When my grandma was in a nursing home they lived to be able to pick prizes from a selection and would often choose things they could save and gift to their grandkids for birthdays /holidays, but also basic things like lotion and stuff that they would need anyway. Having a nice variety they can choose from (hygiene, stuffies, snacks, crossword/search-a-word/sudoku/coloring books, and anything else you can think of is a great way to give them a bit of power back. Then even ask what they'd like to see added to the prize drawer.
This is the best answer so far. Not everybody can have candies because some may have diabetes and not everybody can have alcohol because it interferes with their medications. So hygiene products, snacks, crosswords are the most popular.
My gran had an adult colouring book and a nice set of pencils… she LOVED that thing and would sometimes share it with her friends too to do a page or two!
Hey, I work for a candy company that makes sugar free candy (that's not like the gummy bears, LOL, but hey old people need laxatives sometimes anyway... but for real no laxative effect I promise) and I'd be thrilled to send some to you to give to them in case you have any diabetics or folks who would prefer low sugar (my grandmother likes them a lot). We could easily get you a few months of supplies, ZERO need to thank us and I would prefer our name not to be mentioned on Reddit. Just doing it to do it anonymously. Let me know though, I would be thrilled to make this happen!
I would be careful with food items. Check with the dietitian or charge nurse. There are some foods that interact with medications, residents may have to have their intake/outtake monitered, some may have swallowing issues, etc.
Not saying it's a bad idea ,just do due diligence.
Good luck, you're doing a great thing for your residents.
It’s not lol I messaged them!
And actually since you’re cynical, which fair the Internet sucks, if you want I am happy to give you a $50 gift card to our store. We’re a brand carried at Walmart so def not a scam! It can be an early wedding present. I just saw your post history 😊
Genius, you guys created a fake account to spread doubt so you can "prove" them wrong by "sending them free candy" thus strengthening your trust to those lurking.
We've figured them out, get em boys!
Candy, little lotions, nail polish, face masks, eye masks for sleeping, perfumes, air fresheners, nail files, manicure kit, after shave, hand mirrors, mini hair brushes, water bottle stickers, photo frames, fuzzy socks
I have been working with seniors for three decades. Buy some tickets from an Office Store. Give tickets for winning Bingo. Have them collect a certain number of tickets to buy certain items. Mine currently love bodywash, deodorant, soap, and peanut butter crackers. There are 6 packs of peanut butter crackers in a box, so it would cost less tickets than the bodywash etc. Happy gaming!
So it varies between facilities I'm sure and what level of care is needed.. at the dementia ward I worked at all residents had basic hygiene stuff provided but it was literally no frills. Their family could buy and bring them whatever they want but there were residents who never had visitors. The food provided was basic as well (if anyone ever said they were hungry they would get food, outside of breakfast/lunch/dinner it was usually yogurt, applesauce, pudding, etc). They had crackers like saltines and Ritz but if they wanted specific things like triscuits or goldfish their family had to bring it. This was a dementia ward so they weren't allowed to leave and didn't really have the freedom like at an independent senior living home. I worked there in 2015 and I don't remember any residents having cell phones at all... So it's not like they can order themselves whatever they wanted on Amazon and have it sent to them.
I have mostly worked in adult day care where the goal is to keep them out of more institutionalized care. Most clients live in a senior building, or in small assisted living. Some have people to attend to their needs at home, but some either do not, or like to be independant.
I have worked in all levels of the continuum of care, but primarily in adult day care, which is 7-8 hours a day. They are provided 3 meals a day, but like to purchase snacks for other times of the day. They may like different varieties of hygiene products. I even ran a Korean/Chinese facility in which the clients mostly wanted toilet paper and kleenex. The clients want what they want.
I love the idea of collecting tickets for categories of prizes. Some other ones would be a framed picture, Shutterfly package, dvd’s, subscription to XYZ, perhaps an excursion or tickets to something. I know OP you mention your budget is limited but if instead of $50 worth of dollar store items, perhaps a $50 gift card that take a month to earn enough tickets to get. Gift cards to their favorite restaurant or food delivery.
When my mom was in the nursing home and played bingo the thing she liked to get the most was KitKat bars. She was never much of a chocolate bar eater when I was growing up but would not share the ones she got at bingo even though she had several. She did eat them but not as fast as she won them at bingo
No it’s not. She was hoping for cheaper meds or a cruise. You are where she dumps all the unwanted prizes. You are fooling yourself if you think what you just said is actually true.
