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Andrea avatar

Hello, I'm interested in ideas for prizes for winning games for small board and care homes. We are small, only have 18 residents (between 3 houses, 6 residents in each house) so we don't have a large activity budget or a little store that a lot of bigger facilities have. Any ideas are welcome! Thanks!

Susan avatar

Hi Andrea

I like to give out money

Is there anything a resident can buy at your facility such as the vending machines

Or you can plan some kind of special event where the residents can buy some thing from McDonald’s or not there an expensive restaurant

I assume that your residents are high functioning so that they could tell you what they might want for prizes

If you don’t have enough money you could always have a fundraiser

https://www.goldencarers.com/fundraising-ideas-for-nursing-homes/3457/

Sometimes the staff and family members are willing to donate money for prizes

Myrah avatar

Hi, I use tickets. These are earned for participating in activities and you can purchase the tickets at any Dollar Tree. I typically spend $20-40 on items for our "treasure chest" at either dollar tree or Mighty dollar. I try to purchase things that they typically have to buy with their money like polident, toothpaste, shampoo, cond, razors, etc. This way they are saving their money, which is not much anyway, and getting items that they need while participating in our activities. Hope this helps.

Susan avatar

Thank you for your idea Myrah

Some of the things you are describing residents get for free at the facility they live at but I am sure that you could buy things that they might need

Every place is different and the needs of the residents are different

It’s always a good idea to ask what they might want at a meeting

Again thank you Myrah

Karen avatar

We run a weekly tuck shop and for their birthdays we give out $5 vouchers they can redeem for cookies, candy, etc. I also pay out up to $1 for bingo winners. In our dementia units we give out small bags of chips or chocolate bars as they don't usually have money. Good luck!!

Susan avatar

Karen

Thank you for your idea

I say whatever works for you is a good idea

You may have to try multiple things but I’m sure you’ll come up with something good Andrea

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Mary Darker

We have been a member of Golden Carers for the past 5 years and honestly, it makes our lives here both easier and more interesting!!! The hours it saves us when planning activities for our residents result in delivering quality activities. Our residents love the word searches and crosswords and the armchair travels have brought happy memories of holidays. Thank you for all you do!