Beach Ball

Ball Activities are Popular and One of the Ball Games Suitable for Most Abilities is Using a Blown-up Beach Ball.

Directions for Caregivers:

Watch the video together, learn the routine, and get started!

This beach ball activity works well with the group. Do one exercise at a time and move from one person to the next around the room.

Late-stage memory care/dementia.

If the person you are with is not able to respond to a throw, handing them the ball and asking them to return it to you may work. Rolling it towards a person sometimes triggers an automatic response of kicking it if the person is sitting down. Watching the activity as a passive observer can be fun too.

About this Activity

The Beach Ball I Use is About 1 1/2 Foot in Diameter.

This exercise works well in a group and group members get good enjoyment out of watching each other take part. It is good for hand-eye coordination, concentration and is an exercise for the arms and hands.

As you will see in the video below, I usually do each movement three times in a row in a group situation. More times if I am working with an individual.

1. First, the ball is thrown at the person; they catch it and throw it back.

2. I ask the participant to hit the ball back to me using both hands flat. Then the same movement, first with one open hand, then the other.

3. Now the same exercises as above using fisted hands.

4. We bounce the ball to each other, first, they catch and throw, then they hit it back.

5. Then I roll the ball towards them and ask them to kick it back with an upwards motion.

Beach Ball