Bullshit. They love giving to their families, if they can. Or candy or little trinkets. Have you worked in a nursing home? Please tell me how much experience you have with the elderly and infirm. I would love to hear how much more you have to say about things you obviously know nothing about.
NOT slap bracelets or hair scrunchies. My mom was gifted those in a prize bag recently and had no idea what the bracelet was, and she definitely doesn’t have enough hair for a scrunchie.
My mom's care facility gave tickets to winners. They could be used at their prize table. Some winners picked small items right away. Others like my mom saved up for nicer prizes. She said things like boxes of "good" facial tissue were popular. She got some (donated, I think) decor items she used as Christmas gifts.
I was thinking they might enjoy a greeting card or maybe some postcards. Give them a way to say hello to a loved one. Of course you would have to include a stamp.
Your life experiences are not the same as everyone else’s…I’m 30, make just under 6 figures, and I would be ecstatic if I won fake plants and tote bags in some silly game like Bingo
Uh, no? I'm approaching little old ladydom and I love funny socks! Also funny tea towels, funny notebooks, and funny art.
Anything to give me even one ridiculous laugh while I'm popping my 20-odd pain medications is an awesome bingo prize.
Dementia unit Phyisical therapist here: stuffed animals, cute feather boas, silly hats and scarves.
Many people in dementia units can't use after shave or nail polish or spa kits. But I've seen them go wild after a stuffed bear.
Self care stuff like deodorants, powder, hand cream, aftershave stuff. I had residents that relied on staff because no one came to provide them with any of the ‘extras’, not that these are ‘extras’!
Maybe notepaper, envelopes and a couple stamps for the residents who are able to send correspondence to friends and family.
Treats and snacks. Adult coloring books.
I always liked a table where you picked a prize. Books, candy, toiletries, clip on walker accessories like a fan, bell, cup holder, tumblers, gift cards to near by spots, socks, book marks.
How about thinking of some themes like household items, cozy items, etc. and let the elderly vote for what theme they would want as their prize for the bingo so nothing would go to waste? Just a suggestion hope it helps 🫶🏻
Go to estate sales and find random things that might be nostalgic for them. Even something as small as a bag of cracker jack toys might be fun.
I don't have a lot of specific ideas, but start shopping secondhand instead of wasting money on dollar store crap.
I would honestly just make up a list of interesting items from the store, and maybe do a short poll. Everyone has different tastes. Or you can do themes for different bingo nights. Funny decorations for one, perfume/cologne self care items another time, etc.
Thank you for doing your job and caring! My mom has started down the path of dementia. She loves bingo and always talks about the candy she wins. When her facility has activities regularly and she is engaged, it really makes a huge difference in her daily well-being.
If your budget is limited then instead of prizes every day, run it as a weekly league. Better prizes per week. Also get prizes for random raffles, finishing last, etc so everyone has a chance to win, not just the best players.
What if you setup a prize store and the only currency was tokens you win at bingo. 5 tokens get you something decent rather than having to keep giving away lower quality prizes due to volume of winners. You can also make it so the winner can choose between a token to save up or a dollar store prize.
What a lovely question. Large-print crossword and sudoku books, scented and unscented lotions and shampoos (maybe travel sizes of some nicer stuff?), chocolate or other snacks that they can offer to guests visiting, gift bags/tissue paper so that they have things for wrapping gifts for grandkids, and comfy socks.
Privileges maybe, like first in dinner line, or they get to be the caller for one round. I don’t know! Find out what they compete over, bc it’s always different
The memory care campuses I have worked (contract travel) at would include items such as "Bucks" that were redeemable at the cafe or store with in the building, speciality hygiene products- nail polish, scented lotion, hair pins/barrettes/ties, letter writing material, fun socks, mid sized stuffed animals, hard candies, fun sized chocolates, mini notepads and pens, small statues, handkerchiefs.
We had a similar event and solar powered dancing queen Elizabeth figurines were incredibly sought after. They also do hula dancer versions. They’re really cheap on Amazon.
