Why Playing Games is a Challenge for those with Parkinson's

The  R.O.S. Therapy System offers many benefits  
Parkinson’s disease is a disease that affects muscles throughout the body. This means even the mouth and tongue can be affected, making it difficult to speak, to swallow, to emote, and more. In addition, in some cases, decreased cognitive function accompanies the muscular symptoms, and can be as severe as dementia. 



The four main symptoms of Parkinson’s are:

1. Tremors: The shaking or trembling of hands, arms, and/or legs.

2. Stiff muscles.

3. Slow movement.

4. Problems with balance or walking.


These issues can make it very hard for people with Parkinson’s disease to play games. It is hard to hold a hand of cards when you hands shake. It is hard to sit over a board game for extended periods of time with stiff muscles. Games like charades can be impossible due to slower movements and balance problems. In other words, Parkinson’s disease can get in the way of game playing. 

Why does this matter? For some it doesn’t. However, game playing is a great way for care givers, family members, friends, etc. to engage, interact with, and spend time with those with Parkinson’s. Playing games can give a person a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Game playing can help alleviate problems of negative self-worth, depression, boredom, and isolation, which are commonly associated with progressive diseases like Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease gets progressively worse, and is frustrating for caregivers and sufferers alike. Game playing can help normalize life, and provide entertainment and fun.

When choosing games to be used with those that suffer from Parkinson’s disease it is important to keep the following in mind:

1. No cards.

2. No long or extended play games.

3. Simple rules.

4. No games that require regular need for muscle control.

5. No secrecy games.

Those with Parkinson’s want to be able to play a game without too much help or modification, and do not want to suffer the embarrassment of not being able to hold their cards, or place their pieces, or keep their tiles hidden, etc. Games ought to be carefully selected to meet the specific abilities and disabilities of Parkinson’s disease sufferers.

Where can you find such games? The R.O.S. Therapy System might be the answer. It offers moments of contact and enjoyment despite difficulty with declined cognitive abilities and slower motor skills. 
The R.O.S. Therapy System

The R.O.S. Tray is what really makes the system work. It is like any gaming console, where you have your main console, and you insert the game you wish to play. The various activity boards and games can simply be inserted into the tray and played. The pieces are large and easy to hold, and the various activity boards are easy to switch out.

The R.O.S. Therapy System offers many benefits:
  • Stimulates social interaction.
  • Increases level of engagement.
  • Increases positive emotions.
  • Promotes the use of cognitive abilities. 
It is easy to clean, and can be played in a bed, chair, at a table, etc. It is designed for those with Parkinson’s and other mental and physical handicaps to allow for creative expression, fun, and to be a source of entertainment as well as self-worth.

Learn more about the R.O.S. Therapy System. 

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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