A game-based health program for improving functional health and social engagement in long-term care residents

Abstract

After entering long-term care (LTC), many residents experience continued declines in functional status, activities of daily living (ADLs), and increased fall risk. Therefore, there is a significant need for activities capable of improving/maintaining functional status, decreasing social isolation, and increasing residents’ quality of life. Bingocize®, a strategic combination of exercise, education, and the game of bingo, is an innovative program shown to fulfill this need. The purpose of this article is to describe an on-going United States (U.S.) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Civil Money Penalty (CMP) grant-funded project to implement Bingocize® in multiple LTC facilities. As part of this project, local universities and their faculty and students from across the state help LTC staff administer the program. Over 800 trained LTC staff and students, and most importantly, over 1300 residents have successfully participated so far. Bingocize® can be a positive addition to LTC activities because the program helps improve/maintain functional status and social engagement. Applying for CMP funding either individually, or in partnership with a local university, is a pragmatic way for LTC facilities to access and sustain Bingocize® and other evidence-based programs. Key Practitioners Message A lack of social engagement and physical activity are major contributors to the continued decline in functional status and quality of life of LTC residents. Encouraging familial support is important for diabetic older adults. Avoidance of diabetes is related to the PTG for diabetic older adults.