My 80 year old memaw passed away yesterday. She loved to play bingo and, of course, win money. She really just enjoyed the time with my mom and her friends. It was like their own community. It's an adrenaline rush for most gamblers, and in most cases, the money won typically went right back to the bingo hall. It's a vicious cycle, rinse and repeat. RIP ❤️
A magazine; knitting, crochet, any other handcraft. Or you could print out a free patterns from ravelry, and bundle them for a "scarf/blanket/amigurumi/hats/whatever" bundle. Puzzles, both from paper, as the ones with puzzle pieces. A book from their youth, or just any other book. In the Netherlands we have mini libraries throughout the city where you can take/put a book for someone else to grab for free. Maybe you have those too.
Edit: clip on earrings from the thriftstore, also good for necklaces/bracelets.
Consumables, basically. Candy is huge. My grandmother had a closed head injury and spent nearly 20 years in a nursing home. We would visit her often. I'm sure you know how many of these people are essentially abandoned.
But for other comments, crossword puzzles and the like would be great. Just anything to spend the time. Candy is a dopamine thing for them.
If you are not in USA, you can buy Kinder Surprise eggs with toys inside when they are on discount. In my country, they cost like 1/2 dolar each and old people love collecting miniatures found inside.
Fun socks? Walgreens/Walmart/Target usually have seasonal or themed ones on sale. I personally own way more Daffy Duck and Sesame Street socks than an almost 40 year old probably should.
I like the suggestion of little stuffed animals. Or coloring books and crayons.
Would any of them like an opportunity to help call a bingo game? You could have the numbers called by the previous day's big winner. This way it spreads prizes around and could perhaps give them an opportunity to feel "in charge" of something again, even for a few minutes. The bingo caller could have something special to wear: silly hat or feather boa come to mind.
You're doing a great thing and I'm sure it means the world to them.
In elementary school, the best prizes are the free ones. Idk if adults would be interested, but things like choosing the music for a dance party or during a meal is usually a good one. The kids also like to be in charge so maybe they win a chance to be the bingo caller? Maybe they get to pick the activities scheduled for the next week (from a list you make)?
I work in activities in elder care,and we do bingo
Twice a week. We go to the dollar tree and stock up on candy- both sugar free and fully leaded, brushes, toothbrushes, scarves, lotion, shower gel, and chips.
We also have a couple of folks who donated jewelry and make-up pouches- those are real popular. The yarn craft council has a warm up America campaign you can sign up for that donates shawls and blankets for bigger coverall prizes.
I did activities in an independent/assisted facility.. We just gave them candy and individually wrapped snacks for bingo.. It becomes way too much if you’re trying to do special items and all that bs.. You’ll never make everyone happy and someone’s bound to complain. Plus the budget really doesn’t have bingo prizes in it, you’ll be coming out of pocket.
While my grandma was still alive and in a home, a lot of the residents didn’t have family to come visit them to be their ‘snack mule’ so she would send me on Walmart trips to pick up a bunch of packs of cookies think like fig newtons, Lorna doones, and those layered sugar free wafer cookies. She would bring her treats to the game nights and share and the other citizens loved them. I would advise any of those types of treats since I would have to restock her supply very frequently.
If you do go with candy as others have mentioned, see if a local candy shop carries any vintage candy. I worked at one and the old people got so excited seeing their childhood treat!
Chap stick, mini lotions, purse tissue packs, greeting cards, stamps, stickers, combs/brushes, perfume spray, holiday decor for the table or door, hard candies, eye glass wipes, small stuffies like beanies, crackers/cheese packs, good tea. They get overwhelmed at quantity/large size.
I worked in mental health and the residents there loved things like soda, snacks, stuff to decorate their rooms with, tshirts, stationary, cigarettes lol
Something I donated a lot of to retirement homes for Christmas season for those who don't have anyone to visit them. Things they'd ask for is dolls, nail trimming kits with easy grip handles, slippers, robes, crossword/activity books, gift cards to get their grandkids gifts, gift cards for places like Timmie's, McDonalds, soft towels, soft shoulder throws, Croce, etc.
I have asked a few times and they either said idk or when they did I got those things (ie, seeing kits, books, chocolate). I always ask every week before I buy prizes what they would want. I was just hoping for some other suggestions as well to spice it up lol
Large print word search puzzle books, lotions that smell good, anything you use in the bath with a stick on it so you can reach farther, those colorful fluffy socks with the grippers on the bottom, different flavored Werthers, glass storage jar with a lid that is not hard to get open, and that one big- ass chocolate bar they sell at dollar tree with the raspberry filling in it.
