Adapting Spintopia for Seniors in Memory Care or Those with Dementia

Choose puzzles with familiar phrases or categories, like common sayings, favorite foods, or holidays.

Select puzzles with more common consonants and fewer vowels. For example, "Strawberry" is easier than "Peach," since it has more common letters.

Longer puzzles can actually be easier, as there are more chances to guess letters correctly.

Offer verbal or visual hints to assist with guessing.

Use the keyboard shortcut Shift + to zoom in and Shift - to zoom out on the puzzle in the game, making it easier for participants to see the letters.

Instead of asking participants to come up with letters on their own, offer two possible letter choices (e.g., “Do you want P or S?”). Make sure both letters are in the puzzle so they experience success no matter what they choose.

For additional help, you can reveal the first letter of the word to get them started.

Play as one big team, allowing everyone to contribute together. This reduces individual pressure and increases enjoyment.

Keep the atmosphere positive and celebrate correct guesses to encourage continued participation.

Slow down the game to allow more time for participants to process and respond.

It’s perfectly fine to play only 1-3 rounds instead of all 6. Take your time and keep the experience relaxed.

Show related images (e.g., a picture of a beach for a puzzle with "Beach Vacation") to offer extra context.

Provide support by narrowing down options or giving subtle hints to help participants succeed and feel empowered.