Care homes invited to take part in annual ‘road’ cycling event
Motitech, the Norwegian startup motivating older people and those with dementia in care homes to engage in more physical activity, has announced its partnership with British Cycling and Sport England. The partnership will support Motitech in delivering opportunities for older people to remain active through cycling. This includes the Road Worlds for Seniors 2019 cycling event that takes place throughout the month of September. Road Worlds for Seniors is Motitech’s global activity programme for cycling within care homes and care centres, which will run throughout September alongside the UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire. It will set the focus on physical activity for older people using its concept, Motiview, in which older people cycle through a choice of 1,700 locations on stationary bikes via a video projection that plays whilst the person pedals. The combination of exercise and visual stimulation increases activity levels in older people, and gives them the opportunity to revisit familiar places from their childhoods and other important points in their lives. This element of Motivew is especially important for those who live with dementia, as it provokes fond memories of familiar locations, such as their home town, or favourite holiday location, sparking conversations that bring the memories back to life. Everyone who participates will be rewarded for their efforts, with additional awards going to those who have cycled the furthest, and the care teams that have provided the best support. But this isn’t just a one-off event. The five-year partnership will see British Cycling and Sport England support the project through their Places to Ride capital grants programme, designed to deliver a lasting legacy from the 2019 Road World Championships by funding the development of multi-use facilities as well as facility improvement and equipment. The programme will engage with a broad spectrum of cyclists – encouraging people who have never cycled before to get on their bikes. Places to Ride has been made possible through a new £15m commitment from the UK Government, and will be delivered over the next three years through a unique partnership between British Cycling, Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). For Motitech, it means that the company will be able to provide equipment to an increased number of care homes, encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in physical activity in general, which has a significant, positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing. British Cycling will also be supporting the marketing and communications for the Road Worlds for Seniors. Road Worlds for Seniors creates friendly competition “We are incredibly excited to be able to announce the partnership with British Cycling and Sport England ahead of Road Worlds for Seniors this year”, says Jan Inge Ebbesvik, President of Road Worlds for Seniors at Motitech. “The support means that we can get even more people and care homes involved in Road Worlds for Seniors across the world, and create that feeling of friendly competition and community. We want to encourage older people to compete, have fun and get active at the same time. Through the combination of exercise, support from friends, families, and carers, as well as the support provided by British Cycling and Sport England, this year’s event is set to establish the unique application of technology to benefit older people as an initiative in parallel to existing cycling competitions, and a special fixture of the British sporting calendar.” “We are proud to be a key partner of Motitech’s cycling activity programme and the Road Worlds for Seniors”, adds Julie Harrington, British Cycling CEO. “It is vital that everyone has opportunities to remain physically active throughout their life, and the Motiview concept brings people together, forming new communities that may have never existed. We want people to get physically active and feel motivated to take part and cannot wait to see where, around the world, Motiview takes them.” Sports Minister Mims Davies said: “Sport has an incredible power to boost people’s mental well-being, as well as their physical health. I am delighted that our investment in this innovative project will help older people, and those with dementia, to get and enjoy being active.” Sport England’s Director of Facilities Charles Johnston said: “The benefits of physical activity for older people are considerable but often there are limited opportunities, especially for people living in care. We are pleased to have supported Motitech in bringing their innovative concept to the UK and are delighted to now be part of their long term partnership with British Cycling. The project will build a lasting legacy from the 2019 Road World Championships and accelerate access to opportunities for people living in care, across England, to have more opportunities to be physically active as part of their daily lives.” Jan from Motitech added: “We would love to have even more participants in this year’s Road Worlds for Seniors championship and anyone who is interested in finding out more, or even taking part, can email us at email@motitech.co.uk.”
