I am always looking to mix up my occupational therapy treatments for standing tolerance activities - especially when working in a nursing facility as we are seeing them typically 5 days a week (or more!).
Occupation based ideas are always my go-to, but I love to use games as a means to:
1) work on OT goals,
2) be purposeful,
3) have FUN,
4) have a good time and laugh
Here is a list of some really great DIY games you can easily incorporate into your OT goals for standing tolerance.
Most can be put up and taken down due to limited clinic space!
Vertical Card Match: a trifold cardboard with a deck of cards attached - ideas are endless with this
Life Sized Connect Four: bed sheet, velcro and come colored plastic plates
Scrabble: take this concept and use a bed sheet
Checkers: bed sheet, velcro, black and red plates
Tic Tac Toe: bed sheet, velcro, plates
I'd love to hear what you would add to the list! Comment below
Comments 26
I like to play blackjack and have them gamble with it. I usually put 2 decks together and give them 10 chips to start with. For consistency, I’ll go through the deck twice to see how many chips they have left. (Have to have at least one chip per round, however they can gamble more..double down, etc) My biggest winner has ended with 74 chips… to give them a goal. The male patients seem to especially enjoy this and will be surprised to see how long they stand.
Author
so fun! Thanks for sharing this great idea!
Tic tax toe on large floor grid. Use teachers to carry colored socks say…green socks for x’s and red socks for “o’s“. Grade with smaller or larger objects or clothing.
Author
I really love this idea! Adding it to my OT toolbox of ideas
Mandy I love to do silk flower arranging with my ladies. Recently brought in a woven basket with handle, multiple colors of crocus, a small birds nest with little eggs, a fluffy fern and twig bird. Worked with 5 women today with this task and wound up with 5 very different arrangements. They loved the activity and stand longer than other standing activities. It can easily be graded for sitting and various deficits, with or without wrist weights, etc… Have even done this with flowers donated following funerals. Different colors, textures and shapes. Really awakens the senses. Even great for Dementia patients.
Author
Thanks for sharing Debbie! I love flower arranging too. Great idea about the donated flowers – I have had some donated from grocery store floral areas as well. I think anything that is meaningful and creative is always a hit!
I had a large US map laminated and hung on the wall. We use wipe off markers to make highway/ interstate routes for faux trips planned ahead. Men especially love the map and like reminiscing about past travels. I also picked up some smaller maps at AAA Travel to use for cognitive and seated activities, even homework on the weekends. Ie: travel route from Boise to Lawerence Ks, hotels, places to eat etc. it’s really functional and fun.
Author
This is an amazing idea Brenda – I need to do this!
Debbie can you post a picture of that??? Having trouble visualizing but it sounds great
hanging clothes in closet/clothesline , match colors/numbers with a deck of cards, sorting silverware, matching pairs from memory card game, sorting socks
I have patients perform Folding linens while standing at the table or folding clothes and placing in a laundry basket.
Author
This is a GREAT idea, Carol – thanks for adding it to the list!
I’ve tried placing shaving cream in a mirror and have the patient clean it off. Or treasure hunt locating and reaching for items on shelf or around the room.
Author
Great ideas Lisa! Thanks for the suggestions
That sounds great. How big did you make it?
Almost everyone has to rinse a few dishes every day. A lot of my patients enjoy rinsing and drying plates, glasses and cups. They can put them away for an extra challenge. For my folks who are particularly weak, I help them stand at the sink and wash their hands.
Author
absolutely occupation based! Thanks for the idea Timothy
I like to play tic-tac-toe using window markers while standing at a window or mirror. I’ve also done “who can draw the funniest face” and pictionary! Fun and makes the time fly by before they know it.
Author
I think pictionary would be particularly fun… I can see a lot of laughs along the way 🙂 Thanks for sharing Alison
I work in home care and have created a take-off on the card match game. It’s on a large hanging fabric/felt board attached to a long dowel and string. I use an over-door hook to hang it up in the client’s home. It’s easy to roll up and transport. I also made a felt dart board for it to use with ping pong balls wrapped with velcro (haven’t tried that yet). I had hopes of making other games to use with it, and now I have some more ideas. Thanks!
Author
oh my gosh Debbie – the roll up idea is brilliant! Love sharing ideas; thank you!
Faux Stain glass craft. I purchased mine from Oriental Trading or S&S Worldwide. The patients squeeze (hand strengthening) liquid into the compartments while standing (activity tolerance/strengthening/static standing balance) at a table.
Oatmeal at the microwave. I also purchase sugar free banana pudding and the mini graham cracker pie shells. The patients measure out the milk and whisk the pudding. Pour it evenly into the 6 mini pie shells. Slice banana and place a few slices on each pie & enjoy! You could use chocolate sugar free pudding with dream whip cream.
Measuring, mixing, clean up and nutritional discussion all while standing and/or working on work simplification/energy conservation techniques.
I usually discuss using appliances such as crock pot, slow cooker, microwave, toaster oven or joint protection if appropriate/relevant.
Author
I am on board with you – finding client centered activities that are both purposeful and FUN are great!
My patients really like playing Kings in the Corner – 2 person solitare game. It is simple to learn and repetitive.
My favorite standing tolerance activity in the SNF is straightening the closet. In home care, it can cleaning out a kitchen cabinets or a linen closet
Author
Great ideas Ginger! My default is always occupation based. Thanks for sharing more ideas 🙂