The afternoons are fun, lively, and filled with laughter when the residents at Christian Care of Corbin gather for Bingo. But this is not just your regular Bingo – it’s Bingocize! Jamie Gentry, Activities Director, and Pam Barnes, Assistant Activities Director, do their best to promote the favorite games of residents which draws a large competitive crowd ready to win. When it comes to favorite games, Bingo is usually a front runner, then add a little bit of safe, relaxing movement to the format and it’s even more fun.
The goal of promoting safe exercise into this fan favorite event, Jamie and Pam announced they would be adding in Bingocize! It’s the same Bingo game everyone knows and loves but with a twist – adding exercise to help improve and maintain mobility, fall prevention, and independence. This evidence-based program that socially engages community members in a responsible way adds physical activity to the smiles, fellowship and winning prizes.
At first the residents were a little hesitant to switch from Bingo to Bingocize, fearing that Bingo would lose its fun. Yet, after just a few minutes of trying something new the room was exploding with laughter and smiles. Bingocize was a hit!
The game begins just as normal Bingo does, but after calling five sets of letters and numbers, Pam performs a small exercise with the group then everyone repeats the exercise five times. She calls out the next set of five letters and numbers and the fun continues with a new exercise performed five times. Not too much exercise but the perfect amount to complement Bingo – helping the residents feel encouraged while improving their health.
Pam also goes the extra mile and makes Bingocise special by offering challenges with every new game! Recently she asked participants to wear their Bingocize shirts to the game and everyone who participated was entered to win a grand prize. The competitive spirits in the room really brought out the energy and fun. Pam also announced there will be a new monthly Bingocize tournament this fall with enhanced prizes and opportunities to win. The activity room was buzzing about the coming fall announcement details.
Christian Care is filled with gratitude for Jamie and Pam and how they consistency bring resident engagement to a new level of enjoyment. Residents love Bingocize and there’s no going back to the game’s plain version any time soon.