Some forms of entertainment have stood the test of time and are still enjoyed by many today. Board games, playing cards, dominoes and more are still staples and, while tweaks have been made throughout the years to even the classics, they can still be found in homes and stores. Some families may have even adopted the ritual of family game night where these traditional games are often introduced to younger generations. Whether or not game night was a weekly routine, many still fondly remember their favorite childhood games and how they gathered everyone together.
As the years go by, certain daily tasks may become more difficult, including recreational interests as well. Age-related or medical and health-related issues may arise, making once enjoyable activities more challenging. Vision impairment and fine motor limitations can decrease the play-ability of specific games. We at Aqua Home Care would like to share some tips for continuing the fun, despite specific limitations. Fortunately, many classic games are now made with modifications and accommodations to meet the needs of a wider audience. Such examples include:
Bingo:
o Large print game cards – Letters and numbers appear in bolder, larger font making them easier to read.
o Shutter options – Rather than marking a number with a chip, players can move a built-in shutter, or covering, down over the number, requiring less fine motor precision.
Card games:
o Large print – Many card games are now created in larger, bolder print as well as in Braille.
o Card holders – Place holders allow the player to display their cards upright on a stand with one or more rows so they may see them all at once and select a card without shuffling through.
o Egg cartons – One easy accommodation you can use at home for those with fine motor limitations is to use an upside down empty egg carton when playing card games. Place this tool in front of the payer so they may use the raised portions of the carton as a card holder. They will be able to see their cards all at once rather than holding and flipping through multiple cards. You can even cut a slit in each raised portion of the upside down carton and place a card in each.
Board games:
o Large print models – Companies manufacture many board
game favorites, including Scrabble and Monopoly, using color variants and larger print to aid those with difficulty seeing and reading the print.
o Braille – Many games can now be purchased in Braille as well for those with vision loss.
Dominoes:
o Domino rack – This added feature allows the player to place their dominoes upright in a way they can easily see and manipulate.
o Raised dots – This feature allows the player to feel the number depicted on the domino when vision is compromised.
o Larger dominoes – Pieces are larger, sometimes as large as one’s hand, so that they may be easily placed, grasped and handled.
o Giant dice – Great for any game that requires the use of dice. Various sized dice can be purchased to make rolling and seeing the dots easier. Some include dots that are raised as well. They are available in both hard and soft form depending on preference.
Though limitations may emerge, these modifications and more exist to accommodate those in need of additional support when playing. Being able to participate as independently as possible can be made easier with adjustments, allowing players to enjoy some of their favorite pastimes. Whether playing with a family member, friend, or even your in-home caregiver, Aqua Home Care wants you to keep having fun.
