Great Board Games for Seniors

By Gauthier Family Home Care | July 27, 2017 | Comments Off on Great Board Games for Seniors
Caregiver in Cascade MI: Board Games for Seniors

Caregiver in Cascade MI: Board Games for Seniors

Games are a great way for caregivers to pass the time with seniors. They can help forge a connection and keep the senior’s mind off health problems. Games can also draw grandparents closer with grandchildren since they are multi-generational and fun for everyone. Sometimes family members feel awkward around older adults because they don’t know what to talk about, which can discourage visits. However, games alleviate the awkwardness and eliminate the need to force conversations. Instead, family members can simply sit down to play a game and let the conversation come more naturally. In addition, games keep senior minds active and provide social engagement, which can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. If you’re a family caregiver for a senior, here are some games you may want to try out with your loved one or have on hand for them to play with grandchildren and other family members.

Checkers.

Nearly everyone, young and old, has at least heard of checkers and many people already know how to play the game. Checkers can be played casually as a game of guessing and chance, which works well for seniors to play with younger grandchildren or just as a casual game to pass the time. However, it can also be played strategically, so it’s a great brain exercise and can be enjoyed by older grandchildren and other family members as well.

Cranium.

Cranium is a group game that requires players to use all parts of their brain. There are word puzzles, drawing, sculpting with clay, charades, singing, trivia, and more involved in the game. Although there are a lot of different activities involved, the rules are simple and it can be played with groups of 4 to 16+ players.

Scrabble.

Scrabble is a classic crossword-type board game that involves making words using tiles. It requires some thought, so it’s a good brain workout. It can be played with two or more players.

Card Games.

If your parent has a deck of cards, they’ve got a multitude of games at their fingertips. The best thing about a deck of cards is that your parent can find a game to play with people of any age. Younger grandchildren can play Go Fish and Crazy Eights while older friends and family can play things like Hearts or Bridge. In fact, your parent might even want to consider gathering a group of friends for a regular game of cards on a weekly or monthly basis.

Pictionary.

Pictionary is fun for all ages. The game involves trying to quickly draw something before the time runs out while a partner tries to guess what is being drawn. The game requires no drawing skills. In fact, it’s even more fun if players can’t draw! This one can be played by people of all ages, but requires at least four players to play.

If you or someone you know needs help with caregiver services in Cascade, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.

 

Sources

http://dailycaring.com/5-classic-games-improve-senior-brain-health/

http://elderhelpers.org/blog/2017/01/

http://www.alz.org/brain-health/brain_health_overview.asp

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/891/cranium

 

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