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Thank you so much for this great resource. I run a very small lunch club with a fab team of volunteers and this will be great for our next 'name that tune' activity

Hi Freya,
I would start small and keep it simple. Maybe start with a small group- even just 2 or 3 to start and gradually add to 5 or 6 participants. Maybe also keep the activity short and sweet, but rewarding- flower arranging or repotting pansies or succulents if budget allows. A small "tea party" with a discussion (this day in history) or short game of Po-Ke-No or "card BINGO".
Another idea could be inviting an interested group to watch a travel video and supply a snack to sweeten the deal. My group likes the Rick Steves travel videos on You Tube. They're short, relaxing, and have beautiful scenery.
If weather allows, maybe sit outside with lemonade and play some music- a little mix of "who knows this song/name that tune" or sing- a-long. A walking club outdoors can be nice, too.

When they're comfortable moving into a larger group, some simple stretching classes, chair yoga, or balloon bop can get them moving.

A simple "free-form" art class with watercolors and flowers for inspiration.

Again- start small, encourage joining by suggesting you could use some help with set up and clean up (my group likes to do this), or encourage them to participate as a way of humoring you :) Good luck!

Hello, I am the memory care manager at a small community with mainly late stage dementia residents. Do you have ideas for activities for my staff to do with them? In my previous community, I did noodle ball, bingo, some tv apps/games, sing-alongs, name that tune, exercise, scenic rides, had entertainment, crafts, patio time, word jumble, guess the spice, bowling, balloon toss, basketball, parachute, putt putt, dog therapy, coloring, and puzzles. Do you have any other ideas?

Hi Emily
You as the leader needs to be excited, enthused and engaging and tried to include everyone
I’ call iti IEEE
I think of it like being a performer and you are performing in front of the group and you need to be enthusiastic and excited about what you’re doing
i’d like sing-alongs and other kinds of musical activities because everyone can sing
there is someone in the group that sings pretty well even if you don’t
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-plan-music-activities-for-dementia-care/3192/
I like play name that tune but instead playing notes of the song, I’ll give partial song titles
For example, bicycle built for two first I say bicycle then I see if someone can give me the title next time I say bicycle built and then hopefully someone will give me the title then we sing this song
Have the higher functioning residents . Help you get a list of songs together that everyone can sing
You can have partners pairing the higher functioning people with the lower functioning ones
You can hand out prizes to those who help you out and then may be a friend and a handshake or hug would be enough if that’s all you can afford
Also, compliments compliments compliments are a good tool, telling each person what wonderful job they’re doing, especially if their behavior improves
You can have higher functioning residents help you lead the group and of course tell them what a wonderful job they’re doing and thank them profusely for doing it
Here is an article that might help you
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-get-reluctant-residents-to-attend-activities/5980/

Hi Lorraine
Thank you for providing so much detail
First, let me say that every time is not going to be magical
Usually group members like things to be similar so they can count on. What is it going on and usually the staff gets bored before the participants
Anyway, with that said, hi, thank you, as the leader needs to be excited, enthused and engaging and tried to include everyone
I’ call iti IEEE
I think of it like being a performer and you are performing in front of the group and you need to be enthusiastic and excited about what you’re doing
i’d like sing-alongs and other kinds of musical activities because everyone can sing
Hi Beth, there is someone in the group that sings pretty well even if you don’t
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-plan-music-activities-for-dementia-care/3192/
I like play name that tune but instead playing notes of the song, I’ll give partial song titles
For example, bicycle built for two first I say bicycle then I see if someone can give me the title next time I say bicycle built and then hopefully someone will give me the title then we sing this song
Have the higher functioning residents . Help you get a list of songs together that everyone can sing
You can have partners pairing the higher functioning people with the lower functioning ones
You can hand out prizes to those who help you out and then may be a friend and a handshake or hug would be enough if that’s all you can afford
Also, compliments compliments compliments are a good tool, telling each person what wonderful job they’re doing, especially if their behavior improves
You can have higher functioning resonance helped you leave the group and of course have them like a wonderful job they’re doing and thank them profusely for doing it

hello how about a name that tune?
60's theme bingo and add some trivia with the game.
hopes this help.
get bobbie socks for the ladies

