Care UK Celebrates National Puzzle Day

Thursday 29th January marked National Puzzle Day and many Care UK homes encouraged residents to engage with puzzles, embrace crosswords, jigsaws and paper-based games including noughts and crosses.

Some homes, like Bourley Grange in Hampshire, also made use of technology like interactive tablets and the ‘magic table’ for a different puzzle experience.

An interactive tablet can be enjoyed across the home. Residents can use it in the comfort of their rooms, or in communal areas like the lounge, playing games like Candy Crush or sudoku in their spare time.

Additionally, the magic table is an interactive sensory experience that can be used to play games, draw, and much more.

Sajal Rai, the Lifestyle Lead at Bourley Grange, said the magic table is popular with residents: “We use it for one-to-one activities as well as in group settings. Residents can play side by side and take turns, and that helps reduce isolation and build connections with each other. It’s also for any abilities, and it’s good for residents with early dementia and advanced dementia.”

For people with dementia, puzzles can help to maintain cognitive functioning including memory, problem-solving skills, logic and reasoning, and critical thinking.

Furthermore, for residents living with dementia, especially those who are further on in their journey and who may not be able to complete puzzles and quizzes due to cognitive challenges, devices like the magic table can offer a way to engage with games positively. Similarly, very simple age-appropriate jigsaws may be helpful for those living with dementia to remain connected.

Jo Crossland, Care UK’s Head of Dementia and Lifestyle said: “Puzzles and other memory games can be an excellent way for residents in care homes to have opportunities for meaningful engagement and occupation, as well as providing social interaction. The important thing is to understand a person’s life story so that previous hobbies and interests can be adapted to enable residents with dementia to remain engaged with established pastimes, including puzzles!”

So today, why not pull out a jigsaw to do with your loved ones, have a go at a crossword, or challenge your colleagues to the daily Wordle.