The theme for this year’s ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ is ‘Movement’ – and how it can improve mental health.
As a provider of person-centric homes, we feel it is important that our weekly timetable of activities offers a variety of opportunities that stimulate physical movement. The type of movement looks different for every resident and, through our kind, caring and experienced family of staff, we are equipped to offer care that ensures our residents are mentally, physically, and socially active, entertained and engaged. Our dedicated staff create weekly timetables, packed full of inclusive events and activities, that encourage residents participation at whatever level or ability.
Our Chair Exercises, Balloon Tennis and Tabletop Golf sessions are such good fun and are inclusive and engaging for all who wish to join in. Participation is encouraged and adapted around the ability of each person, with the aim of getting hearts pumping and everyone enjoying the euphoria of “feel good” hormones. Movement can boost positive moods and increase mental alertness and energy levels. On a physical level, our activity sessions are a great opportunity for stretching and strengthening limbs and torsos – and helping to alleviate neck and back issues. Staff regularly hear residents’ comment that they can feel muscles they haven’t used in a while.
Sessions are led by care home activity co-ordinators who plan stimulating timetables of activities to encourage residents to try something new which increases their confidence around the home. A playlist full of their favourite music usually accompanies these sessions which increases smiles as well as flexibility! Our caring staff love the ‘feel-good’ vibes of these sessions where fun and laughter always fills the air. This positive energy is magical for their motivation and mental and physical wellbeing.
There are opportunities for fine motor movement in baking, animal therapy and our gardening club sessions which offer the bonus of being able to get out into the fresh air. Residents are supported daily to tend to the seeds and plants they are growing creating such a sense of achievement as they watch them grow. Taking part in group activities is perfect for encouraging personal relationships within the home and a wonderful opportunity for new members to make friends. We know how effective positive social interactions can be on our own mental health and wellbeing, so we make sure our social areas are warm and welcoming and accessible for all our care home community. Enjoying community living is an important part of life at Red Homes Healthcare. This is why we regularly ask for feedback and always reach out to our residents to see which activities they would like in their home.
Providing mental health support is one of our priorities. Our staff are provided with year-round training to ensure they are giving the best care. Regular mood monitoring and general well-being checks are part of their daily routine.
We form strong bonds with our families, and support them wherever we can. When a loved one moves into a care home, there are often emotional, social and physical challenges for them to overcome. Alongside the care we provide for our residents, we regularly invite our families along to enjoy our activities and events. This is over and above the regular progress meetings that are designed to keep everyone fully up to date with their loved one’s state of health and mind, and time to ask those all important questions. It also is a great way of knowing we are delivering the best care we can provide and making any adjustments that we can to make sure everyone feels heard.