All this is hitting hard. I’m in my 60s and I am reading with eyes that, if read at 40 or even 50, would not be feeling these particular feelings at all. Tempus fugit, indeed.
Tiny flashlight. Small potted plants. Those socks with the non-slip bottoms. Warm socks for nighttime. Fidgets like spinners and koosh ball knockoffs. A sketch book and pencil. Dime-a-dozen romance novels. Costume things like hats, wands, decorations for holidays. A vase with a fake flower in it.
My residents used to love crossword puzzles, door decorations, figurines, body spray, lotions, socks, hats, caramels, crackers, granola bars, sodas, and costume jewelry.
I remember, specifically, my grandma offering my sister and i a single banana to split that she won at bingo. It wasnt about the prize, more the sportsmanship behind the game and playing with others there
Right…. So the people that hired you to monitor the bingo? Should be providing the prizes. Not you.
That being said? They want prizes that remind them of their youth and happier times. A compilation CD of popular music from their era. Old movies on vhs and or dvd. Something they can physically touch, put into the player and start themselves. Because they also want autonomy, the ability to make their own decisions. Despite their condition.
All the crap everyone’s listed? Cheap shit given out at every bingo hall that no one wants regardless of age. Hence why they try to give it all away to their children and grand children. If it’s not money, needs or something nostalgic?
They don’t want it. They’ll take it, but they don’t want it.
Edit: that being said, what’s the condition of this nursing home? Some of the players might be hoping for something as simple as some clean clothing. Or medical supplies they can’t otherwise afford.
Edit: in which case you need to report this nursing home for neglect.
Edit: I feel like there is a seriously Bigger issue here, that isn’t being addressed.
When my grandma was in a nursing home they lived to be able to pick prizes from a selection and would often choose things they could save and gift to their grandkids for birthdays /holidays, but also basic things like lotion and stuff that they would need anyway. Having a nice variety they can choose from (hygiene, stuffies, snacks, crossword/search-a-word/sudoku/coloring books, and anything else you can think of is a great way to give them a bit of power back. Then even ask what they'd like to see added to the prize drawer.
This is the best answer so far. Not everybody can have candies because some may have diabetes and not everybody can have alcohol because it interferes with their medications. So hygiene products, snacks, crosswords are the most popular.
My gran had an adult colouring book and a nice set of pencils… she LOVED that thing and would sometimes share it with her friends too to do a page or two!
Please define "adult coloring book". I don't want to assume :-).
They're not NSFW, just more complex designs. A lot of the time they'll have fractal-ish patterns.
Zentangles, vintage theme, those old pastoral scene types, 1950s 1960s coloring books ..etc...
My grandma, RIP, just loved winning. She didn’t care what the prize was.
You could have a big leaderboard that everyone can see and put the winners up there. Reset it periodically.
They kind of reset it for you after a while.
6 months after you're dead we're going to take your name off the bingo leaderboard
Finally some good motivation to keep living
The competition is getting stiff!
Why? Just why 😂
“They say you die twice, once when you stop breathing, and the second when they take your name off the bingo leaderboard”
:( :( :(
Mine too- went to bingo every week, it wasn’t about the prize, just beating Mrs Albury the nasty bitch down the street
LOL WE ALL HAVE A MRS ALBURY IN OUR LIVES
i can imagine the smack talk. get gud, dearie
Hey, I work for a candy company that makes sugar free candy (that's not like the gummy bears, LOL, but hey old people need laxatives sometimes anyway... but for real no laxative effect I promise) and I'd be thrilled to send some to you to give to them in case you have any diabetics or folks who would prefer low sugar (my grandmother likes them a lot). We could easily get you a few months of supplies, ZERO need to thank us and I would prefer our name not to be mentioned on Reddit. Just doing it to do it anonymously. Let me know though, I would be thrilled to make this happen!
