Peterborough progress

A Happy Group Atmosphere on Balanced Lives.

News reaches us from Peterborough of the progress made at our Balanced Lives programme in Werrington Lodge Care Home. The programme is having a very positive impact on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of care home residents. In fact, Balanced Lives has been such a success it has now moved to a much larger space, at the heart of the care home community.

Our Development Director, Anne Faulkner recently visited the home and noticed a dramatic physical shift in the lives of the participants on our Balanced Lives programme. “People have started to come out of their shells and join in with the exercises. There was a wonderful group atmosphere; it was gratifying to see people losing their anxiety, becoming more sociable and feeling less stressed.”

“I have seen social bonding happening in the group that would most likely not happen if they were left in their rooms and not encouraged to come out and practice with us.” Ray Pawlett, Mobility Lead Peterborough

The Balanced Lives programme is geared to individual needs and has been very successful in making improvements to strength and balance. Much of the credit must go to our Mobility Lead, Ray Pawlett who has successfully created a warm, community atmosphere.

Kay Windsor, Activities Co-ordinator at Werrington Lodge said: “Ray takes time to assist, support and guide residents who may need that little bit more help to achieve the exercises. He is very popular with residents, staff and visitors.”

Ray Pawlett says: We began with a core group, but this has grown as people saw what we were doing and decided to join in. I have seen social bonding happening in the group that would most likely not happen if they were left in their rooms and not encouraged to come out and practice with us. Most of the regular participants told me they have less joint pain since taking part in the programme. Many have said they can stand through the whole of a routine, which they could not do before. Importantly, they tell me that they enjoy doing the programme. It cheers them up.”

“It has been fascinating to see the whole care home community become involved.” Anne Faulkner, Development Director Action For Elders.

Action For Elders take a slightly different, gradual and patient approach to wellbeing within care homes. Yet, the end result is the same as our Balanced Lives Programmes in public spaces, a massive upsurge in the quality of life for participants.

We would like to thank the Albert Hunt Trust and Barchester Care for their support.

@Barchester_care #gerotwitter @RayPawlett