Expressions Card Game for Seniors: Stimulate Memory & Encourage Meaningful Conversations
Expressions Card Game Series 1
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The Details
"Ready, set, _ _", "Hip, hip, _ _ _ _ _ _", "Don't sit under the _ _ _ _ _ tree" are expressions we’ve all heard and used before.
Because the reaction to the clue is almost automatic, it can help create a sense of achievement for older adults who are struggling with memory loss.This Dementia game for elderly people includes a set of 48 cue cards each with an expression that is missing one word, along with the answer cards.
The packaging does not include any mention of dementia or Alzheimer’s so that you can give to an elderly loved one with confidence.
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How to Use
- There are two sets of cards and answers. The blue cards have a 3-word expression that is missing the last word such as "calm, cool and _______". The green cards have a common phrase that is missing one word which is a little more challenging. This allows you to mix and match the cards to vary the level of difficulty.
- Start by simply reading one of the blue expressions - the player will likely respond automatically. Increase the challenge a little by having the player read the expression themselves. Use the cards from the green deck to make it even more challenging.
- To add complexity, put three expression cards on the table, along with the corresponding answer cards. Have the person read one of the expressions and find the matching answer. Increase the difficulty by using more than three cards, or using cards from the green deck. You can even put out some expressions without the answer cards to make it even more challenging.
- For games with multiple players, give each participant three answer cards, placed face up in front of them. Have the first player pick an expression from the deck and read it out loud. Everyone can call out the answer and if anyone has the answer card, they turn it over. The game continues until all the answer cards are turned over (remember, we do not encourage games for Alzheimer and Dementia patients that have winners and losers). Increase the difficulty by using more cards or cards from different decks.
Bought this expressions game for a senior with dementia. We do not play the game, per say. Rather, we read the expressions from the cards and our senior finishes the idioms. It's been a great tool for helping us evaluate how clear or focused our loved one is, and a great activity while sitting at the park or in a medical office when a distraction is needed. Mind you, there are a few idioms in the game/package that they do not know and some we have not heard either (two, I think). However, there are 48 cards and lots of expressions we have all heard. E.g. "that's water under the _ _ _ _ _ _ , a roof over our _ _ _ _ _ , etc." Great find!
For elderly people with dementia
Once you go through the cards you’re pretty much done. Would be great for someone with TBI, stroke, or very elderly that’s not engaged. My MIL breezed through them (87)
I bought both Set 1 and Set 2 for my 92 yr old mother with dementia. She really enjoys playing this and feels good about herself that she can get them all correct. It is a way for me and other family member to interact with her and get responses. I highly recommend!
TL;DR: The blue expression cards did not match the answer cards and caused confusion right off the bat! The green cards aligned. Returning due to error. Otherwise these might be 5 stars for what they are meant to be.
Expressions Card Game
Our fill-in-the-blank game was designed to be age-appropriate for elderly people living with memory-related conditions. Every game includes 48 cue cards to encourage engagement and gently exercise the mind.
