Introduction Meaningful activities of daily living promote the quality of life of residents of long-term care facilities. This project aimed to develop an approach to enable meaningful activities of daily living and to guide long-term care facilities in a creative and innovative attitude towards residents' meaningful activities of daily living. Method The approach was developed in six steps: (1) in-depth-interviews with 14 residents; (2) a survey with 171 residents; (3) a systematic map and synthesis review on interventions enriching meaningful activities of daily living; (4) qualitative analysis of 24 ‘good examples’ and, to support future implementation, (5) focus groups with staff ( n = 69). Results determined the components of the new approach which was (6) pilot-tested in one long-term care facility. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered concerning benefits for the residents and feasibility for the staff. Results A client- and activity-oriented approach was developed, characterised by an active participatory attitude of residents and staff and a systematic iterative process. Significant positive effects were found for the number of activities, the satisfaction with the leisure offered, the social network, medication use, but not for quality of life. The approach appeared to be feasible. Conclusion This approach stimulates residents' meaningful activities of daily living and social life. Further investigation is needed to evaluate its outcome and implementation potentials.