Hi Jan and Rose
Thank you for your great and helpful feedback
Here are some more ideas

https://www.goldencarers.com/red-or-black-card-game/7051/
https://www.goldencarers.com/games-for-people-living-with-dementia/4779/

Make sure to read all the comments because there are some great ideas there too

No matter, what do you do think of yourself as a performer
You need to be excited, enthusiastic and engaging
Make sure to involve everyone in some way

I used to play name that tune but instead of playing that the music, I would use a familiar song,title
Then I would give the first word of the title, and see if anyone could name this song, then the second word and so on until The whole title was named
Then we would sing that song

I use a whole lot of music but never ask them to Name That Tune when working with late dementia people. We just sit around, sing along if they are able (and it's surprising how many of them are still able to do that!) and move to the music. Maybe clapping, tapping toes, or I pat their hand in rhythm to the music. Move their w/c in time to the music/do w/c dancing. I don't ask a lot from my memory care people as far as giving a response that they have to think about. We just do, and I take what they are able to give.

Hi, my memory care population is mostly mid/late and late stage. It's a challenge to find activities, but I agree that music is a great way to engage. I've asked family members and looked on their charts for favorite genres and songs and have used these in sing-a-longs/name that tune. Even if they can't participate, I notice that they enjoy the music. Spotify has some playlists that are free.
I also do hand massages with lotion, we smell different scents with essential oils and guess the scent (careful with these as some need to be mixed with a carrier oil if there is skin contact). I like to play Pictionary where I draw on the white board and they guess the picture (I tend to poke fun at my drawings if they don't know the answer and help them with this.
If they are able we stuff holiday cards/birthday cards/ get well cards and use stickers to put stamps on.
Read alouds are enjoyable- I keep it short with a short reminiscent story or poems that are themed to the month.
H
Hope this helps!

Hi, there I'm a recreation aide, and I am looking for advice on finding programs for my memory care residents. it's been hard because a lot of them their dementia is declining. I'm trying to find activities that will be meaningful for them. They love music and sing-alongs. I want to do a Name that Tune and I have tried different music. A lot of them love country music but when I put it on a lot of them don't recognize the song. would anyone have any suggestions on crafts or songs I can put on my list for a Name that Tune can use? thank you very much in advance

we play name that tune. I whistle part of the song and when someone guesses it then we sing the song

Chloe
It is mainly trial and error to see what the residents like to do
I think musical activities are good because people with dementia can usually sing songs even if they do not speak
There are many musical activities you can do
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-plan-music-activities-for-dementia-care/3192/
I like to play name that tune with songs they know instead of playing the Notes I say the first word in the Title and then if they don’t get the song say the second word and so forth
Then we sing that song
Nother thing to do is table ball using a balloon or a beach ball
I usually set up two tables and count how many hits they can get without the ball or balloon falling on the floor
It will be a lot of exercise for you but I usually have residents sitting around a table sometimes I would put a piece of yarn on the ball with tape and then tape it to the table but usually the tape fallls off but at least it will save you from having to get the ball a lot
You can have the higher functioning residents be your helpers which seems to work well if you have some who could do something
Another idea is simple trivia with residents
True and false questions are the best because you have a 50% chance of being right

https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=True%20and%20false%20questions
You need to include everyone in the group you need to be enthusiastic entertaining and engaging
Oh I think of it like doing a performance
Here are some ideas about getting reluctant resident to Activities

https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-get-reluctant-residents-to-attend-activities/5980/
If you need more help let me know I have many many ideas

Hi Lorraine
I agree that a sing-along is a good idea
There are many ways to do a sing-along
I like to play name that tune but instead of playing the Notes to a song I’ll give them words to the title and see who can guess the title of this song and then we sing that song
There are other sing-along ideas on Golden carers
https://www.goldencarers.com/themed-sing-along---songs-starting-with-im-/3715/
https://www.goldencarers.com/theres-a-hole-in-the-bucket-sing-along/7894/
There are many others as well

