From Spotlight on Health July/Aug. 2008

Residents enjoy new rec-Wii-ation

Watch out, Tiger Woods. Golf pros are flourishing at St. Benedict’s Senior Community.

Since purchasing Nintendo’s® Wii™ (pronounced “we”) video game console for recreational therapy, St. Benedict’s Senior Community has turned sports fans into video game enthusiasts.

Resident Ernest Gunderson was excited when a second Wii™ system was installed on his floor. Gunderson, who was on a bowling league for 10 years, has embraced the new electronic gaming.

“Now I will really be able to practice,” Gunderson said.

Wii™ features wireless controllers resembling TV remotes that encourage users to twist, turn and
become just as active as the characters on the screen while playing golf, baseball or boxing. Whether players are completely mobile or in wheelchairs, they can swing the “Wiimote” like a tennis racquet or mimic the motion of rolling a bowling ball down the lane. Sounds enhance the appeal by imitating the game in progress, sounding like real pins falling down.

“It’s good exercise for your body and a great way to stimulate your mind,” said Betsy Horsch, director of Therapeutic Recreation at St. Benedict’s Senior Community.

Besides the Wii™ in the Care Center, the St. Cloud campus also has Wii™ at Benedict Court, the assisted living apartments, and one in the Memory Loss Unit. St. Cloud Hospital Adult Rehabilitation also is using the Wii™ as part of its program.

“This computer game gives residents with memory loss the opportunity to do the things they love — even with physical limitations,” said Barb Smith, clinical unit manager for the Memory Loss Unit. “This is not a computer system where only the fingers move. The person needs to swing arms, flex elbows, use wrists, and with some games, move their whole body to play.”

“We want our residents to remain active with both their minds and bodies and thought the Wii™ would be a great addition to our facility,” said Angie Rangel, director of Benedict Court.

In Monticello, Wii™ is part of the entertainment in the new Club Room at The Village, the independent retirement living apartments. With the big screen TV, Wii™ is good competition for the more traditional games of pool or cards.

“The name Wii™ is perfect as I am now asking CentraCare Health Foundation for a ‘wee’ bit of money to buy some accessories,” Smith said. The four Wii™ systems were made possible by generous gifts from the residents’ friends and families through the CentraCare Health Foundation.

Learn more about St. Benedict's Senior Community.