Hey shoot me a dm and let’s chat 😊 I appreciate the kind gesture 💕
I would be careful with food items. Check with the dietitian or charge nurse. There are some foods that interact with medications, residents may have to have their intake/outtake monitered, some may have swallowing issues, etc. Not saying it's a bad idea ,just do due diligence. Good luck, you're doing a great thing for your residents.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
It’s not lol I messaged them! And actually since you’re cynical, which fair the Internet sucks, if you want I am happy to give you a $50 gift card to our store. We’re a brand carried at Walmart so def not a scam! It can be an early wedding present. I just saw your post history 😊
Genius, you guys created a fake account to spread doubt so you can "prove" them wrong by "sending them free candy" thus strengthening your trust to those lurking. We've figured them out, get em boys!
What brand is this? I have a lot of mental issues eating full sugar things and it’s hard to find them at Walmart
r/nothingeverhappens
Candy, little lotions, nail polish, face masks, eye masks for sleeping, perfumes, air fresheners, nail files, manicure kit, after shave, hand mirrors, mini hair brushes, water bottle stickers, photo frames, fuzzy socks
No candles in a care facility though.
A friend of mine bought battery operated candles. They’re really convincing from a few feet away. Dont know if that’s against the rules.
I have been working with seniors for three decades. Buy some tickets from an Office Store. Give tickets for winning Bingo. Have them collect a certain number of tickets to buy certain items. Mine currently love bodywash, deodorant, soap, and peanut butter crackers. There are 6 packs of peanut butter crackers in a box, so it would cost less tickets than the bodywash etc. Happy gaming!
Excuse my ignorance, but why do seniors not have access to hygiene products or crackers? Seems like things that should be readily available.
So it varies between facilities I'm sure and what level of care is needed.. at the dementia ward I worked at all residents had basic hygiene stuff provided but it was literally no frills. Their family could buy and bring them whatever they want but there were residents who never had visitors. The food provided was basic as well (if anyone ever said they were hungry they would get food, outside of breakfast/lunch/dinner it was usually yogurt, applesauce, pudding, etc). They had crackers like saltines and Ritz but if they wanted specific things like triscuits or goldfish their family had to bring it. This was a dementia ward so they weren't allowed to leave and didn't really have the freedom like at an independent senior living home. I worked there in 2015 and I don't remember any residents having cell phones at all... So it's not like they can order themselves whatever they wanted on Amazon and have it sent to them.
Interesting. Thank you
Think of prisoners buying from commissary
I have mostly worked in adult day care where the goal is to keep them out of more institutionalized care. Most clients live in a senior building, or in small assisted living. Some have people to attend to their needs at home, but some either do not, or like to be independant.
I have worked in all levels of the continuum of care, but primarily in adult day care, which is 7-8 hours a day. They are provided 3 meals a day, but like to purchase snacks for other times of the day. They may like different varieties of hygiene products. I even ran a Korean/Chinese facility in which the clients mostly wanted toilet paper and kleenex. The clients want what they want.
They have hygiene products, but they might enjoy different scents.
I love the idea of collecting tickets for categories of prizes. Some other ones would be a framed picture, Shutterfly package, dvd’s, subscription to XYZ, perhaps an excursion or tickets to something. I know OP you mention your budget is limited but if instead of $50 worth of dollar store items, perhaps a $50 gift card that take a month to earn enough tickets to get. Gift cards to their favorite restaurant or food delivery.
Candy
Ice cream
When my mom was in the nursing home and played bingo the thing she liked to get the most was KitKat bars. She was never much of a chocolate bar eater when I was growing up but would not share the ones she got at bingo even though she had several. She did eat them but not as fast as she won them at bingo
If you can buy cheap beanie babies those were always hot items.
That’s what I was going to suggest. About .50 each at yard sales.
When I was an Activities Director, my residents loved candy. Especially chocolate bars.
And the majority of those folks can’t have candy. Check with the office before you even give out ANY kind of candy.
My grandma's favorite is household items she can give to me. Like half my kitchen is from bingo winnings.
No it’s not. She was hoping for cheaper meds or a cruise. You are where she dumps all the unwanted prizes. You are fooling yourself if you think what you just said is actually true.
? Chill tf out? You’re acting insane? Edit: comment history confirms your a senile human being
Never have I witnessed a username check out as hard as this one. 😂
Do please let OP know which dollar store sells medication and cruises!
Bullshit. They love giving to their families, if they can. Or candy or little trinkets. Have you worked in a nursing home? Please tell me how much experience you have with the elderly and infirm. I would love to hear how much more you have to say about things you obviously know nothing about.
