Games

Indoor croquet

We tried this out yesterday at our Memory Club and is was great fun!

2 Comments New Member Activity

Ball in the Bucket

There are many games where a tennis ball is thrown.  To keep from having someone run the ball down, I attach a long length of elastic to the ball, tie it VERY tightly around the middle and add 2-3 knots.

1 Comment Member Activity

Twister with a twist

I work in a 32 bed memory support unit. The residents all have cognitive impairment but most love this game. This is a great game for people of all abilities.

7 Comments Member Activity

The Price is Right - Australian Version

Using Coles Mini Shops (Australia) from Coles we have created our very own version of the price is right!

3 Comments Member Activity

Wheel of Fortune or Hangman with Dice

To make word guessing easier for dementia residents, I assign a number to each blank letter in the answer using numbers 1-6. The player rolls a die and I fill in all the blanks with that number.

10 Comments Member Activity

Bean Auction

Each resident gets a bag of 40 beans to bid on the items they want. The items up for bid can come from the dollar store, or staff can donate items. Our residents love this activity!

7 Comments Member Activity

Minute to Win it

Every year we have members of a local grade 6 class come and participate in activities with our seniors at our day program. We decided to do an interactive minute to win it games with the kids and the clients. This program was a hit!!

Member Activity

Have You Ever Game

A great game to get to know you residents, and see what you have in common! Similar to penny ante... see what other questions you can come up with!

11 Comments Member Activity

Numbers, Numbers and More Numbers

A fun numbers quiz for seniors! I have always had great success with numbers in my experiences.

3 Comments Member Activity

The Envelope Game

What I personally love about this game, is that everyone knows about money, they love looking at it and counting it!

11 Comments Member Activity

Guessing Game - Who Am I?

This is a wonderful reminiscing activity in a group setting. Guess the names of these famous people from the clues provided.

6 Comments

Fun and Lively Math Group Games for the Elderly

Each group of residents is different in their abilities, likes, and dislikes. The trick is to offer math activities that are fun, stimulating, and failure-free. Here are two fabulous group math activities that are easily adapted!

Member Activity

Name the Carpentry Tools

Print the words and image pages, laminate and cut, then match the words with the image.

3 Comments

Lucky Dog Card Game

I’ve been playing this game for many years. Residents can relate to cards as a lifeskill which makes it more enjoyable. 

19 Comments Member Activity

Bunco Dice Game for Seniors

Bunco, pronounced "Bunk-Oh", is a fun dice game that encourages socialization. It's based on luck, has a simple rule set, and uses some math skills.

4 Comments Member Activity

Train Your Brain Tangram Puzzle

Work on Visual-Spatial, Short Term Memory, and Communication

2 Comments Member Activity

7's Card Game from Quebec

I am attaching the directions to a great card game that I have used for years, It is great!! It works well at ADH programs and for Assisted living homes. 

5 Comments Member Activity

Valentine Bingo

A Valentine's Day Themed Bingo to enjoy!

5 Comments Member Activity

Pick a Box

You need a whiteboard, with 2 lines drawn horizontally and 2 lines drawn vertically, like you are playing tic tac toe. Above each box, write a category, i.e. Geography, History, Sport, The Human Body, Animals, General Knowledge, Food and Drink,  Art and Nature etc.

4 Comments Member Activity

Pick Your Topic

Have an empty jar or container to put your questions in for your residents to "pull out".

2 Comments Member Activity

Real Estate Guess the Asking Price Game

Here is a fun game that will generate discussion and reminiscence! Get hold of some property brochures from your local real estate agent and hide the asking price. Show brochures to residents and discuss things like the number of bedrooms, garden etc. Ask them to guess the asking price!

2 Comments Member Activity

Create Your Own Sudoku!

Create sudoku puzzles! Sudoku is a game that can help with concentration and creativity - it's also a fun, challenging and satisfying way to spend an hour!

2 Comments

Color Go Fish

Get hold of some individual card size paint swatches from a paint store. Play as you would play the game Go Fish.

6 Comments Member Activity

Egg Carton Bingo

Egg Bingo is made with egg cartons and table tennis balls. I borrowed the idea from a kids website and modified it. It worked so well that our clients commented how clever the idea was!

21 Comments Member Activity

Modified Beer Pong

This is a party game I have tried and my residents have asked for it frequently on the programs calendar. It promotes hand-eye coordination, physical movement, cognitive functioning through concentration, and social inclusion.

11 Comments Member Activity

Mothers Day Bingo

A Mother's Day themed bingo for seniors!

