I created and researched games when I lost my talkative, outgoing Mother to advancing Alzheimer's but then discovered that games and music brought her back to me. After my Dad died, Mom needed something to keep her busy. She had always loved crosswords and Sudoko but with the progression of the disease they were getting too hard for her. I started with cards and then advanced to dice, tiles, flash cards and board games. Mom loved the games and with simple instructions tailored for her mind I found she could learn them quicker. We had so much fun and I discovered my 'new' Mom to be a delight! I would tease her when I lost by saying "I won!" and while she might not have the words to say "no, I won the last game!" she would look at me and smile while shaking her head. She knew! Discovering that anything that got her to think & reason was awesome. We were fortunate to have paid caregivers in the house who played hours of games daily because we had a hard and fast home rule - NO daytime TV. If you are a family with a parent or loved one afflicted with Alzheimer's, we can design a daily schedule of games and activities that will fit your family's needs. Rotating the games keeps them all current so there is a smooth transition from game to game. It is even possible to teach them independent activities so you can get in a call to the pharmacy or run a load of laundry. If you are a caregiver, you can stimulate your clients in ways they haven't been in years! Most families who are willing to spend money on caregivers not only want to sustain but to add to the quality of life for as long as they can. You will be the hero of the family for getting a parent or client to laugh and find joy & purpose. With simple written modified instructions it is not difficult to give yourself a respite or day off knowing your reliever caregiver can also play these games. We can even create a movie entertainment segment in your day as I watched nearly all the 1940 - 1970's musicals with my Mom to find the ones with the greatest singing and dancing numbers in them. (Many thanks to Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire!) Listening to music while playing games is the most ideal as numerous studies indicate. No matter what stage your Alzheimer's loved one or client is at, we can put together a game itinerary that will keep it easy to understand today and can be modified tomorrow or when need be. It was sad when my Dad died and then my Mom was losing her mental acuity but I have great pride that I kept both their days full with games that were fun and kept them at their strongest mentally, for as long as I could. I can help you wherever you live. Let my testimonials also speak for me. Do not despair - you bet there is hope! Lynn Robinson / Alzheimer Games Creator
