Orchard House residents get active with Angela

By Carole Dennett Jul 17, 2020

Orchard House Care Centre in Newport are getting active with a new exercise programme undertaken by new Head of Lifestyles, Angela.

Residents participate in a variety of exercise classes throughout the week that accommodate for a wide range of physical abilities, including armchair exercises that can be adjusted for all levels of abilities and are also undertaken on a 1:1 basis for those living with a diagnosis of Dementia and need enhanced support in order to participate in the exercises.

Created to inspire senior-friendly physical activity, the exercise programme was launched to increase awareness on health and movement for the elderly, and to encourage lifestyle changes for an overall improvement to wellbeing, and illness prevention.

Angela, who is a qualified ‘Steady & Strong’ Instructor and a health and well-being coach said: “Regular, appropriate exercise has been shown to improve the functional abilities and psychological wellbeing of older people, including strength and balance. Taking part in physical activity improves and maintains strength and flexibility and is a key component of exercise in older people. Significant improvements can be seen with regards to depression and mood and postural issues, including a decrease in falls”.

Angela is aiming to document and record specific, measurable outcomes and goals over time to evidence these positive effects of regular exercise.

Gaynor Rhead, General Manager at Orchard House said: “The health and wellbeing of residents at our home is important to us. Developing these exercise classes is a great opportunity to try something a little bit different, so we have a developed a way of offering a range of different physical activities, curated specifically for elderly people where everyone could participate. We all have a lot of fun during these classes, even some of our staff are put through their paces!

In light of the current situation we are making sure extra effort is focused on creating an enjoyable environment for all of our residents, guaranteeing that there’s plenty on offer for all tastes and abilities. Whilst ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to social distancing advice.”

We are playing our part in the wider care sector and supporting the NHS where possible. We are currently still taking admissions into our care home for those that need care in the next 4 weeks, so please do give us a call on 01983 520022 if you are looking for care or need any further help.”