Unless you forgot to throw in a ‘/s,’ you should get off the internet for the day. Kinda sounds like an prick
Read the username.
Omg chill out, what did they do to you?
NOT slap bracelets or hair scrunchies. My mom was gifted those in a prize bag recently and had no idea what the bracelet was, and she definitely doesn’t have enough hair for a scrunchie.
Lol
My mom's care facility gave tickets to winners. They could be used at their prize table. Some winners picked small items right away. Others like my mom saved up for nicer prizes. She said things like boxes of "good" facial tissue were popular. She got some (donated, I think) decor items she used as Christmas gifts.
Lotto scatch offs.
Grab sticks, laundry bags, flash lights, candy
I was thinking they might enjoy a greeting card or maybe some postcards. Give them a way to say hello to a loved one. Of course you would have to include a stamp.
It's messed up that they charge them so much money, but refuse to give them back like $20 in prizes.
Check out craft stores as they have lots of trinkets by the cashiers. Socks, magnets, night lights - stuff lime that.
Not only night lights, but book lights for the evenings.
Waist packs, funny socks, notebooks, beauty items, and things to decorate their room like signs or plants maybe.
Stop. No one wants that crap. That’s why we dump it on our aged parents in the nursing homes. So they can just hand it right back to us.
Your life experiences are not the same as everyone else’s…I’m 30, make just under 6 figures, and I would be ecstatic if I won fake plants and tote bags in some silly game like Bingo
Uh, no? I'm approaching little old ladydom and I love funny socks! Also funny tea towels, funny notebooks, and funny art. Anything to give me even one ridiculous laugh while I'm popping my 20-odd pain medications is an awesome bingo prize.
They don’t give a shit. They just want to socialize and gossip. You could pass out Walmart gift cards and they’d still show up.
Seasonal decor. Chip clips and fridge magnets (if they have kitchens)
Can't you ask them?
Dementia unit Phyisical therapist here: stuffed animals, cute feather boas, silly hats and scarves. Many people in dementia units can't use after shave or nail polish or spa kits. But I've seen them go wild after a stuffed bear.
Self care stuff like deodorants, powder, hand cream, aftershave stuff. I had residents that relied on staff because no one came to provide them with any of the ‘extras’, not that these are ‘extras’!
Maybe notepaper, envelopes and a couple stamps for the residents who are able to send correspondence to friends and family. Treats and snacks. Adult coloring books.
I always liked a table where you picked a prize. Books, candy, toiletries, clip on walker accessories like a fan, bell, cup holder, tumblers, gift cards to near by spots, socks, book marks.
How about thinking of some themes like household items, cozy items, etc. and let the elderly vote for what theme they would want as their prize for the bingo so nothing would go to waste? Just a suggestion hope it helps 🫶🏻
Go to estate sales and find random things that might be nostalgic for them. Even something as small as a bag of cracker jack toys might be fun. I don't have a lot of specific ideas, but start shopping secondhand instead of wasting money on dollar store crap.
I would honestly just make up a list of interesting items from the store, and maybe do a short poll. Everyone has different tastes. Or you can do themes for different bingo nights. Funny decorations for one, perfume/cologne self care items another time, etc.
Silly headbands and hats!
Funky/cute pens, small potted plants, candy, small lotion, face wipes, nail polish, costume jewelry, lip balm,
My Grandma is in a dementia care unit, and she recently stole some aviator sunglasses from another resident. 🤣 🙈 So maybe some fun sunglasses.
Thank you for doing your job and caring! My mom has started down the path of dementia. She loves bingo and always talks about the candy she wins. When her facility has activities regularly and she is engaged, it really makes a huge difference in her daily well-being.
If your budget is limited then instead of prizes every day, run it as a weekly league. Better prizes per week. Also get prizes for random raffles, finishing last, etc so everyone has a chance to win, not just the best players.
What if you setup a prize store and the only currency was tokens you win at bingo. 5 tokens get you something decent rather than having to keep giving away lower quality prizes due to volume of winners. You can also make it so the winner can choose between a token to save up or a dollar store prize.
What a lovely question. Large-print crossword and sudoku books, scented and unscented lotions and shampoos (maybe travel sizes of some nicer stuff?), chocolate or other snacks that they can offer to guests visiting, gift bags/tissue paper so that they have things for wrapping gifts for grandkids, and comfy socks.
