Balloon Games
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Exercise
Games
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Balloon Games
Olympic Games
11, Aug 2024
Commonwealth Games
28, Jul 2022
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Balloon Games are perfect for senior care, blending light exercise with valuable social engagement.
Object:
- Gentle exercise to improve hand-eye coordination.
- Social engagement among participants.
Preparation:
- Collect badminton rackets or fly swatters (you can buy them at discount stores).
- Make sure you have a volunteer to assist you or invite children from nearby schools to come for half an hour and play the game with residents once a week.
Equipment Needed:
- 3-4 Inflated balloons
- Rackets or fly swatters
- Music player and speakers
Instructions:
- Position residents in a spacious circle to avoid accidental contact with rackets.
- Play uplifting background music to energize the game.
- Introduce 3-4 inflated balloons into the circle.
- Keep the balloons in the air and off the ground using rackets or fly swatters.
- The game can last for a set time or until players wish to stop.
Feel free to tailor the game to suit the abilities and preferences of your group. It’s all about fun, movement, and social interaction!
Comments
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Foam Pool Noodles cut into lengths are great for Balloon Activities
Shirley NSW
Badminton racquets are too big wit too many residents. I do like the idea of fly swatters and feather dusters
Hey Judy what a fantastic idea I am going to add this to my program, I have invested in a couple of balloon covers so that we can use the balloons without fear they will pop and cause a problem. Lisa
I get the residents playing 'Team Balloon Challenge' most Friday afternoons. I string a rope up onto 2 walkers at each end. On each side of the rope I have 3 residents either in wheelchairs or sitting on chairs. I have a whistle and we start the game. No bats, only using hands and one balloon. We trial a couple of balloons just to make sure we have the 'right' one to play with. One game is up to 11 points. The rules are 1. If it hits the floor on your side of the rope the other team score.
2. The balloon goes under the rope.
Sometimes I have many players so I use them as 'back ups'. One behind each team.
we play until one side has won two games and them I swap over some or all players.
After two matches i work out the 'grand final' team and we have the final games for the afternoon.
All in all it lastabout 1hour 15mins.
Great fun is had, It is amazing how long a turn can go before the balloon is deemed out.
I use my hands to signal the points and help out with getting the balloon back if necessary. Sometimes staff members join in.
It does get some very quiet residents. and those on big whelchairs a great opportunity to join in.
Much laughter is had..I can tell you!!
Hi Heather - we play with badminton rackets and also with feather dusters.
They love it; even clients that usually do not participate in other activities enjoy this game.
My folks love this game but I use lots balloons and I also use wooden spoons...can do balance game too and hockey
i play balloon tennis with my dememtia residents they all love it and have a good laugh
Hi Denise, this idea sounds really interesting though I cannot imagine how it looks like. If in the future you take a photo of the coat hanger bats, could you please share it with us?
I made some bats out of wire coathangers, shaped into a bat [ pull the wire into a circle shape ]and cover with some old stockings ... knee highs fit perfectly ....
Ditto Denise, we also make our bats this way. It is cheap and is light for the residents to hold. This game is awesome for float chair & wheelchair bound residents also. We play at least once weekly with our high care.
i use those blow up bats that are given out free at netball games
Pool noodles cut in three make good "tennis rackets" and they can be used in lots of range of movement activities as well.
Whast a great idea! I shall add fly swatters to the activity.
I also find that using fly swatters works well with this activity
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