My project for my level II placement in a SNF is to come up with a creative activity for male patients.  I was trying to come up with something to work on fine motor coordination/UE ROM/strengthening.  All I got is nuts and bolts or something with PVC.  Any ideas are welcome.

 

Thanks

As a home care OT, I have used many wood activities with my patients. I have looked for items in the dollar stores, craft stores, Harbor Freight (tool store) has some nice balsa wood projects for around a buck apiece. These not only work on fine motor, but cognitive as well and can be graded depending on your patient needs. I have also brought in pcs of 2x4's to screw together using sockets and lag bolts to build strength and dexterity. Bring out a screw gun and some drywall screws and you will see the smiles come out as your patients revert back to the good old days of building and fixing with their hands. My patients with weakness from stroke especially feel a sense of empowerment as they work to use the affected side to operate the screw gun in both a sitting and standing position - graded depending on the challenges they face. I have built everything from a small platform stair to a birdhouse to a raised tabletop that the patient suggested because his "wasn't cutting it" at the time. Remember, keep it client-centered and see what your patient's interests are - I usually find this out at the first visit and try to incorporate something into my treatment that will pique their interest. Good luck.

 

 

 

 

Try fishing activities....no hooks obviously ; )  Fine motor with fishing line, attaching bait/tackle, casting and trying to hit a target is great for strengthening, balance and standing tolerance.  A lot of men like gardening activities.  I like to use different ball activities (and I mean real footballs, basketballs and baseball/glove) with which you can address ROM, balance, gross motor coordination, standing tolerance ect.  Most of them have fond memories of playing ball when they were younger.  For fine motor try model airplane assembly.  Horseshoes. My patients with dementia do well sorting and rolling coins for fine motor and cognition.  Thats all I can think of now : ) Hope it helps....activities for men can be very difficult! lol