Find the same
Look at the picture at the top and tap the same one below.
Picture Pairs: a Gentle Matching Game
Find the two pictures that are the same. Pictures can stay showing.
Tap a picture, then tap the one that matches it.
About picture pairs
Tap a picture, then tap the one that matches it. Pictures stay showing by default, so nothing has to be remembered. When two pictures go together they get a gold border and a check mark.
How to play picture pairs
- Choose how many tiles to use. Four tiles is a calm place to start.
- Tap any picture. It gets a gold border.
- Tap the picture that looks the same. The pair stays together with a check mark.
- If the two pictures are different, nothing bad happens. Tap again whenever you are ready.
- Turn on "Hidden pictures" only if you both enjoy the classic face-down version.
Tips for playing together
- Name the pictures out loud together and chat about them: "A red teacup. Do you take milk in your tea?"
- Let the person you care for do the tapping, even if it takes a while. Point rather than tap for them.
- Stay with four tiles for as long as it feels good. More tiles are a choice, never a level to reach.
- Finish while it is still enjoyable. One game is a complete activity.
New to playing with someone who has dementia? Read how to play games together, including what to do if they lose interest.
Questions and answers
Is there a timer or a score?
No. There is no clock, score, move counter or losing. You can stop at any moment, and stopping halfway is a perfectly good way to finish.
Why do the pictures stay face up?
Keeping pictures visible turns the game into looking and matching rather than remembering. Many people find this calmer. You can switch to hidden pictures in one tap if you prefer.
Is it free, and do I need to sign up?
Yes, it is free, and there is no account, sign-up or download. It works in the web browser on a phone, tablet or computer.
Can we use our own family photos?
Yes. Try Photo pairs, which lets you choose photos from your device. The photos stay in your browser and are not uploaded.
More gentle games
Picture puzzle
Tap two pieces to swap them until the picture is whole.
Finish the saying
Complete familiar sayings together, then talk about them.