Hi Graeme.

We printed off the first set of Bingo Cards for each of the Red, Blue and Green books, which we laminated – this is a bit time consuming initially but is a very cost effective measure when you have the finished product; I would think this is a point to push for facilities that have limited funds.

We decided that trialling Musical Bingo sessions would be adhoc – from previous experience if residents really enjoy something they will come back and ask to have it in the program on a regular basis. I am pleased to report that it is very successful and has been added to our regular monthly programming. Using the CD is not hard; you can do this in a number of ways such as: Play straight through from 1 – 20 (play each tune for 10 – 15 seconds and fast forward to the next and so on), or you can do it randomly using the same 10 – 15 seconds method and move on till all tunes have been played or, alternatively, play for 10 – 15 seconds till someone has the tune and then turn it into a sing-a-long. These are just a sample of the ways we have used it. We have also found this activity is beneficial and achievable for people with cognetive deficits or those living with dementia – it is a trigger for reminiscing as well as mental stimulation.

I think this is worth contacting all the facilities that have already purchased the Red, Blue and Green CDs to say how this adds value to a resource they already have on hand – and as I said early, printing and laminating yourself is a worthwhile cheap option.

I am pleased the hear that you are on the way to recovering some of your personal finances which you injected into the development of these quality resources. I am glad you have “don’t give up” in your DNA – we need driven enthusiastic people like ourselves who are committed to continually improving the quality of life of older people living in care – keep up the good work Graeme!!!

I would very much like you to use my comments on your website especially if it helps to push the Bingo cards – once people have them they will see how they add enormous value to a resource they may already own.

Talk soon. I must …

Kind regards,

Leonie Bell

Lifestyle Coordinator

Yackandandah Health