Brainstorming Solutions for Dementia Care Game

This is an amazing board game for all care-giving individuals who support people with Dementia, but particularly useful for staff working in care, residential and community homes, hospitals and services. Participants will improve their knowledge about Dementia and develop effective ways to manage difficult situations faced by those living with Dementia, their families and supporting healthcare professionals.

Players select cards from five topics: Fact, Challenge, Activity, Wild, and Crisis which focus discussion on realistic scenarios, brainstorming crisis management solutions and formulating person-centred care interventions.

Includes laminated 60cm² board, instructions, 120 game cards, dice, timer and butterfly counters. US resource, but content is generic and culturally transferable - any differences are easily adaptable (e.g. president to Prime Minister).

We have been advised that this game contributes to satisfying level 1 and 2 (Awareness/Basic Skills) of the National Dementia Standards Framework without having to organise training events – just get the game out and play:

‘Brain Storming Solutions for Dementia Care also  meets many of the learning outcomes for Tier 2 of the Dementia Training Standards Framework 2018 making it relevant for training of all health and care staff in settings where they are likely to have regular contact with people affected by dementia. The game also underpins the more specialist skills and knowledge required at tier 3’. Dr Lesley Collier, Divisional Lead/Reader (Program Lead, MSc (pre-registration) Occupational Therapy), Brunel University

This product was explored by a group of OT students at Brunel University as part of their Healthy Ageing module. They found the product to be well made and particularly liked the butterfly pieces to move around the board. They found the instructions easy to follow and soon became engaged with the activity and the challenges it raised. They did find some of the American references a little tricky in places and needed some guidance to understand what these meant. Comments included:

‘I really liked it, it was a gateway to further learning’

‘It provided triggers to encourage us to search for solutions’

‘The facts were rather scientific at times, although we had some insight due to our training we were not so sure whether untrained staff would find it as accessible’

‘Really good for considering potential solutions and to get a discussion going’

This resource was created by: Drs. Kim and Gail Peterson who facilitate worldwide dementia care conferences.