Bird Types Matching Game

A matching game with trivia to stimulate conversation and cognitive functioning!

13 Comments Member Activity

6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly

Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!

30 Comments

Charades Game for the Elderly

Charades is a game suitable for all ages! It involves acting out words or phrases printed on cards. A game of charades provides a wonderful two-way communication opportunity that can strengthen interpersonal skills. It is also a great work-out for the brain!

9 Comments

Cover the Number - Dice Game

Here is an easy, fun dice game to play with residents - template provided.

22 Comments Member Activity

Guess the Celebrity Ages

We decided to create a guessing game for our residents and adapted it so that it could be used with a wide range of abilities. It was a really fun and easy to make activity, you can add celebrities that are well known in your area!

12 Comments Member Activity

Peanut Auction

This is the most popular activity that we do and our Residents absolutely love it. It's a lot of fun with lots of laughs for not much money! The residents go crazy! Oh my....they are so competitive.

12 Comments Member Activity

Match Ups

After watching a Montessori video I decided to make my own resources. As dementia clients retain the ability to read for a long time, I use words to match with pictures.

19 Comments Member Activity

Finish the Sayings and Proverbs Game

This fun and simple game is great for seniors including people living with dementia. Includes well known sayings, idioms and proverbs that they will remember from their past.

31 Comments

Games for People Living with Dementia

Adapting and modifying games for seniors is necessary for all sorts of different reasons. As well as for those living with dementia, games need to be modified for those who use wheelchairs and those with impaired vision or sensory loss.

31 Comments

Memory Tray

A simple idea where a group of random objects are displayed on a tray for a limited period of time and then the clients try and recall what the items were.

7 Comments Member Activity

What's In the Bag

Chose a colorful bag, something that catches the eye, silk, or any other fabric that feels good to the touch. You don't want to be able to see through the bag. Find random objects, such as kitchen utensils, keys, padlock. Ideal reminiscing game for seniors.

11 Comments Member Activity

Balloon Games

Gentle exercise for the arms as well as an opportunity to socialize! Great for game for the elderly. Also suitable for people living with dementia.

58 Comments

Playdough Guessing Competition

A funny and engaging game you can play with playdough and a little imagination!
Thanks Christine for this fabulous idea!

5 Comments Member Activity

The Price is Right Game

This is such a fun game! Residents will love reminiscing about the price of groceries in a social setting.

50 Comments

Bean bag Toss

This has always been a very popular game at all the facilities where I have worked. If you don't have a sewing machine ask a volunteer or one of your clients' relatives to do it for you.

7 Comments

Table soccer

This is an ideal game for men to form/strengthen friendships whilst having fun.

7 Comments

Bucket of Bean Bags Game

This simple and fun game promotes friendships and physical activity!

17 Comments

Give Back Bingo

At least twice a month we play bingo for prizes that will give back to the community. I provide a list of items needed and instead of the elders getting a prize for playing/winning we give it away to a community group.

3 Comments Member Activity

Pop Goes The Balloon

This is great for a large group and works well for individuals in chairs.  Write simple tasks on small pieces of paper and insert them into balloons.

1 Comment Member Activity

True or False Lollipops

Each participant has two "lollipops", one with the word TRUE and the other with the word FALSE. Ask True or False questions and ask them to hold the lollipop with their chosen answer.

7 Comments Member Activity

I Spy

We play this game as we travel on outings. Our clients enjoy this activity. Have fun and be as silly as you like!

3 Comments Member Activity

Which Transport is Faster

We had 4 tables named Trains, Boats, Planes and Cars.
I made 4 banners on sticks with the same names and gave these to 4 volunteers.

2 Comments Member Activity

Dollar Tree Auction

We go to dollar tree or find things around our facility we don't use and auction the items off!

2 Comments Member Activity

Mothers Day Bingo for Dementia Care

A Mother's Day themed bingo game for dementia care!

3 Comments

Easter Bingo for Senior Care

A beautiful Easter themed Bingo Game to enjoy! Download, print & laminate.

18 Comments

Easter Bingo for Dementia Care

This is a modified version of Bingo that uses images instead of numbers. It's also been simplified so it can be used with people with early onset dementia.

Competitive Tabletop Badminton Balloon Bowling (it makes sense, I promise)

The object of the game is for each team to try and knock the opposite team's pins down by hitting the balloon at them with their rackets.

2 Comments Member Activity

Dice Games for the Elderly

Dice games are fun and versatile! They provide social opportunities and stimulate the senses. There are hundreds of easy and entertaining dice games that can be enjoyed.

7 Comments Member Activity

Penny Toss

Draw circles all over a bulletin board paper. Put 1 prize in the center of each circle.

