Our customers were the first to tell us that OuiSi is a great tool for dementia engagement. We never set out to build a game specifically for use in memory care. The first mention came in the form of a review from Kate R. in July, 2020:

"My dad has advanced Alzheimer's and we spend the most delightful afternoons together as he weaves stories of all kinds out of the images. The OuiSi cards enable him to have an engaged conversation that he guides. So often people with dementia are struggling to respond to other people's conversation, but that is not the case whenever we use the cards. My dad takes us where he wants to go and wherever that is, we affirm. So life-giving and dignity-granting."

Four years later, and we've received hundreds of similar glowing reviews from caregivers and dementia professionals alike.

Why Many Games Don’t Work

Games can be a great way to interact with anyone. Sometimes, however, classic games can be a frustrating experience for those with dementia. Here are some reasons why:

1. Complexity: Traditional games often feature intricate rules and instructions that can be challenging for people with dementia to comprehend and retain due to cognitive decline.
2. Competition: Competitive games may induce stress and anxiety in someone with dementia, detracting from the intended enjoyment and social interaction of the activity. This emotional strain can exacerbate symptoms and hinder engagement. They may be less likely to play again because they’ve created an association of feeling bad while playing the game.
3. Fast-Paced Action: Games requiring rapid responses or decision-making can overwhelm people with dementia, who may struggle to process information quickly or maintain focus for extended periods, leading to frustration and disengagement.
4. Dependence on Memory: Someone with dementia may experience feelings of inadequacy and frustration when unable to recall rules, strategies, or past experiences relevant to the game.
5. Limited Accessibility: Physical limitations and a lack of personalization in traditional games can create barriers to participation for someone with dementia. These barriers contribute to social isolation and a reduction in cognitive stimulation, further exacerbating the challenges associated with dementia.

Why OuiSi Works

To be clear, we do not believe OuiSi will be engaging for every single person with dementia. Any activity guaranteeing that would be disingenuous. What we do know is that we are helping many caregivers and families engage with their loved ones with dementia in whole new ways. That’s because OuiSi offers:

1. Simplicity: OuiSi offers simple and intuitive gameplay that minimizes cognitive load, making it accessible and engaging for individuals with dementia. The absence of complex rules allows for effortless participation and enjoyment.
2. A Collaborative Approach: OuiSi promotes collaboration and social interaction rather than competition, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for a person experiencing dementia. This cooperative aspect encourages teamwork and mutual support among participants, enhancing feelings of connection and belonging. You may also find that you’re having better conversations with the cards, than without.
3. Visual Stimulation: OuiSi's emphasis on visual connections capitalizes on the visual abilities a person still has, providing a stimulating and familiar experience. The use of images as a universal language transcends verbal communication barriers, enabling individuals with dementia to express themselves creatively and connect with others on a visual level.
4. Flexible Engagement: OuiSi offers flexible engagement options that accommodate varying cognitive abilities and preferences. Caregivers can adapt the game to suit the individual needs and interests of their person with dementia, ensuring personalized and meaningful interactions.
5. Sensory Stimulation: OuiSi's tactile Photo Cards and hands-on activities provide sensory stimulation, promoting engagement and tactile exploration. This multi-sensory approach may enhance sensory perception and cognitive processing, contributing to overall well-being and quality of life for both the individual with dementia and their caregiver. 

Dementia Games and Exercises

1: Creating Connections

While OuiSi's Visual Connections feature primarily focuses on free associations like shared patterns and shapes, caregivers can leverage this aspect to stimulate cognitive function and evoke memories in their person with dementia. Start by selecting Photo Cards that resonate with the individual's past experiences or interests. For example, if they were passionate about cooking, choose images of kitchen utensils or favorite recipes. Encourage your person with dementia to identify associations between the cards, such as matching items or related concepts. This exercise not only stimulates cognitive processes but also encourages verbal expression and fosters a sense of accomplishment when successful associations are made.

Exercise: Memory Lane Match-Up

• Ahead of time, gather a variety of Photo Cards depicting familiar objects, places, and activities from the individual's past.
• Spread the cards out face up on a table or surface.
• Caregiver models how to play by going first. Identify a pair that is related and tell a story from your past about them. 
• Next, encourage your person with dementia to identify pairs of cards that they relate to or evoke memories.
• Prompt discussions about the memories associated with each pair, allowing the person with dementia to share stories and experiences.

2: Promoting Creative Expression

OuiSi's open-ended gameplay allows for creative interpretation and expression, making it an ideal tool for fostering imagination and self-expression in individuals with dementia. Encourage them to explore the images on the Photo Cards freely, using them as inspiration for storytelling, artwork, or other creative activities. Prompt them to describe what they see in the images and how it makes them feel, allowing for open dialogue and self-expression. This exercise may not only stimulate cognitive function but also promote emotional well-being and self-confidence.

