Rainy days call for indoor games

In typical January fashion, we can count on the weather to be cold, windy and rainy. With 2 storms and multiple Met office weather warnings in January alone, Chatsworth Lodge Care Home in Chesterfield had to get creative and organise a series of fun games for its people, who would rather stay inside.

The first indoor game played was mini golf.  Michael, Ron, and Jack played a competitive game of golf for well over an hour. Michael said it reminded him of the times he used to play golf at Tapton golf course. All the gents had a wonderful afternoon, Jack saying ‘I would happily play golf every day’.

Next up on the agenda was a game of aim and throw. Different objects were placed on the floor and people had to aim and throw a ball into them. This proved to be a huge success with 5 residents having multiple turns.

These activities are not only fun, but they also  promote hand to eye coordination, and use the part of the brain that helps people to focus and concentrate.

Clive often talks about his time spent in the Army with his friends. Drinking beer, playing games and having the best times with the lads. He recently spoke about the dart competitions they had in the Army mess. The home surprised him with an adapted dart board so he could play without having to stand up. Clive was overjoyed and he was very keen to show the activities coordinators his skills. Fair to say he’s still got it- after scoring a bullseye!

Ron tested the puzzle solving side of his brain. Working out the balance and structure of the Jenga, and removing one piece of wood at a time.

Other more traditional games were also available. Cards, puzzles and crosswords were also highly popular and equally as competitive! One member of the home’s care team commented, ‘I’m glad were not playing these cards for money as you would have left me with empty pockets’.

Sounds like Chatsworth Lodge Care Home don’t fear the grey and gloomy January weather, when they have this much fun playing indoor games!

Part of the award-winning Orchard Care Homes group, Chatsworth Lodge is a dementia-friendly home offering residential dementia care and short-term respite care. For more information call: 01246 556655 or click the link below.