One thing I hate is when other disciplines call me the Bingo Lady.
I know, I play Bingo with people, but that is not just for the pure enjoyment aspect. I can play Bingo with a patient in Rehabilitation, and in the time it takes to finish a game, I can have an initial assessment almost completely done.
How you say? Here are some examples I look for in Physical Rehabilitation.
Does the person show up independently?
This can assess the person's memory, Independence, ability to follow instructions.
How manyy cards does the person play?
Which cards does the person take? Are they the large type, or small, are they aware of what they can handle?
All these assess the person's personal judgement and reasoning, even their view of their abilities.
When a number is called, can they find the number?
Sequencing, knowing that you find the B across the card, then find the number down the B column. People who are rehabilitating from a stroke may have difficulty finding letters, numbers, or looking at cards in their affected field of vision.
When they are playing a different game, for example find the Letter X, can they identify the pattern?
Just like learning to read a book, focusing on the words sometimes will distract the person from the story, the same is with Bingo, focusing on the numbers and then being able to find the patterns can be a complex action.
Vision, hearing, social skills are also other aspects of Bingo that can be assessed.
So next time you think of us a Bingo Players, yes, it is enjoyable, but there is more to Bingo than just Bingo.
It's Therapeutic Bingo.
Everything at rehab is therapeutic and if some people can't see that then they are idiots! Playing the Wii can be so difficult for a stroke patient.. so can baking, doing crafts even doing laundry.. I appreciate what you and all rec therapists do!! Without people like you, therapy would not have the holistic aspect is so desperately needs!
ReplyDelete