Care Home Games and Activities using a Wheel of Names

Updated: January 28, 2026

This page lists games and engaging activities you can do with a wheel of names in nursing and care homes for residents of all abilities.

• Group activity sessions: Spin the wheel to choose the next game, song, topic, or gentle exercise, keeping sessions lively and unpredictable.
• Memory and conversation prompts: Use hidden questions or prompts behind each wheel entry to encourage storytelling, reminiscence, and social interaction.
• Gentle physical activities: Reveal simple actions such as stretches, movements, or chair exercises, promoting mobility in a fun and non-pressured way.
• Fair turn-taking: Ensure every resident has an equal chance to participate, removing bias and making group decisions transparent.
• Personalised engagement: Create wheels tailored to individual interests, hobbies, or cultural backgrounds for more meaningful interaction.
• Cognitive stimulation: Add hidden quizzes, word games, or simple challenges behind each entry to support mental engagement.
• Music and entertainment choices: Let the wheel decide which song, artist, or performance comes next, adding excitement to music sessions.
• Positive anticipation: The spinning animation and reveal moment create curiosity, laughter, and shared enjoyment.
• Inclusive for all abilities: Simple visuals, clear text, and optional hidden activities make the wheel suitable for residents with varying cognitive and physical needs.
• Staff support tool: Helps carers and activity coordinators plan engaging sessions quickly, with minimal setup and maximum participation.