Visiting loved ones in a senior living community is a chance to bring joy, laughter, and connection into their day. And what better way to do that than by playing games together?
At Parsons House La Porte, we cherish life’s special moments and help make every day meaningful. Our residents enjoy independent living, creating a welcoming community where games spark connection, creativity, and plenty of laughter.
Some fantastic games to play with your loved ones include card games, board and dice games, active group games, puzzles, and collaborative play. These are simple to learn, great for different skill levels, and, most importantly, designed to make memories with the people you care about most.
Card Games
Card games are timeless classics that older adults often love. They’re easy to set up, and with so many options available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few popular choices:
- Rummy: This game blends simple rules with a bit of strategy. Players match cards to form sets or runs, keeping their minds sharp while enjoying friendly competition.
- Uno: Uno adds a colorful twist to traditional card games. Its visual appeal and simple gameplay make it ideal for seniors, and its wild and action cards keep the atmosphere lively and engaging.
- Go Fish: This lighthearted game is great if you’re visiting with your grandchildren. The rules are simple but interactive, making it a hit across generations.
Board & Dice Games
Board games bring everyone to the table—literally—and are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon together. These games help foster connection, storytelling, and collaboration:
- Scrabble: Encourage creativity and word mastery with Scrabble. Residents often enjoy the challenge of coming up with clever word combinations, while the game also acts as a mental workout for staying sharp.
- Yahtzee: This dice-rolling game is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of luck combined with strategy. The tactile aspect of rolling dice can also add sensory engagement to the game.
- Dominoes: Playing dominoes is calm yet stimulating. Its simple instructions and tile-matching gameplay make it enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.
Active Group Games
For older adults who like to keep things a bit more energetic, group games are a fantastic idea. These encourage movement, laughter, and sometimes a little bit of friendly competition.
- Bingo: A perennial favorite, Bingo lets everyone take part, regardless of ability or energy level. The excitement of calling out “Bingo!” never gets old. Parsons House La Porte often hosts Bingo nights that bring residents together for shared fun and prizes. Why not join in when you visit?
- Chair volleyball: For a little extra activity, chair volleyball is a blast! It’s played sitting down, making it accessible for residents with different mobility levels. It’s also hilarious, filled with big smiles, and boosts coordination.
- Trivia game: Put your thinking caps on and play trivia! These games are perfect for sparking lively debates and reminiscing about past knowledge. Residents typically enjoy themed trivia rounds focused on classic movies, music, or history.
Puzzles & Collaborative Play
Sometimes, the most fulfilling games are those where we work together. Collaborative games and puzzles are great ways to bond while avoiding competition.
- Jigsaw puzzles: Sitting down with a colorful, large-piece jigsaw puzzle can be a relaxing and incredibly rewarding way to pass the time. It’s fun to see a picture come to life as everyone pitches in.
- Word Searches or crosswords: Whether it’s solving crosswords together or racing to finish a word search, these puzzles exercise the brain and encourage cooperation and teamwork.
- Storytelling dice: If you’ve never played with storytelling dice, now’s the time to try! Roll the dice, and use the pictures to build a shared story. It’s especially fun for engaging multiple generations during visits.
Creating Joyful Connections Through Games
Parsons House La Porte is a family-owned and operated community with over 40 years of history, where compassionate care and meaningful connections are at the heart of everything we do. Our team is dedicated to helping each resident maintain their independence while offering the right level of support when needed.
This philosophy extends to our wide range of games and activities, where staff members are not just organizers but active participants, bringing laughter and unconditional love into every interaction.
From our inviting gardens to cozy porches, our community spaces provide beautiful environments for both indoor and outdoor activities, whether it’s a friendly game of Scrabble or a quiet moment with a puzzle. Here, we believe in celebrating life at every turn, making sure every resident feels valued, engaged, and loved.
Come visit Parsons House La Porte today and experience the vibrant community we’ve built for your loved ones. Schedule a tour or join an activity and see how we make a difference in our residents’ lives. We can’t wait to welcome you!