4 Comments Member Activity

Name the Kitchen Appliances

Print the words and image pages, laminate and cut, then match the words with the image.

4 Comments

Balloons and Bubbles

This suits all levels of dementia and ability. One lady can only smile. And she grinned from ear to ear when a balloon came her way.

6 Comments Member Activity

What’s New in Board Games for Seniors

Many seniors enjoy playing board games and your residents probably have their favorites. Make sure they are available for them to play and keep your eye out for new games that are released each year!

8 Comments Member Activity

Active Monopoly

Active Monopoly is almost the same as normal Monopoly (the same rules apply), except that instead of a board and counters/pieces you use the floor and the players walk around the 'board'.

5 Comments Member Activity

Sports Afternoon

We decided to try a very gentle afternoon of sports. We had 10 playing, it took an hour and we had great fun. Will definitely repeat.

3 Comments Member Activity

Playing Cards: All-Inclusive Games for Seniors

Playing card games is a social, entertaining and enjoyable pastime. Card games are among the most popular indoor games for adults.

4 Comments Member Activity

Matching Activity - Name the Vehicle

This is a Montessori based activity where images are matched with the words that describe them. The theme for this activity is: Vehicles.

6 Comments

Name the Fairytale Movies

Games Around The Room

Place several different board games and other table top games around tables in a room. Activities could include Jenga, Snakes and Ladders, Guess Who, Cards, Ludo, Dominoes.

3 Comments Member Activity

BIG Memory Cards

I simply print off the pictures I want, together with a "Question Mark" for the reverse side, and slip them into the empty DVD covers.

7 Comments Member Activity

Indoor putting weekly league

Golf is recognised as a good activity for promoting mental, physical and social wellbeing. Putting is a relaxing and ideal indoor activity that can be done by people with previous golfing skills and those who have never played before.

6 Comments Member Activity

Quicktionary

This is a game I purchased but I think it can be adapted and created by hand. The object is to be the first to shout out a word that meets all three conditions.

3 Comments Member Activity

Giant Scrabble

Played like normal scrabble but on a larger scale. We drew a large scrabble board on the whiteboard and stuck magnets to the back of the tiles, this meant clients needed to stand up and move around while playing the game.

3 Comments Member Activity

Famous Faces

Download various faces of famous people, present and past. Show the residents the face and have them guess the famous face. We also have a little discussion on each person.

4 Comments Member Activity

Suburb & Neighbourhood Picture Match

Hi all I've made this activity a few times for our residents and they enjoy it greatly. I print pictures that make up a name of a suburb or neighbourhood for example Rose Park, I print a picture of a Rose then another of a Park and place them side by side.

2 Comments Member Activity

Balloon tennis

This activity is an easy, social, gross motor game, suitable for differing levels of cognitive and physical disability. Lots of fun and laughs too. Definitely a staple gross motor favourite.

13 Comments Member Activity

'A' My Name Is...

The object of this game is by using the alphabet, each participant tries to think of a corresponding name (male and female), place, and thing. This game always provides everyone with a lot of laughter and the staff really gets into too!

4 Comments Member Activity

Would you, Could you, Have you?

Each resident picks a slip from an envelop or basket and answers the questions: would you, could you, have you? Then open the question to the room. Often this provides real insight into each residents character.

1 Comment Member Activity

Book Fruit Salad

A fun group activity for seniors! Write down famous lines from well-known books and then hand out to residents and get them to read their line. Wait for the laughs!

3 Comments Member Activity

Jailhouse Trivia

Nominate three residents to go to jail (make up a silly story: You are hereby arrested for the crime of talking during an activity and are being sent to jail.)

2 Comments Member Activity

Motown Jeopardy

Utilize the supplied template for Motown artists and songs.

5 Comments Member Activity

Hats & Headgear Game

This is a fun game and reminiscing activity for seniors!

5 Comments

Dice Game

Here's a fun and simple dice game to try. Thanks Gaylene!

2 Comments Member Activity

Charades #2

I have a growing list of words & phrases that i print in large font, then laminate.I also put the 'category' on the card, to make it easier if they choose to reveal, such as 'Elvis Presley' (famous person), 'cat got your tongue' (saying), 'opening an umbrella' (action), 'hula hoop' (object).

2 Comments Member Activity

Giant Snakes and Ladders for any size group

Giant Snakes and Ladders for any size group. A fun activity for seniors.

9 Comments Member Activity

Round Robin Stories

First pick a topic, for instance, a wedding. Write down the story as you go along and lightly edit it connecting the characters so that it all comes together in the end. Print and distribute to residents who are very proud. This is a lovely activity for seniors!