Exercise: Picture Perfect Storytelling

• Caregiver goes first to model activity.
• Select a Photo Card with a visually stimulating image.
• Describe what you see on the card.
• Ask the person with dementia to choose a card they like.
• Encourage your person with dementia to describe the scene depicted on the card.
• Prompt them to create a story inspired by the image, incorporating elements from their own experiences or imagination. Here are some questions you can ask:
• Where do you think this could be?
• What do you think is going on in the picture?
• Who do you think took this photo?
• Take it one step further (depending on their preferences and stage): Encourage creative expression through storytelling, drawing, or writing.
• Share your stories with one another.
• If in a group, everyone can share their stories at the end. Facilitate a group discussion where participants share their stories and interpretations of the image, fostering social interaction and connection.

3: Facilitating Social Interaction

Incorporating OuiSi into group activities can promote social interaction and strengthen bonds between people experiencing dementia and their caregivers or peers. Organize group sessions where participants engage in OuiSi games together, fostering collaboration, communication, and mutual support. Encourage individuals to take turns selecting Photo Cards and sharing their associations or interpretations with the group. This exercise not only promotes cognitive stimulation but also enhances social engagement and fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Exercise: Collaborative Connections

• Provide each participant with a set of Photo Cards and invite them to take turns selecting cards and sharing what they see.
• Encourage active listening and positive reinforcement as participants share their thoughts and experiences.
• Facilitate group discussions where participants build upon each other's associations and stories, fostering a sense of collaboration and connection.
• Conclude the session with a reflective discussion, allowing participants to share their thoughts and feelings about the experience and express appreciation for each other's contributions.

4: Fostering Mindfulness and Relaxation

OuiSi can also be used as a tool for promoting mindfulness and relaxation, helping people with dementia reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing their overall well-being. Select Photo Cards featuring calming images such as nature scenes, tranquil landscapes, or soothing colors. Using the images as focal points for relaxation and reflection, guide participants through mindfulness exercises focused on deep breathing, visualization, and sensory awareness. This exercise not only promotes relaxation but also cultivates a sense of presence and mindfulness in the moment.

Exercise: Tranquil Reflections

• Ahead of time, select Photo Cards featuring calming images such as nature scenes, waterfalls, or sunsets.
• Create a comfortable and quiet environment conducive to relaxation.
• Guide participants through deep breathing exercises, encouraging them to focus on their breath and let go of any tensions and stress.
• Invite participants to select a Photo Card that resonates with them and spend a few moments quietly reflecting on the image.
• Facilitate a group discussion where participants share their reflections and experiences, focusing on the feelings of calmness and relaxation inspired by the images.

In conclusion, OuiSi offers caregivers a versatile and engaging tool for interacting with people experiencing dementia and their loved ones, fostering cognitive stimulation, creative expression, social engagement, and mindfulness. By incorporating personalized exercises and activities tailored to individual interests and abilities, caregivers can create meaningful and fulfilling experiences that enhance the overall quality of life for people with dementia Remember to approach each interaction with patience, empathy, and flexibility, prioritizing connection and meaningful engagement above all else. With OuiSi as a guiding tool, caregivers can create lasting memories and meaningful connections with their loved ones, enriching their journey together.

Tips for Caregivers

Incorporating OuiSi into your caregiving routine can enhance your loved one's quality of life and provide valuable opportunities for engagement and connection. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your OuiSi interactions:

• Stay Present and Patient: Approach each interaction with your loved one with patience and an open heart. Be present in the moment and focus on connecting with them without distractions.
• Encourage Participation: Encourage your loved one to participate in OuiSi activities at their own pace. Offer reassurance and support, and avoid putting pressure on them to perform or remember.
• Tailor Activities to Their Abilities: Adapt OuiSi activities to suit your loved one's cognitive abilities and interests. Choose Photo Cards that resonate with them and select exercises that are engaging and achievable.
• Embrace Creativity: Allow for creative expression and interpretation during OuiSi activities. Encourage storytelling, artwork, and imaginative play, and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of your loved one.
• Promote Social Engagement: Organize group OuiSi sessions to foster social interaction and connection among people experiencing dementia and their caregivers. Create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and included.
• Practice Active Listening: Listen actively and attentively to your loved one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences during OuiSi activities. Validate their emotions and offer empathy and understanding.
• Be Flexible and Adaptive: Be flexible and adaptive in your approach to OuiSi interactions. Be prepared to modify activities or change course based on your loved one's needs and preferences.
• Praise Effort: Acknowledge and praise your loved one's efforts, and focus on the positive aspects of the experience.
• Take Care of Yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, so make sure to take time for yourself to recharge and rejuvenate.
• Try Ouisi for Yourself: Ouisi can enhance both of your lives. Try some of the suggestions above for yourself and see what comes up for you! Games from the Guidebook like OuiSinoes (almost played like a creative Solitaire), OuiSi Draw and OuiSense are all terrific ways to set restorative time aside for yourself.
• Treasure the Moments: Above all, treasure the moments you share with your loved one during OuiSi interactions. Focus on the connection and joy that comes from spending quality time together, and cherish the memories you create along the way.
• Try Again: Don't be discouraged if at first someone with dementia rejects playing with OuiSi. As you well know, each day can be different and what works one day won't work the next. So, don't force it: if OuiSi isn't working today, try it again a few days later.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can create meaningful and fulfilling OuiSi experiences for both you and your loved one, enriching your relationship and journey together.

Ready to try OuiSi yourself? Find our sets here!