Antoinnette
Can be difficult to get everyone involved
It is great that you are thinking of all your residents
First you need to know what the residents like to do and what they are capable of doing
I like to do one to one within a group or a mixed group
This article will be a big help to you
https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-support-mentally-alert-clients-in-mixed-group-environments/4992/

I also like music activities for a mixed group
https://www.goldencarers.com/music/
Here are some more things to try
ave you tried these
https://www.goldencarers.com/dementia/
https://www.goldencarers.com/reminiscing-activities-for-seniors/3184/
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory-stimulation-for-dementia-care/4184/
https://www.goldencarers.com/20-practical-activities-for-people-living-with-alzheimers-disease/3778/
If so, do you need help adapting and modifying them to your particular group?

Here are some other ideas
I always had one to one interactions within a group activity. With such a diverse group, it is hard to have everyone participate unless you
walk around the group making eye contact so you get each person's attention
address each person by name
have an activity that most everyone can participate in like a sing along
but what I usually do is play name that tune and here is how
After the group is assembled, make sure to greet everyone. Tell your audience how happy you are that they are there. Greet each person by name. Remember you need to be enthusiastic about what you are doing

Now you are ready to start the activity

Instead of playing one or two notes or playing the game like hangman, (You could play these ways as well), you say the first word of the song title. See if anyone can finish the title. If not, say the second word of the title and so on until someone gets the title. If they are having a hard time, give other hints. To allow the meek resident a chance, ask the other members in the group to give the meek person a chance to name the song. Even if someone else shouts out the title, still ask the shy individual to say the title of the song. Be extremely complimentary to this person, as well, to boost his/her confidence.

After the song title is guessed, ask, who can sing it. Sometimes we only sing the first line. Sometimes we butcher the song, but then we have a good laugh.

Continue playing the game in this manner, singing the familiar songs, or singing them with a CD, for the allotted time period. I usually do it for about an hour

Throw in a little trivia if there is a lull in the action. For example, if the song is about summer, I ask the participants to tell me their favorite season and why they like that season. I always tell the story of how I hate winter.

If they are nonverbal, you can say the answer for them. However before saying the title, say, I can tell by (name of participant)’s smile that she thinks the title is (whatever the song title is). or you can ask a higher functioning resident what he thinks the non verbal resident is thinking
Then you might want to gently squeeze this person’s hand or give him/her a hug
I just go with the flow. Thus, the group is different every time.

Another good game is a dice game called one
We have played a similar game using just one die.
Each person gets a turn rolling the die until he gets a one or chooses to stop
We add up the numbers rolled each person gets
If you want to have a winner, the one with the most points at the end of the round wins.


What is so good about this game is, that it is good for a group with mixed mental and physical abilities. You can have some group members help other group members.

It is great as a long or short activity

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: NAME THAT TUNE......THEN ADD A SINGALONG

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Name that Tune Pictograms

Hi Suetanz
What comes to mind right away is Bunco
It is an easy game with no skill needed and residents of most abilities can play
The game can easily be modified and adapted for almost any group
I still play bunco with a group of seniors who are not in a facility and we have a great time
We play with eight people
https://www.goldencarers.com/bunco-dice-game-for-seniors/5724/
Another idea is name that tune
How About family feud or finish the song title
What about math games
https://www.goldencarers.com/mathematics-activities-for-the-elderly/5613/
There are many dice games and card games you can play
There are just so many games you can play
I am going to market
https://www.goldencarers.com/i-went-to-market-game/4003/
Exercise
Trivia
you could do a craft activity
Cooking activity
If you need more detail on any of these or any more ideas let me know

Hi Jo
You have some great ideas also
Have you ever played a game called one
I explain that in this comment along with a game I call name that tune and other ideas
https://www.goldencarers.com/comments/14097/

Hi Melissa
This sounds like a grieat activity
My go to activity was name that tune
Instead of playing music I would say the first word of a title and see if the residents could guess the song
If No one guessed I would say the next word and until someone named the song
And we would sing

Name that tune/drummer/type of drum. Visit music shops.

I play piano and accordion. We do Name that Tune some days. I like the fill in the blank activity! Music is the best!!!