6 Comments Member Activity

Colour Trivia - Australian Theme

Aim: To stimulate cognitive function and refresh memory through a friendly trivia game suitable for all levels.

3 Comments Member Activity

Charades Game

This is an adaptable game to be played by two teams. It is recommended to make cards in two or three different levels: easy, medium and if the game proves popular make an even more challenging set of cards!

7 Comments

Zeroes In Quiz

Read the group of words to figure out the item described. This is a fun group game to play with seniors in nursing homes. A great trigger for reminiscing.

3 Comments Member Activity

Open Sesame

Game for seniors..They need to match the key with the lock...You can provide all keys or padlocks on a tray at one time, and they each get an allotted time to try to unlock the padlocks in a designated amount of time.

2 Comments Member Activity

Recycled Paint Swatches Game

Our experience with this is is it is a no fail filler, and they love the colors and their funky names. This is a great game for the elderly in nursing homes.

7 Comments Member Activity

Balloon Tennis

Hi all, after reading your article about noodle soccer I went to the local cheap store and had to improvise as there was no noodles.

6 Comments Member Activity

Noodle Soccer

Indoor soccer with a beach ball and pool noodles!

12 Comments Member Activity

Chinese Zodiac Memory Game

An easy matching game with 24 Chinese zodiac animal cards. A great game to challenge memory skills and improve concentration.

4 Comments

Name Bingo

We played Name Bingo last week & it was very popular.

6 Comments Member Activity

Chopsticks

You can buy some chop sticks in a cheap shop and let your residents try to use them to pick up different things.

2 Comments Member Activity

Playing Bingo: History, Rules & Bingo Calls

Bingo has an incredible following and is played enthusiastically across many countries. Bingo terminology is witty, cheeky, and entertaining!

7 Comments

Trivial Pursuit Game

More fun games for seniors! Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known trivia games in the world. The game stimulates the intellect and provides lots of fun! This is a great game for the elderly.

8 Comments

IBingo Free

I thought i would share with you a tool which i have been using for bingo: "IBingo Free". IBingo free is a mobile phone app. that calls bingo.

8 Comments Member Activity

Family Feud Game

Here is an easy version of the popular Family Feud game!

12 Comments

Scategories

I use this as a large group activity but you can adapt it to small groups.

5 Comments Member Activity

Wedding Photo Guessing Game

Wedding photo guessing game

9 Comments Member Activity

Jigsaws

Make use of old calenders, pick nice clear pictures, photo copy them first and then laminate.

1 Comment Member Activity

Ping Pong Eggs

Lots of fun, good for hand eye co ordination and competition. Residents love this game and they get a nice prize at the end.

5 Comments Member Activity

Tin ball

3 large fruit tins screwed onto a piece of wood.

1 Comment Member Activity

Balloons

I created a game where around 8 residents sit in a circle. I throw a balloon in the middle and then we all count how many times we can hit it in the air before it touches the ground.

9 Comments Member Activity

DIY Cardholders

Instead of buying cardholders, make your own! We made one for a resident that has left sided weakness. It works a treat :)

1 Comment

Word Bingo

Bingo is a popular game all over the world. Word Bingo is a fun variation on the traditional game.

16 Comments

April Fools Day Laughing Game

This game is fun & good for memory and concentration.

3 Comments Member Activity

BIG Sudoku

My idea is to take a regular puzzle (such as Sudoku), that is usually "played" by one person sitting alone at a desk or table, (or computer), and to make it an activity that requires players to stand up, move about, and get physically involved.

2 Comments Member Activity

Card Bingo

We take two decks of cards we use the large print ones.

14 Comments Member Activity

Table Tennis

Try table tennis with no bats and coloured plastic balls for those with eye sight problems.

2 Comments Member Activity

Left & Right Game

A fun game that will generate much laughter! Seat participants in a circle with a ball, read the story and when you say the words 'right' or 'left' they should pass the ball in that direction.

13 Comments Member Activity

Match the Shadows - Mind Fitness

Find the matching shadows in 3 levels of difficulty.

Residents Auction

Once a month I have an Auction for our residents.

6 Comments Member Activity

Spot the Differences Contest

Have some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest! This is a great group activity for seniors!

18 Comments

Arm Chair Travel Group Play and Discussion

A social opportunity for discussion and reminiscing.

12 Comments Member Activity

Beer Pong Game

This is a fun, table game for 'International Beer Day!' Just make sure that no-one walks near the table because beer is bound to be spilt!

