“The more you use your brain, the more you have to use.” — George Dorsey
In the Middle
Whether or not you like Wordle even better since The New York Times took it over, you’ll love this issue’s Brain Game. Find the common word that can be both the end of the first word and the beginning of the second word.
EXAMPLE: UNDER(DOG)HOUSE UNDERDOG DOGHOUSE
- BELL_ _ _FRIEND
- PIG_ _ _ LIGHT
- BUTTER _ _ _CAKE
- FORE _ _ _CHAIR
- HIGH _ _ _LAY
- TINKER_ _ _SHOP
- AIR _ _ _ _HOUSE
- SCREEN _ _ _ _GROUND
- YEAR _ _ _ _WORM
- SING _ _ _ _ BIRD
- BUSY _ _ _ _GUARD
- PAPER _ _ _ _PLACE
- OVER _ _ _ _OUT
- BOOT_ _ _ _SITE
- FINGER _ _ _ _BRUSH
- LIP_ _ _ _ _PIN
- NAME_ _ _ _ _FUL
- SNOW_ _ _ _ _ DOOR
- SWEET _ _ _ _ _ACHE
- WILL _ _ _ _ _FUL
ANSWERS
- BELLBOYFRIEND
- PIGPENLIGHT
- BUTTERCUPCAKE
- FOREARMCHAIR
- HIGHWAYLAY
- TINKERTOYSHOP
- AIRPORTHOUSE
- SCREENPLAYGROUND
- YEARBOOKWORM
- SINGSONGBIRD
- BUSYBODYGUARD
- PAPERWORKPLACE
- OVERCOOKOUT
- BOOTCAMPSITE
- FINGERNAILBRUSH
- LIPSTICKPIN
- NAMEPLATEFUL
- SNOWSTORMDOOR
- SWEETHEARTACHE
- WILLPOWERFUL
Don’t Assume
What appears to be a subtle change in a person — disinterest and eventual withdrawal — may not be a memory issue but hearing or vision loss. Simple modifications can make a big difference.
- If a person is hard of hearing, eliminate background noises and speak slower and increase your volume, especially if you have a soft voice. Face the person when you are talking with them.
- A person who loves to read may need a larger print. Sometimes a ruler will help the person keep their place. Start with simpler reading material or short stories.
- And don’t forget brain games and puzzles, just make sure they’re not childish. Feel free to fill in a few cues to encourage participation.
Want to try some more word games at various levels? Visit the PRODUCTS area at connectionsincommunication.com for sample pages from a variety of workbooks.
Kathryn Kilpatrick, speech-language pathologist and Geriatric Life Enhancement Consultant, has created a series of articles on Eldercare Concerns. Her website’s BLOGS section has more ideas to enhance communication and maximize visits.
