Facebook | Bryn Celyn Care Home

Nursing Home Residents Play Life-Size 'Hungry Hungry Hippos' Game During Lockdown

A nursing home in the United Kingdom is keeping its residents happy and sufficiently entertained during lockdown by setting up the kind of game kids have always dreamed about, but never actually been able to realize themselves: life-size "Hungry Hungry Hippos."

As CNN reported, staff at Bryn Celyn Care Home in Wales recently came up with the unique way of lifting residents' spirits, and a video of their DIY game in action has quickly gone viral online.

Michelle Williams​, the home's general manager, said the coronavirus has certainly impacted life at Bryn Celyn Care.

Facebook | Bryn Celyn Care Home

"Everyone in the home team and residents are worried about the virus," she told CNN. "But we are staying positive and doing what we do every day, which is supporting our residents, and keeping it as normal as possible."

She added that there are currently no coronavirus-related illnesses at the home, but it has still been placed under lockdown to keep its residents as safe as possible during the outbreak.

Since visitors are currently no longer allowed inside, residents are having to find other ways to fill their days.

Facebook | Bryn Celyn Care Home

Some are utilizing activities offered by the home, including cooking, quizzes, exercise classes and craft sessions.

But there's still always room for more entertainment, and staff definitely recognized the need for something that would both fill the day and lift the residents' spirits during this difficult time.

That's when the life-size "Hungry Hungry Hippos" game was introduced, and it's certainly done its job.

Facebook | Bryn Celyn Care Home

In a heartwarming video posted to the home's Facebook page, four elderly residents in wheelchairs can be seen gleefully snatching at plastic balls with makeshift hippo mouths, made from plastic baskets and broom handles.

"Residents really enjoyed playing a new game today Hungry Hippos," the caption reads. "Lots of laughter to lift morale of the team and residents!"

Since it was posted a week ago, the video has been viewed more than 2 million times and shared by over 26,000 users.

In the comments, people are expressing their joy at seeing the residents laugh and play together.

"Well done to the team that thought this out , bet it was great fun," one user wrote, while another added, "If this doesn't put a smile on your face, nothing will!"

Williams has shared an update following the incredible response to the "Hungry Hungry Hippos" activity.

Facebook | Bryn Celyn Care Home

"Bryn Celyn is a fantastic place and this is down to all the hard work and dedication of the fantastic team," she wrote via the home's Facebook page. "I would like to thank each and everyone of you for all that you do everyday to make our residents happy and safe."

There will be some tough times ahead," she continued, "but I know with the team we have we will get through it together."

h/t: CNN

Filed Under: