides stimulating and soothing interactions between residents and pets.

• Special events and parties are well attended and enjoyed by residents of Pines.

• Community outings to various cultural activities and local events are available.

• Church and spiritual activities are regularly available.

• Games of all sorts including bingo, board and card games, Remember When, and Trivial Pursuit are played by residents, volunteers, and visitors.

• Relaxation and Movement with Anita Andrade is a new program located at Pines Assisted Living Facility. Studies have shown that Yoga gradually improves strength, limberness, circulation, stamina, memory, and feelings of well-being. It can reduce depression, insomnia, and many of the aches and pains that often make daily life difficult.

• Laughter Unlimited Pines Foundation and Circus Sarasota received a collaborative grant from the Selby Foundation. With these funds, a pilot program was initiated. World renowned entertainers Chuck, "Chucko" Sidlow, Jackie LeClaire, and Joe "Doc Geiser" Barney brought "Laughter Unlimited to the nursing home. This is a first in the nation program. The therapeutic humor program included 1:1 visits, special events, and teaching. Camp children from the community joined with nursing home residents and Pines day care Children. The clowns have brought much joy to Pines residents. They have opened their hearts and lives to the clowns. Their faces are bright, smiles bigger, and more hopeful, looking forward to their next interaction with their new friends. This program was so successful it is being brought back with funding from Pines Thrift Shop.