Does anyone have experience of outdoor games with dementia sufferers they care to share?
I started playing croquet last year, and this year we’re looking at having sessions for elderly care home residents and those with mild dementia and their carers. We would be playing golf croquet, not proper croquet. We would be outdoors. I’m not the one arranging this, but I do have some input and would appreciate people’s experiences with sport with dementia sufferers in general and croquet in particular. For instance, I have suggested that if the first event is successful, we relocate to Crathes Castle which has nice gardens for those who find they don’t enjoy the game and has better toilets.
This really needs to be driven by the care home and the carers. They need to make an assessment that the various basic needs of the people in their care will be met at whatever location you propose before anything else can happen. That’s things like chair accessibility from vehicle to venue, disabled toilet access (you imply that Crathes Castle has better toilets - well, what is deficient in the toilets in your first proposed venue?), sufficient seating close by for those who might need a rest etc.
It all mounts up, particularly outdoors. I guess that’s why indoor bowls is pretty popular for groups like the ones you are hoping to help - the facilities are usually there already.
Best o’ luck though, it’s rewarding. I must admit my only experience of croquet is playing it at a hotel on Orkney at about midnight, it being still quite light at that time of year.
Shuffleboard is popular with the elderly. The senior center in my old hometown had a outdoor court.
The board can be applied directly to concrete. Or there are outdoor shuffleboard mats that can be put in place.
I’ve seen it played at the senior center. It’s a low impact game that older people can safely play and not over exert themselves. It’s challenging enough to keep them interested.
Walking is great exercise. Take small groups to a park or other interesting places.
It would require close supervision. Good planning. It would take some effort but the results would be worth it. There’s nothing like getting outside and walking to boost spirits and put a smile on people’s faces
The activity that can be planned depends on how mild their dementia is.
maybe in another 20 years I’ll play.