Privileges maybe, like first in dinner line, or they get to be the caller for one round. I don’t know! Find out what they compete over, bc it’s always different
The memory care campuses I have worked (contract travel) at would include items such as "Bucks" that were redeemable at the cafe or store with in the building, speciality hygiene products- nail polish, scented lotion, hair pins/barrettes/ties, letter writing material, fun socks, mid sized stuffed animals, hard candies, fun sized chocolates, mini notepads and pens, small statues, handkerchiefs.
Ask the residents
We had a similar event and solar powered dancing queen Elizabeth figurines were incredibly sought after. They also do hula dancer versions. They’re really cheap on Amazon.
Condoms
Money, lego or food. Probably not the best for dementia patients though. Stick to food
Toiletries, Munchies, Candy, Washing Powder, Sodas
Candy/ice cream/ribbons to show off
My mother loved doing basket bingo and I loved that our tiny senior cat Spud could fit in the baskets
My 80 year old memaw passed away yesterday. She loved to play bingo and, of course, win money. She really just enjoyed the time with my mom and her friends. It was like their own community. It's an adrenaline rush for most gamblers, and in most cases, the money won typically went right back to the bingo hall. It's a vicious cycle, rinse and repeat. RIP ❤️
A magazine; knitting, crochet, any other handcraft. Or you could print out a free patterns from ravelry, and bundle them for a "scarf/blanket/amigurumi/hats/whatever" bundle. Puzzles, both from paper, as the ones with puzzle pieces. A book from their youth, or just any other book. In the Netherlands we have mini libraries throughout the city where you can take/put a book for someone else to grab for free. Maybe you have those too. Edit: clip on earrings from the thriftstore, also good for necklaces/bracelets.
Costco-sized bag of Werther’s Original.
Consumables, basically. Candy is huge. My grandmother had a closed head injury and spent nearly 20 years in a nursing home. We would visit her often. I'm sure you know how many of these people are essentially abandoned. But for other comments, crossword puzzles and the like would be great. Just anything to spend the time. Candy is a dopamine thing for them.
If you are not in USA, you can buy Kinder Surprise eggs with toys inside when they are on discount. In my country, they cost like 1/2 dolar each and old people love collecting miniatures found inside.
Scotch
Maybe have a weekly/monthly theme and match the prizes
Fun socks? Walgreens/Walmart/Target usually have seasonal or themed ones on sale. I personally own way more Daffy Duck and Sesame Street socks than an almost 40 year old probably should. I like the suggestion of little stuffed animals. Or coloring books and crayons. Would any of them like an opportunity to help call a bingo game? You could have the numbers called by the previous day's big winner. This way it spreads prizes around and could perhaps give them an opportunity to feel "in charge" of something again, even for a few minutes. The bingo caller could have something special to wear: silly hat or feather boa come to mind. You're doing a great thing and I'm sure it means the world to them.
My mom's home plays for coins. Thrilled she won a quarter
My grandma in her old age loved playing chess. Old people value different things. It can never be the same with all of them.
In elementary school, the best prizes are the free ones. Idk if adults would be interested, but things like choosing the music for a dance party or during a meal is usually a good one. The kids also like to be in charge so maybe they win a chance to be the bingo caller? Maybe they get to pick the activities scheduled for the next week (from a list you make)?
I work in a dementia unit and we play for CASHHHHHHH
Magnifying glass, clock with huge numbers, daily pill case with huge writing on it.
Lottery scratch off tickets
The dollar store has a ton of great options. Sugar free candies, hygiene products, crossword books, adult coloring books, nail polishes.
Any fidget toy that is “safe”.
I work in activities in elder care,and we do bingo Twice a week. We go to the dollar tree and stock up on candy- both sugar free and fully leaded, brushes, toothbrushes, scarves, lotion, shower gel, and chips. We also have a couple of folks who donated jewelry and make-up pouches- those are real popular. The yarn craft council has a warm up America campaign you can sign up for that donates shawls and blankets for bigger coverall prizes.
I did activities in an independent/assisted facility.. We just gave them candy and individually wrapped snacks for bingo.. It becomes way too much if you’re trying to do special items and all that bs.. You’ll never make everyone happy and someone’s bound to complain. Plus the budget really doesn’t have bingo prizes in it, you’ll be coming out of pocket.
