The cutting edge technology of the Wii Video Game System made by Nintendo is taking over our Therapy Department at Emerald Gardens Nursing Center. The Wii enables our therapists to better help and increase our resident’s functional mobility and encourage them to engage in camaraderie and even overcoming the reluctance of coming to therapy.

Residents are able to work on such skills as balance, strength, and range of motion. Even residents in wheelchairs can actively participate.

The nature of the Wii means that you use your arms, legs, and torso when playing. Most video games in the past had the player look at the screen and use a finger-controlled unit. While the Wii is still interactive in this sense, it also engages the user in a physically active manner-a clear evolution. Many of our short term residents have found a new reason for coming to therapy due to the success of the Wii Therapy Program. Their willingness to participate in therapy has also changed, they enjoy playing the Wii, and it is very motivational to them and makes them feel like they are progressing with therapy.