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: NAME THAT TUNE (it can also be a good old fashion sing-a-long - some clients may know the words of some of the songs and sing them without music , we can't stop some of our clients having a go, try it, and have fun now the words of some of the the songs and sing it without music.without music

We're doing multiple things!

Word searches
Crossword puzzles
Coloring
Individual Crafts/Painting
Books
Reading short stories
Individual Boggle sheets
Hallway trivia and answer
Magazines
Nail painting
1:1’s/sensory
Hand massages
Virtual Skype calling
Children making cards
Hallway bingo: Sachem
Passing out lunch trays
Coffee Room to Room
Hallway Name that Tune
What’s in the Bag?

Ok, I was looking for a "Name that Tune" for seniors on the internet and this is what popped up. I was so impressed with the detail on this paper is one of the reasons I signed up. I am very glad I did.

Hi Carolyn
I like Chereyne's suggestions
I like music also
I've played it a game that I called name that tune but instead of playing the music I would say the first word of the title and then see if someone could say the whole title
I would keep adding words to the title till someone would name the song
Then we would sing the song
If you have a really low functioning group then make cards with numbers one through 12 one number on each card
Then make a list of 12 songs of the residents favorite songs
Give each person a turn picking a card and sing the song with the matching number on the list
Using touch is very important squeezing a residents hand or patting or rubbing their back makes them feel good usually
Make sure to address each resident by name
Here are some other suggestions on Golden Carers https://www.goldencarers.com/how-to-plan-music-activities-for-dementia-care/3192/
https://www.goldencarers.com/hand-massage-nail-care/3222/
Let me know if I can be of further assistance

Thanks so much for your hard work! I will be using this tomorrow for "Name that tune"

Name that tune , play the start of a song and see if someone can guess what it is everyone can play ,also sensory where you have some little jars put a small piece of cotton wool in each jar with something on like lavender ,baby powder a spice , then have a few tastes and then boxes or bags with items in for them to feel and guess what they are . Have fun

I think to call it music therapy it must be done by a Music Therapist. There are a variety of things you can do involving therapeutic music activities though. We offer a Rhythm Band activity with instruments and have participants follow a beat or play their own music. Sing alongs, Name That Tune, Entertainment, listening to music individually based on interest, etc.

A new activity has been posted by a Golden Carers member: Rhythm game - Name That Tune

Hi Anne,
Have you tried these
https://www.goldencarers.com/dementia/
https://www.goldencarers.com/reminiscing-activities-for-seniors/3184/
https://www.goldencarers.com/sensory-stimulation-for-dementia-care/4184/
https://www.goldencarers.com/20-practical-activities-for-people-living-with-alzheimers-disease/3778/
If so, do you need help adapting and modifying them to your particular group?

Here are some other ideas
I always had one to one interactions within a group activity. With such a diverse group, it is hard to have everyone participate unless you
walk around the group making eye contact so you get each person's attention
address each person by name
have an activity that most everyone can participate in like a sing along
but what I usually do is play name that tune and here is how
After the group is assembled, make sure to greet everyone. Tell your audience how happy you are that they are there. Greet each person by name. Remember you need to be enthusiastic about what you are doing

Now you are ready to start the activity

Instead of playing one or two notes or playing the game like hangman, (You could play these ways as well), you say the first word of the song title. See if anyone can finish the title. If not, say the second word of the title and so on until someone gets the title. If they are having a hard time, give other hints. To allow the meek resident a chance, ask the other members in the group to give the meek person a chance to name the song. Even if someone else shouts out the title, still ask the shy individual to say the title of the song. Be extremely complimentary to this person, as well, to boost his/her confidence.

After the song title is guessed, ask, who can sing it. Sometimes we only sing the first line. Sometimes we butcher the song, but then we have a good laugh.

Continue playing the game in this manner, singing the familiar songs, or singing them with a CD, for the allotted time period. I usually do it for about an hour

Throw in a little trivia if there is a lull in the action. For example, if the song is about summer, I ask the participants to tell me their favorite season and why they like that season. I always tell the story of how I hate winter.