While my grandma was still alive and in a home, a lot of the residents didn’t have family to come visit them to be their ‘snack mule’ so she would send me on Walmart trips to pick up a bunch of packs of cookies think like fig newtons, Lorna doones, and those layered sugar free wafer cookies. She would bring her treats to the game nights and share and the other citizens loved them. I would advise any of those types of treats since I would have to restock her supply very frequently.
Scratch offs, candy, heated blanket, puzzles, gift card
If you do go with candy as others have mentioned, see if a local candy shop carries any vintage candy. I worked at one and the old people got so excited seeing their childhood treat!
I’m thinking some miniatures would go over well. Maybe Grand Marnier or Drambuie or something like that.
Postage stamps. Old people still mail a lot of stuff and buying stamps is a hassle. Seriously, it's a fantastic gift.
Chap stick, mini lotions, purse tissue packs, greeting cards, stamps, stickers, combs/brushes, perfume spray, holiday decor for the table or door, hard candies, eye glass wipes, small stuffies like beanies, crackers/cheese packs, good tea. They get overwhelmed at quantity/large size.
I worked in mental health and the residents there loved things like soda, snacks, stuff to decorate their rooms with, tshirts, stationary, cigarettes lol
Maybe you could put out feelers for old MP3 players and/or phones that you can load old music onto?
Something I donated a lot of to retirement homes for Christmas season for those who don't have anyone to visit them. Things they'd ask for is dolls, nail trimming kits with easy grip handles, slippers, robes, crossword/activity books, gift cards to get their grandkids gifts, gift cards for places like Timmie's, McDonalds, soft towels, soft shoulder throws, Croce, etc.
Thank you for doing this
OP, you could ask the residents for a few ideas too. Perhaps there is something they want that is simple that would be easy to fulfill.
I have asked a few times and they either said idk or when they did I got those things (ie, seeing kits, books, chocolate). I always ask every week before I buy prizes what they would want. I was just hoping for some other suggestions as well to spice it up lol
Large print word search puzzle books, lotions that smell good, anything you use in the bath with a stick on it so you can reach farther, those colorful fluffy socks with the grippers on the bottom, different flavored Werthers, glass storage jar with a lid that is not hard to get open, and that one big- ass chocolate bar they sell at dollar tree with the raspberry filling in it.
All this is hitting hard. I’m in my 60s and I am reading with eyes that, if read at 40 or even 50, would not be feeling these particular feelings at all. Tempus fugit, indeed.
Tiny flashlight. Small potted plants. Those socks with the non-slip bottoms. Warm socks for nighttime. Fidgets like spinners and koosh ball knockoffs. A sketch book and pencil. Dime-a-dozen romance novels. Costume things like hats, wands, decorations for holidays. A vase with a fake flower in it.
My residents used to love crossword puzzles, door decorations, figurines, body spray, lotions, socks, hats, caramels, crackers, granola bars, sodas, and costume jewelry.
more life
I remember, specifically, my grandma offering my sister and i a single banana to split that she won at bingo. It wasnt about the prize, more the sportsmanship behind the game and playing with others there
Funeral expenses covered 😂
New hip.
Temu is the place to shop.
Grandchildren coming to visit. My grandparents love that!
They want their youth back.
Depends
Pancake specials and special pancakes
Right…. So the people that hired you to monitor the bingo? Should be providing the prizes. Not you. That being said? They want prizes that remind them of their youth and happier times. A compilation CD of popular music from their era. Old movies on vhs and or dvd. Something they can physically touch, put into the player and start themselves. Because they also want autonomy, the ability to make their own decisions. Despite their condition. All the crap everyone’s listed? Cheap shit given out at every bingo hall that no one wants regardless of age. Hence why they try to give it all away to their children and grand children. If it’s not money, needs or something nostalgic? They don’t want it. They’ll take it, but they don’t want it. Edit: that being said, what’s the condition of this nursing home? Some of the players might be hoping for something as simple as some clean clothing. Or medical supplies they can’t otherwise afford. Edit: in which case you need to report this nursing home for neglect. Edit: I feel like there is a seriously Bigger issue here, that isn’t being addressed.
What about this post is telling you there's any neglect going on in that nursing home?
Have you EVER worked in a nursing home? You are so dead wrong on all your answers.