Ring Toss is more than a game—it is a simple way to create connection, movement, and success together. It can encourage hand-eye coordination while giving the resident and volunteer something fun to do side by side.

The resident tosses the ring toward the volunteer, who holds the baton and tries to catch it. Every time the ring lands on the baton, you both win! This changes the game from “Can you do it?” to “Can we do it together?”

What you need

• Large plastic rings
• 1–2 plastic batons or wands
• Optional: a small basket or container to hold the rings

Set up

1. Seat the resident comfortably with enough space to move their arms.
2. Sit or stand directly in front of the resident, close enough to make the activity easy.
3. Hold the plastic baton upright at a comfortable height.
4. Place the rings within easy reach of the resident.

How to play

1. Give the resident one ring at a time.
2. Invite them to gently toss the ring toward the baton.
3. Move the baton slightly to help catch the ring when appropriate.
4. Celebrate every catch! Smile, clap, and say, “We did it!”
5. If the ring misses, simply laugh, encourage them, and try again. There is no score and no pressure.
6. Take turns if the resident would enjoy catching the ring with the baton.
7. Keep the game short and end while the resident is still having fun.

Make it a connection

While you play, make eye contact, smile, and talk with the resident. Celebrate their success rather than focusing on your ability to catch the ring. Try saying:

• “That was a great toss!”
• “You got it!”
• “Let’s do it again!”
• “We’re a great team!”
• “That made me smile!”

For residents with memory loss

For a resident who may struggle with memory or communication, success doesn’t have to depend on remembering rules or answering questions. They can simply toss, watch, laugh, and experience the joy of accomplishing something with another person. And that’s the real victory.

The ring may be the game, but the connection is the reward.