10 Fun and engaging games for stroke patients

After a stroke, some people can have trouble with their thinking, reasoning, awareness, and memory. This can change how a person communicates, moves, thinks, emotions and wellbeing. 

While there is currently no cure for stroke, there are many treatments and therapies that can help patients recover and regain their independence. For people who have experienced strokes, playing games can be an important part of rehabilitation.  

Games help to improve a variety of skills that may have been affected by the stroke, including: 

Games can help to reduce stress and anxiety and provide a much-needed sense of normality and fun during a challenging time. 

Puzzles are a wonderful way to improve cognitive function and problem-solving skills. There are many different types of puzzles such as trying to complete a jigsaw and card matching. The latter is a great visual memory game that helps with visual scanning and mental recall. 

Classic board games are a great way to improve social interaction and problem-solving skills. There are many different types of board games available, each with its own unique set of challenges and benefits. For example, four in a row is a great game for challenging dexterity, gross and fine motor skills, while also requiring players to use tactics like anticipatory skills, logic, and strategic thinking.

Choose a game that they enjoy the most and that challenges them in a way that is both fun and rewarding. 

Everyone usually has a deck of playing cards, and these are a terrific way to improve cognitive function and hand-eye coordination. There are many different types of card games available, so you can find one that is appropriate for the individual's skill level.

Word games are a wonderful way to improve memory and language skills. Create small letter tiles to make up words helps motor skills along with retaining the different letters and putting them together to make a word, improving cognitive skills.

A simpler task is asking stroke patients to spell out their name or the alphabet with the tiles. 

Incorporate music-based games into rehabilitation sessions. This can involve rhythm tapping, singing along to familiar songs, or playing simple musical instruments. Music stimulates the brain and can enhance motor skills and emotional well-being. 

Encourage stroke survivors to create stories based on given prompts or images, fostering creativity, language skills, and imagination.

Expressing emotions such as fear, frustration, and others, which are frequently encountered after a stroke, can be exceptionally challenging, particularly when speech difficulties are present. The use of art can offer an effective and expressive channel through which individuals can convey these emotions.

For example, storytelling through collage—players use cut-out images, magazine clippings, and other materials to create collages that tell a story or express specific emotions. 

Dance games such as musical statues which can be played standing or sitting is a fantastic way to improve motor function through movement, balance and coordination. This game has various positive effects and benefits for example listening skills, concentration and focus. Try using different types of music but songs that are recognisable to the individual. 

Participate in modified versions of sports activities like seated volleyball, wheelchair basketball, or adaptive golf, encouraging physical movement, social engagement and improve motor skills and coordination. 

Incorporate activities that involve matching colours, sorting objects by texture, or identifying scents. These games provide a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, which provide a sense of adventure, stimulate curiosity, and promote visual and cognitive engagement. 

By following these tips, you can safely and effectively get the exercise you need to reach your rehabilitation goals. 

Additional tips for patients following a stroke: 

Remember, it’s important to adapt the activities based on the individual's abilities and consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalised guidance and support throughout the process. 

Read more: First aid kit: Suspected stroke

Read more: What happens during a stroke?

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