Games
Games provide social opportunities and can be adapted to suit a wide range of physical limitations. Here are some fun and creative games to enjoy!
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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.
2 Comments Member Share
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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!
6 Comments Member Share
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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.
6 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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 Share
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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 Share
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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.
1 Comment Member Share
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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 Share
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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 Share
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'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!
3 Comments Member Share
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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.
6 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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!
1 Comment Member Share
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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.
18 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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Motown Jeopardy
Utilize the supplied template for Motown artists and songs.
5 Comments Member Share
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Hats & Headgear Game
This is a fun game and reminiscing activity for seniors!
5 Comments
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Dice Game
Here's a fun and simple dice game to try. Thanks Gaylene!
2 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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Giant Snakes and Ladders for any size group
Giant Snakes and Ladders for any size group. A fun activity for seniors.
7 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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.
15 Comments
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Colour Trivia
Aim: To stimulate cognitive function and refresh memory through a friendly trivia game suitable for all levels.
3 Comments Member Share
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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.
13 Comments
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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
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Zeroes In Quiz
Read group of words and 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 Share
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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.
5 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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.
6 Comments Member Share
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The Envelope Game
What I personally love about this game, is that everyone knows about money, they love looking at it and counting it.
8 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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.
5 Comments Member Share
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Noodle Soccer
Indoor soccer with a beach ball and pool noodles!
12 Comments Member Share
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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
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Name Bingo
We played Name Bingo last week & it was very popular.
6 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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!
6 Comments
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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.
6 Comments
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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 Share
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Family Feud Game
Here is an easy version of the popular Family Feud game!
10 Comments
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Scategories
I use this as a large group activity but you can adapt it to small groups.
5 Comments Member Share
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Wedding Photo Guessing Game
Wedding photo guessing game
7 Comments Member Share
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Jigsaws
Make use of old calenders, pick nice clear pictures, photo copy them first and then laminate.
1 Comment Member Share
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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 Share
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Tin ball
3 large fruit tins screwed onto a piece of wood.
1 Comment Member Share
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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 Share
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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
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Word Bingo
Bingo is a popular game all over the world. Word Bingo is a fun variation on the traditional game.
11 Comments
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April Fools Day Laughing Game
This game is fun & good for memory and concentration.
3 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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Card Bingo
We take two decks of cards we use the large print ones.
9 Comments Member Share
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Table Tennis
Try table tennis with no bats and coloured plastic balls for those with eye sight problems.
2 Comments Member Share
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Left & Right Game
The Day Club loves this, thought I would share.
12 Comments Member Share
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Match the Shadows - Mind Fitness
Find the matching shadows in 3 levels of difficulty.
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Residents Auction
Once a month I have an Auction for our residents.
5 Comments Member Share
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Spot the Differences Contest
Have some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest.
17 Comments
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Arm Chair Travel Group Play and Discussion
A social opportunity for discussion and reminiscing.
7 Comments Member Share
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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.
40 Comments
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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
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Bottle Ring Toss
This is a nice game to be played in a sitting position.
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Stories Out of a Hat
Another way to engage residents and reminisce in a group setting. Thank you for this idea Anjanie!
10 Comments Member Share
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Find It Group Activity
A fun group activity using enlarged pages from children's books.
10 Comments Member Share
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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.
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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
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How to make Bubbles
These are great for outdoor fun. However don't let wet weather stop you from playing indoors!
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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 Share
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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 Share
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Picture Matching Bingo
Picture Matching Bingo - Using large flash cards.
Thanks Heather for sending in this activity!4 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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 Share
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Pot Luck
A fun and easy game to play with a group of residents.
Thank you Joanne for this activity!2 Comments Member Share
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Koala Keno
Our residents love their Bingo so we have come up with a similar game to offer an alternative.
11 Comments Member Share
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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 Share
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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 Share
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The Price is Right Game
Reminiscing, engaging in conversation, cognitive exercise
34 Comments
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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.
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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.
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Scrabble & Dominoes
Here are two fun ways you can involve residents in easy and social games. Thanks Marina for this activity!
10 Comments Member Share
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Bouncy Ball Game
Here is another fun and easy game residents can enjoy.
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Jar of Sweets Competition
Guess the number of sweets in the jar to win!
2 Comments
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Basket Ball Game
Basket ball is an easy and fun game you can play anywhere!
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Go Fish Game
This is a fun and easy game to be played by 2, 3 or 6 players.
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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.
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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
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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
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Table soccer
This is an ideal game for men to form/strengthen friendships whilst having fun.
3 Comments
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Bocce Balls Game
Bocce balls is an ancient game from Italy that is similar to bowling.
5 Comments
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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
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Memory Game
Memory game is simple and fun to play
2 Comments
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Stealing Bundles Card Game
This is a great game for a "Men's Club"
5 Comments
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Dreidel Game
How to make a Driedel and play the Driedel Game!
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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!
12 Comments
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Eleven Game
This is a variation on the scissors, paper, rocks game that is fun to play in teams.
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Coin Tossing Competition
Improve movement and promote well-being with this easy and fun competition!
4 Comments
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Frisbee Throwing Competition
This game has been adapted to indoors to suit people with a limited range of movements.
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Potato Peeling Competition
Reminisce about familiar skills and have fun with this potato peeling competition!
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Wheel of fortune
Wheel of fortune......make a large circle of plywood, paint it a bright colour.
2 Comments Member Share
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Pin the Coconut Game
A fun game you can play with an unfinished coconut tree from your craft session!
1 Comment
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Hula Hoop Toss
Cultural awareness opportunity. Promote concentration.
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Three of a kind
Promote cognitive alertness. Opportunity for socialization
1 Comment
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Board Games Olympic Day Activity
Dedicate a day of fun to the Olympics!
4 Comments
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Carpet Bowls
This is an excellent game for socialization.
2 Comments
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Bucket Game
Promote friendship and stimulates physically.
7 Comments
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Bean Bag Surprise
Nice game to maintain or improve physical abilities.
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