Tongs are a wonderful way to increase interest, hand strength, proprioceptive feedback, and work on visual-motor skills. OPTIONS: Try having clients pick up, toast from a toaster, finger foods such as trail mix, pipe cleaner that is stuck in a colander, squishy toys, or fuzz balls...
Believe it or not, this can have relaxing therapy benefits for our elderly population. DIRECTIONS: Fold/roll bag into a long 1 inch by 1+ feet long shape. Next, wrap the long bag strip around 2 fingers stabilizing with your thumb. Finally tuck the end into the...
Visual memory games are fun challenges for many different clients from traumatic brain injury to developmental delay. You can play them at a baby shower or in the clinic. Clients are shown several items for about 1 minute then the items are removed from sight...
Sometimes we forget to use scissors on food items so that we can combine that skill with added olfactory and gustatory sensory input. Cutting celery can also be an easier and safer way for elderly clients to chop celery as compared with a knife. OPTIONS: Other...
This activity can have many skill building qualities, such as locating a specific area on a page, pinching, following directions, and combating fear of getting hands dirty. TIPS: You may have a client locate where the center of their dandelion is going to be and place...
This activity is full of skill building, and has a marker instead of paint version. Some area's targeted are: Sensory, fine motor, cognition (following directions, cause & effect, parts to whole,...
Cutting and stamping vegetables and fruits can be very therapeutic and turning it into art is even better. This is wonderful for clients of all ages. Recommended foods to cut and stamp with are; potatoes, celery, apples, pears, melons, and broccoli....
Social Emotional Skill Camps really enjoy using this. It provides a narrative where clients feel more comfortable sharing and identifying what emotions lead up to their behaviors. In the sample provided, the client was able to identify 3 items on the list. Download the PDF for...
Use the pictures and Task Box Idea List to help you create fun and effective task boxes. These work real well in the home setting and parents will easily get on board once you give them a box or two to get started. Elderly populations enjoy...
Using dots can be cost effective, fun and functional. Give some of these activities a try. PT: Dots can encourage energy and make a dull therapy room more motivating for young and old clients. Check out the basketball bounce with squares picture to motivate you. Try...