Parties with a Purpose : A Handbook for Activity Directors

By Shirley L. Barrett, Allen's Nursing Home, West Kingston, Rhode Island. This unique game book will be ideal for use in nursing, convalescent and retirement homes; rehabilitation hospitals; senior day care centers; and other residential institutions. It contains forty-two parties, each based on a central theme - seasonable, historical or topical - with over one hundred related, challenging games that encourage maximum participation for all players, including the mentally and physically impaired. The games require a minimum of preparation and can be easily directed by one person. They range from old favorites with a new twist to original games devised to exercise specific' mental processes: word square and category games; body language, sound-alike, proverb and picture identification games; association games; rhythmic and creative games; and bean bag and relay games. All games have been tested for high interest level, ease of play, and maximum effectiveness in stimulating group interaction and individual achievement. Helpful tips for insuring staff cooperation, handling problem players, and keeping the parties flexible and interesting are provided.