
Five Games that Can Enhance Memory After a Stroke
Each year, approximately 55,000 Australians experience a stroke, highlighting the critical importance of stroke recovery. Advances in stroke treatments and increased awareness of the importance of early intervention have significantly improved survival rates. However, memory issues are one of the common side effects of surviving a stroke. At Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne, we understand how important it is to optimise memory after a stroke, as it can greatly enhance a loved one’s quality of life. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five engaging games that can help support memory recovery following a stroke.
Puzzles
Puzzles can be a great way to keep your loved one occupied after a stroke and stimulate their mind. The cognitive and visual skills required to identify and place puzzle pieces can enhance logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, both of which are crucial for memory improvement. Try starting with easier puzzles and working on more challenging ones as they recover.
Trivia Board Games
Trivia board games can be a great social activity for your loved one as they recover and help their memory as they think of the answers. Answering questions encourages your loved one to recall information and think critically. To make it more personalised, you could even consider making your own trivia game based on their favourite topics. Trivia challenges the mind in much the same way that physical exercise benefits the body!
Music Games
Music can be a powerful tool in memory recall. Playing popular songs, your loved one has enjoyed in the past can trigger positive memories and stimulate cognitive function. Singing along, or recalling the songs and artists can boost concentration, language skills, and emotional well-being. If they are keen, you can even have your mini dance party to the music to encourage physical activity.
Video Games
While we traditionally think of video games as a young person’s domain, they are great for people recovering from a stroke. Whether it be using an app or video console, there are many options available, you can start with something simple and work up to more complicated games. These games are great for encouraging thinking skills. There is a range of video consoles and games available that are suitable for older people. Plus, you can incorporate interactive games as they recover to boost their physical activity.
Word Games
Word games help refresh your loved ones’ vocabulary, improve their attention span and enhance spatial awareness. Word search games and crosswords are brain-stimulating games that can help with verbal, visual and informational memory loss. These activities can also boost short-term memory and improve the ability to follow instructions, making them a valuable addition to a stroke recovery plan.
Strokes can profoundly affect a person’s life, including their memory. Improving a person’s memory after a stroke can make a big difference to their quality of life and their ability to live independently. Games are a great way to help improve your loved one’s memory after a stroke and have some fun along the way. Whichever games you choose, start with an accessible version and gradually work up to more complex versions as your loved one’s attention and memory improve. You may also need to start playing in short bursts, progressively for longer as they recover.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne, can bring enormous benefit and comfort to your quality of life while living independently. Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne has viable solutions for independent living. For more information, contact a Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne near me today.
Actual source link to include: Stroke: Symptoms, Treatments, and Statistics in Australia