A stroke survivor’s brain is often able to naturally heal itself over time by forming new connections, a process known as neuroplasticity. This rewiring allows for the enhancement of important skills, including those involving memory. To encourage the brain to rewire itself, an appropriate level of stimulation is needed. A fun and effective way for stroke survivors to boost memory is by playing games like the ones suggested below.
Card Games
Card games are simple and fun, but they require the use of skills involving concentration, attention, and memory. Go Fish is a great game to start with, since it’s all about remembering which cards other players have already asked for and paying attention to what’s in your own hand. Uno and Concentration (also known as Match Match and Memory) are two other types of card games that can be fun and beneficial for stroke survivors by helping with pattern recognition skills.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Philadelphia live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
Lumosity
Lumosity is a popular online subscription program that offers access to an assortment of brain training games in one convenient location. Stroke survivors can create a “favorite games” list or randomly play whatever appeals to them. In addition to boosting memory skills by stimulating parts of the brain related to recall and recognition, Lumosity is designed to help stroke survivors with:
• Problem-solving
• Agility and flexibility
• Language skills
Word Games
Word games help the brain form and maintain the connections needed for memory and logical reasoning. Stroke survivors also sometimes develop a type of post-stroke dementia called vascular dementia, which may get better with the type of active brain stimulation provided by word-based games. Options for word games for stroke survivors include:
• Crossword puzzles
• Boggle
• Scrabble*
*If a standard game of Scrabble is too challenging at first, try a modification that involves simply letting your loved one form any words he or she can make out of the letters.
A professional caregiver with training in methods of cognitive stimulation can be a wonderful source of support for a senior recovering from a stroke. Families looking for top-rated senior care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Sudoku
This logic-based number game is good for stroke survivors because it requires both memory and problem-solving skills. The strategic thinking required to play this game correctly also enhances concentration and decision-making abilities.
Checkers
Fine motor skills and strategic thinking abilities increase when stroke survivors play checkers. Initially, encourage your loved one to take his or her time when making moves to avoid getting frustrated. As your loved one’s abilities increase, you can use a timer to make the game a bit more challenging.
Brain Trainer
Stroke survivors can access this brain training app via a smartphone or tablet any time they wish to play games tailored to their stroke recovery goals. If memory enhancement is the goal, your loved one will be presented with a selection of easy-to-play games that help with memory retention and problem-solving.
Connect Four
This classic pattern-finding game involves logical thinking and anticipatory skills. Because it also boosts fine motor skills and finger dexterity, it gets both parts of the brain working together at the same time. Ultimately, this directly and indirectly stimulates the areas of the brain that handle memory processes.
An in-home caregiver can be a wonderful game-playing companion for a senior recovering from a stroke. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of home care, Philadelphia families may rely on. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (215) 645-4663 today.