4 Comments

Bottle Ring Toss

This is a nice game to be played in a sitting position.

Stories Out of a Hat

Another way to engage residents and reminisce in a group setting. Thank you for this idea Anjanie!

11 Comments Member Activity

Find It Group Activity

A fun group activity using enlarged pages from children's books.

10 Comments Member Activity

Beer & Skittles Games for Father's Day

This game was the forerunner to ten pin bowling and was very popular in England's pubs since the 17th century.

I Went to Market Game

This is a memory game that requires players to memorise a list of words. It can be played by two people or a group of people.

11 Comments

How to make Bubbles

These are great for outdoor fun. However don't let wet weather stop you from playing indoors!

Who wants to be a millionaire?

I created this Quiz to be similar to the TV show for our low care residents.

7 Comments Member Activity

Charades

We have played this a few times and everyone enjoys the game, nice to hear the laughter that some of the acting creates. Thanks to Debbie for this activity!

2 Comments Member Activity

Picture Matching Bingo

Picture Matching Bingo - Using large flash cards.
Thanks Heather for sending in this activity!

4 Comments Member Activity

Home town Monopoly

We were reminiscing about games that we played as children or with our children and monopoly came up. Thank you Joanne!

4 Comments Member Activity

Leapin' Frogs

Make this wonderful games in an craft session and then enjoy for years to come!
Thanks Joanne for this wonderful activity!

8 Comments Member Activity

Pot Luck

A fun and easy game to play with a group of residents.
Thank you Joanne for this activity!

2 Comments Member Activity

Koala Keno

Our residents love their Bingo so we have come up with a similar game to offer an alternative.

11 Comments Member Activity

MarPoolBowls

We play a game we call MarPoolBowls and it is one of the most looked forward to activities we have. Thanks Ron for another great activity!

11 Comments Member Activity

Ring Toss

This is a fun game to make in a craft session and loads of fun to play. The hoops can be home-made e.g. paper plates with the middle cut out; thin water hose joined with masking tape; or embroidery hoops.

Knock Them Down Game

This is a simple game that can be made of empty tins or empty plastic containers. The tins or containers can be decorated in a craft session.

Scrabble & Dominoes

Here are two fun ways you can involve residents in easy and social games. Thanks Marina for this activity!

10 Comments Member Activity

Bouncy Ball Game

Here is another fun and easy game residents can enjoy.

Jar of Sweets Competition

Guess the number of sweets in the jar to win!

2 Comments

Basket Ball Game

Basket ball is an easy and fun game you can play anywhere!

Go Fish Game

This is a fun and easy game to be played by 2, 3 or 6 players.

Soda Bottle Skittles

This is an activity that is fun to make with a small group of keen participants. The game can be played with those who are no longer able to do craft.

Season Leaves Game

There are many activities with autumn leaves but I can't see why it should be restricted to autumn. Here is an activity for any time of the year

1 Comment

Bocce Balls Game

Bocce balls is an ancient game from Italy that is similar to bowling.

5 Comments

Piñata Game

The object of this game is to hit the Piñata until it is torn and the goodies inside spill onto the floor. The Piñata should be torn ideally by the 4th or 5th player.

1 Comment

Memory Game

Memory game is simple and fun to play

3 Comments

Stealing Bundles Card Game

This is a great game for a "Men's Club"

5 Comments

Dreidel Game

How to make a Driedel and play the Driedel Game!

Recycled Hoy Game

Who doesn't have a deck with missing cards? In my house we have at least half a dozen incomplete decks. Don’t throw them out, use them for Hoy!

18 Comments

Eleven Game

This is a variation on the scissors, paper, rocks game that is fun to play in teams.

Coin Tossing Competition

Improve movement and promote well-being with this easy and fun competition!

4 Comments

Frisbee Throwing Competition

This game has been adapted to indoors to suit people with a limited range of movements.

Potato Peeling Competition

Reminisce about familiar skills and have fun with this potato peeling competition!

Wheel of fortune

Wheel of fortune......make a large circle of plywood, paint it a bright colour.

4 Comments Member Activity

Pin the Coconut Game

A fun game you can play with an unfinished coconut tree from your craft session!

1 Comment

Hula Hoop Toss

Cultural awareness opportunity. Promote concentration.

Three of a kind

Promote cognitive alertness. Opportunity for socialization

1 Comment

Board Games Olympic Day Activity

Dedicate a day of fun to the Olympics!

4 Comments

Carpet Bowls

This is an excellent game for socialization.

2 Comments

Bean Bag Surprise

Nice game to maintain or improve physical abilities.