Playing board games pulls folks together with shared laughs and light-hearted challenges that make new friends out of neighbors. In our assisted living spot, these fun get-togethers build a warm sense of family, letting everyone chat and feel right at home.
Bell Oaks Place sits in Newburgh, Indiana, right by the pretty Ohio River, making it a perfect location for these happy group moments that light up every day.
There's more to it than just good times. A study by Dartigues from BMJ Open shows that people who play board games cut their dementia risk by 15% compared to those who skip them. That means these games keep minds sharp while sparking joy!
Here at our community, residents jump into favorites like Scrabble or Monopoly, mixing them with our lineup of:
It's how we create that close-knit atmosphere we love, backed by custom care plans and trained staff around the clock to keep things smooth.
Board games have this magical way of turning a quiet afternoon into a lively chat fest, where folks share stories and root for each other over every roll of the dice. In our assisted living community, playing board games pulls residents closer. Studies by Guardabassi et al in Frontiers in Psychology back this up, showing how these games boost interpersonal chats and lift overall well-being for older adults.
Take social games for seniors, for example. They create spots where laughter flows and bonds form without much effort.
Over at Bell Oaks Place, we see this happen all the time during our regular group activities in Indiana, like our card club or bingo nights. Residents often say these moments chase away loneliness, turning newcomers into fast friends as they team up or compete in good fun.
Did you know that a majority of adults over 50 see board games as a top way to build social ties? According to an AARP survey, most seniors believe these games help create connections with family and pals. That's huge for resident engagement, especially when folks might feel a bit isolated.
Here in Newburgh, with its cozy river views, these gatherings add extra warmth. They complement our outdoor fun, like gardening or short outings, making sure every day feels active and connected. We weave playing board games into our schedule because they spark that sense of belonging:
It's a simple tool that boosts mood and ties folks together in ways that stick. And with our custom care plans, we make sure everyone can join in at their own pace.
Games sharpen those everyday people skills like:
For seniors, hopping into a game session builds empathy and cooperation in fun, low-pressure ways. Research by Cès et al in The Scandinavian Journal of Psychology on intergenerational play shows how these activities ramp up pro-social behaviors, like sharing and supporting each other, especially among older adults.
Picture a Scrabble club for seniors, where folks spell out words and cheer on clever plays. That back-and-forth hones communication, as players explain their moves or laugh off a tough loss. Turn-taking teaches patience, while strategy talks encourage listening and teamwork.
These skills spill over into daily life. The same study by Cès et al highlights how such play boosts empathy, making interactions smoother and kinder.
At our community, we pair these games with things like pet therapy or live shows to round out skill-building. Residents practice chatting during a game, then carry that confidence to group events. It's rewarding to watch someone who was shy open up, sharing stories that strengthen the whole group.
Brain games in assisted living keep minds buzzing and bodies steady, which is key for staying independent as we age. They offer a fun twist on staying sharp, with perks like better balance and fewer slips.
An eight-week program led by Ammar et al in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research using board games showed gains in mobility and cut fall risks for community-dwelling seniors. That's practical stuff: games challenge thinking while improving coordination.
Plus, they help fend off down moods. Research by Lee et al in Social Work in Health Care links regular play to lower depression rates, as the engagement lifts spirits and sharpens focus. Brain games in assisted living, like puzzles or strategy boards, keep cognition lively without feeling like work.
For starters, we pair them with bingo or card club for that extra social kick, where residents swap strategies amid the laughs. We even tie them to pet therapy sessions, letting folks play while cuddling pups for double the fun.
And on sunny days, we take lighter games outdoors for gardening breaks or short outings around Newburgh.
Our personalized care plans are like custom invitations to join the game, tailored so everyone can play on their terms! We chat with each resident about what they enjoy, then adjust for things like energy levels or hand steadiness to pick the right games.
Maybe we suggest seated versions for comfort or team setups for those who prefer group activities. We review these plans often, tweaking as needed with family input.
At Bell Oaks Place, this means no one sits on the sidelines.
Playing board games truly stands out as that secret ingredient for a thriving community life. We've seen how these simple sessions bring folks together with laughs and lightbulb moments, boosting social skills and brain power along the way.
At Bell Oaks Place Assisted Living, we make this magic happen every day with our unique touch of individualized care plans that let every resident shine. It's what sets us apart, turning assisted living into a real home where activities like these create lasting memories.
Swing by our spot in Newburgh for a tour and see how playing board games can brighten your world. We'd love to welcome you!