If they are nonverbal, you can say the answer for them. However before saying the title, say, I can tell by (name of participant)’s smile that she thinks the title is (whatever the song title is). or you can ask a higher functioning resident what he thinks the non verbal resident is thinking
Then you might want to gently squeeze this person’s hand or give him/her a hug
I just go with the flow. Thus, the group is different every time.

Another good game is a dice game called one
We have played a similar game using just one die.
Each person gets a turn rolling the die until he gets a one or chooses to stop
We add up the numbers rolled each person gets
If you want to have a winner, the one with the most points at the end of the round wins.


What is so good about this game is, that it is good for a group with mixed mental and physical abilities. You can have some group members help other group members.

It is great as a long or short activity


I hope this helps
Susan

Hi
I always had one to one interactions within a group activity. With such a diverse group, it is hard to have everyone participate unless you
walk around the group making eye contact so you get each person's attention
address each person by name
have an activity that most everyone can participate in like a sing along
but what I usually do is play name that tune and here is how
After the group is assembled, make sure to greet everyone. Tell your audience how happy you are that they are there. Greet each person by name. Remember you need to be enthusiastic about what you are doing

Now you are ready to start the activity

Instead of playing one or two notes or playing the game like hangman, (You could play these ways as well), you say the first word of the song title. See if anyone can finish the title. If not, say the second word of the title and so on until someone gets the title. If they are having a hard time, give other hints. To allow the meek resident a chance, ask the other members in the group to give the meek person a chance to name the song. Even if someone else shouts out the title, still ask the shy individual to say the title of the song. Be extremely complimentary to this person, as well, to boost his/her confidence.

After the song title is guessed, ask, who can sing it. Sometimes we only sing the first line. Sometimes we butcher the song, but then we have a good laugh.

Continue playing the game in this manner, singing the familiar songs, or singing them with a CD, for the allotted time period. I usually do it for about an hour

Throw in a little trivia if there is a lull in the action. For example, if the song is about summer, I ask the participants to tell me their favorite season and why they like that season. I always tell the story of how I hate winter.

If they are nonverbal, you can say the answer for them. However before saying the title, say, I can tell by (name of participant)’s smile that she thinks the title is (whatever the song title is). or you can ask a higher functioning resident what he thinks the non verbal resident is thinking
Then you might want to gently squeeze this person’s hand or give him/her a hug
I just go with the flow. Thus, the group is different every time.

Another good game is a dice game called one
We have played a similar game using just one die.
Each person gets a turn rolling the die until he gets a one or chooses to stop
We add up the numbers rolled each person gets
If you want to have a winner, the one with the most points at the end of the round wins.


What is so good about this game is, that it is good for a group with mixed mental and physical abilities. You can have some group members help other group members.

It is great as a long or short activity


I hope this helps
Susan

I like to play a modified version of "Name That Tune". Instead of playing music. say the song title word by word
For example
start be saying let see if anyone can name the song if not then
then say let me see if anyone can name the song if not then
then say let me call you see if anyone can name the song if not then
say the whole song title
Then you can sing the song
Let everyone have a turn
For non verbal residents ask a different resident if he knows what the non verbal resident is thinking
I also like simple dice and card games

We have Yahtzee tables, Brain Games, Anagrams games, You be the Judge, Spelling Bees, Noodle Hockey - pool noodles & they play hockey against each other, Dice Games, Penny Ante, Deck of Cards Bingo, Giant Crossword puzzles, Crafting groups, religious groups, Painting & Craft Classes, Happy Hour, Trivia, Story Making & telling, Nail pampering, Order in dinner groups, Wii Games, Bowling, Bean Bags, Name 5 (you name random subjects & they name 5 things of that subject), Sudoku, Boggle, Reminiscing, Name that Tune, Sensory Groups, Whack it Volleyball - cut pool noodles into short pieces & that is what they hit a giant balloon over the net with, Shopping Station - set up items from Dollar store - manned by Volunteer, all items are $1 residents can pay in cash or charge if they have money in an account.

I would love to play Name that tune with my participants. How do you edit clips from youtube?

Thanks!
Cherie Martinez

I like the idea of this! I have started doing Name that tune - kind of trivia games as power point presentations. You take clips from youtube and edit it etc. My participants have loved it!