No matter what team you root for, or even if you know the difference between the line of scrimmage and the parking lot, the Super Bowl seems to transcend time and generations.
Easy conversation starter for the week
It seems for most people there is at least something that easily becomes a conversation when it comes to the Super Bowl.
For those that either are die hard football watchers to casual watchers, there is at least one conversation during the week leading up to it that we can get residents involved.
Often the facility will have some kind of a watching party scheduled for that day. As to how involved they get with snacks and drinks depends on the activity department.
Even the I don’t know football crowd seems to have some connection
Sometimes even though they really have no idea about football, there is always the chance that over the years they have had attended some Super Bowl watch party. Many times we can get some reminiscing and talks of spouses or families attending parties. It can be a easy break the ice conversation.
For the Football fans with dementia
Memories of SuperBowls in the past can be a great way to encourage conversation and excitement in those with dementia that were football fans. It does not matter if they actually know who is the starting quarterback this year, but they will remember from years or decades ago. It’s amazing how much better they can work and follow directions when you have them involved in something that might be passionate for them.
For the Football fans without any cognitive issues, a whole Lotta fun!
For those that are cognitively aware and at least a casual football fan, it can be alot of fun leading up to the big game. As the conversation flows from teams and players to halftime shows and predictions, the fun just flows. It is also a good time to add in some fun therapy activities if they are capable of it.
Add in some football themed activities
A great way to add in some football themed activities is adding some standing balance tasks with throwing a football or bean bag at targets to improve weight shifting and dynamic functional balance.
Add in some walking pattern activities like sidestepping and retro ambulation. Any changes in direction or stepping over cones or bolsters. Make it fun and entertaining in the name of football.
Above all else, have fun
Fun is infectious. The more fun you have while involving the resident the more fun they will have. All it will do is make for an even better experience for all involved and maybe even get them to do something they never thought was possible.
Don’t let the fun die off the week after
So we can always gripe and complain, or be very happy depending on who wins. Regardless of the outcome it is important to keep that excitement and fun with your treatments. They will get better and you will actually have fun also.
