There was a surprise moment for me today in the middle of a day-long pre-conference intensive at the Pioneer Network conference in Indianapolis (2010). First we talked about “the meaning of meaningful” – as we tried to figure out how to make everyday activities meaningful in long term care. Then we took a turn. “Not every activity has to be meaningful,” someone said. “We play Bingo 7 days a week. We tried to cut it down to 5, and the residents made picket signs and protested.”
I was stunned. Is it REALLY that popular? Why? I asked people to dissect Bingo. WHY do they want to play it 7 days a week? What are the elements of Bingo that we can apply to other activities that the residents are clearly not engaging with?
What did they say? They like to WIN. They might never have won anything for years. They like the spontaneity – the element of surprise. They like the relaxing quality – an activity they can do without explanation, and don’t need help. (who likes that I asked…staff or residents?)
The discussion went on and on – some folks defending Bingo with all their heart.
I’m not saying Bingo is evil. I’m saying that if your residents are THAT reliant on Bingo, you need to seriously look at what other programming you are offering – and if it is reflecting the interests/needs of the residents.
I also asked just how people might be able to wrap meaningfulness around Bingo. Earlier in the day, someone mentioned that seeing an aide and a resident in close discussion is an ideal. That is engagement, and it models relationships for the whole group. HOW could we possibly get to that through Bingo?
Have residents make up their own cards – use a different word of their choice – and custom make the boards. Give them as a gift to another group. Invite in people to play with. Create your own celebratory ritual for winners. Create social roles around Bingo – (Bingo Captain of the week; Prize Distributor).
I still think that Bingo addiction is a sign that other programming is off. It’s thinking small. It’s not thinking about learning and growth and engagement. But…if you DO have all that…an occasional Bingo game won’t kill you…;)
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I must say I agree with you! Bingo as a daily event absolutely echoes that programming is not suitable!! I feel that it is something that is given as a pacifier to our Elders because it is quick, easy, and requires no preparation to do. Where is the accountability to engaging programming that should be evident?
We have for too long given our Elders what I call the “three B’s” as part of their activity programming. Those things are Bingo, Birthday parties, and Bible Study. Isn’t there so much more to life than that?? Personally in my career, I have given Elders helicopter rides, kayaking, and some other pretty amazing things. I KNOW from my experiences that they always chose the more challenging, exciting experiences over Bingo when something GREAT was offered in its place.
It’s time to truly step up in our programming. It is not acceptable to just do what we’ve always done and expect it to be enough.
This topic is my passion! I was in your conference intensive session and it was fantastic by the way!!
thanks so much for your kind words…keep up the amazing work.
A
I often ponder the specific attributes that make “bingo” engaging and the reasons for our participant’s desire, but I always come to the same understanding:
Participants love to play! Too much of a good thing just gets better with Bingo because we keep “spicing” it up.
I approach this challenge by letting the participants create the group themselves. They decide that they want to play and then I ask them if they found someone to call the cards/balls. Now, there are two participants that call the numbers and only a small (6-8) group plays. The group is not set up for them so it is not an “easy” activity. I would say on average, the Bingo group gathers 5 times a month.