Me is for Wii
The first time I heard of the idea of our facility getting a Wii game system, I thought "Well, that's going to be a big waste of money." In a long term care unit this age group was not brought up playing games, and usually don't want to fool with new electronic equipment.
Then I thought of my generation, (next in line to your facility) and our relation to electronic gadgets. We didn't have electronic games and computers growing up. Those were things we bought our kids. Geez, I still have some friends that don't use computers or cell phones and their VCR still flashes 12:00 all the time. So even there it made me wonder if many near future LTC patients would use it.
Maybe another generation down and there's where the gamers begin. Those now 30-40 somethings are the ones that were growing up when Atari and Nintendo hit the markets. They grew up pushing buttons and blasting starships. That means that it could be another 30-40+ years before they begin to hit LTC's. The Wii will be an antique by then!
Now myself, I was an addict to the old 8 bit Nintendo when Mario first came out. Still like to play games on my computer, too. But some of the newer systems are just too complicated for me to want to learn. Since my youngest son has all the current game systems and games, I've tried them all. (BTW- I stink at Rock Band, bad, even though I used to drum) So this was another thought as I pondered the use of the Wii in LTC.
For the most part I was right, sort of. Some people (LTC age) will not even try the game. Personally, I found the system easy to use and set up, and a good tool for a variety of rehabilitation in LTC. It seems like once you can get a patient to try the game though, they find it is easier than it looks. I've had a few who request more time on the Wii, and a few suggest one day of the week should be for Wii challenges between everyone on caseload. I even had one gentleman come back in the afternoons to play more Wii on his own time. And it was a hit with an 88 y/o man who loved baseball.
Since most of the games involve some sort of motion, they are great for encouraging active ROM, strengthening (with wrist weights on), fine motor control, and eye/hand coordination. With the balance board there are a variety of games good for standing activities and/or endurance.
Now, I'm not endorsing the game here, just stating facts. I guess since I thought of most game systems being quite passive (you know, sitting there pushing buttons) I thought the Wii would not have a place in rehab. I was wrong, well, sort of.......
Until next time, hope all your thoughts are good-
Tim