Social group for the elderly aims to tackle isolation
TACKLING isolation is the aim of a new community group for elderly people living in Pelton and the surrounding area. The Hawthorn Project & Eat With Me initiative is a drop in social group to support elderly members of the community, their families, carers and friends. It aims to tackle social isolation and improve the wellbeing of elderly residents through regular gatherings and activities. The project is funded by Durham County Council through the Older People’s Social Isolation Fund, part of Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership. Meetings are being held at Pelton Community Centre, on Front Street, with attendees from nearby Pelton Grange Care Home, alongside others from the area. The home’s activities coordinator took resident Brenda Clifford to the first session, where she painted her own mug and chatted to other visitors. Brenda said: “I’ve never painted anything like a mug. It has pride of place in my bedroom now. “I hope more people get involved with the project.” Brenda has since encouraged several of her fellow residents to go to the sessions with her, including Dennis Fullerton, Jean Noddles and Barry Wyatt. Lyndsey Sale-Thorn, activities coordinator at Pelton Grange Care Home, said: “The sessions have been a great success, with lots of attendees from Pelton and the wider area. “It’s a great opportunity for our residents to mix with likeminded people and do activities in a different environment. “I’m pleased the community centre is putting on more events and we’re really glad to be able to support them.” Hyleen Wood, from Pelton Community Centre, said: “It’s lovely to have residents from Pelton Grange coming along to the sessions. “We see different residents coming along each time. They’re really enjoying the sessions. “Community members are also joining in and we’re seeing an increase in their participation at the sessions.” Hawthorn Project & Eat With Me sessions take place every Wednesday and Friday, from 10am to 11am, at the Pelton Community Centre, Front Street, Pelton. All are welcome. Pelton Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Toddlers and elderly both benefit from joint play
TEESSIDE toddlers and elderly care home residents are taking part in mutually beneficial intergenerational sessions. Drawing, dancing, singing and chatting brought together the youngsters at Busy Bees Nursery, in Thornaby, with residents from Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick. The youngsters, aged three and four years old, gave a warm welcome to the care home’s two visiting residents, Joyce Muir, 83, and Moira Hall, 79. Despite the age difference between the groups, both have benefitted from spending time in each other’s company, which has included several previous sessions at both the nursery and care home. Kelly Nicholson, manager at Busy Bees Nursery, said: “We have one very shy, quiet little boy. When our friends from Ingleby Care Home came over, he came right out of his shell. “He was sat talking to Moira on the cushion, who started to bring him out of his comfort zone by chatting away, and then in no time he was taking Joyce over to the drawing board and they were chatting away on what to draw. “He then ended the day of their visit by getting up dancing and singing away with Joyce. Staff couldn’t believe how much he had responded to the ladies and how different he was around them compared to how he is with his nursery friends.” Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, said: “We’ve had several sessions with Busy Bees Nursery now and they’re always a lot of fun for both our residents and the children. “This year, sessions have included pancake making and tossing as well as a sensory session, and we’re planning a picnic in the park later this year. “Residents always enjoy spending time with them. Their energy and enthusiasm rubs off on the residents, who always come away smiling and full of life. “We’re delighted to hear the sessions are having such a positive impact on the children as well and looking forward to further activities throughout the year.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Horticultural therapy for the elderly
Horticultural therapy as a trend is rising, not only amongst the elderly, but across the nation, as mental health stigmas are reduced. In this context however, we will be looking at what this type of therapy is and how it can be beneficial for those looking to get a bit greener with their fingers. What is it? Plant therapy or horticultural therapy involves the use of nature, and gardening as an activity, to evoke feelings of serenity and calmness. In a setting with older people, this can be an excellent way to reflect, but also to rediscover days gone by where gardening would have previously been a key hobby. Whilst you can get those who work full time as plant therapists to come to your care home, there are also simple additions you can make to encourage similar feelings in your patients. Seasonal relevance Whilst, plants and gardening are renowned for their positive wellbeing effects, it’s also important to focus on the season at hand. For example, if it’s autumn, projects involving autumnal leaves, or plants that bloom in this season, like the Crocus, can be a good way to focus on time as a concept, which often helps with dementia patients. The power of reminiscing about seasons gone by should not be ignored and can be a good way for people to interact whilst focusing on this one temporal topic. Practicalities Practically, there needs to be consideration given to the type of products you can use, but also the health and safety of any activity. For example, utilising arthritis-friendly garden tools, or raised planters can allow those with movement difficulties the option to join in. Ensure the plants being used in any therapy sessions are safe, for this reason, those with thorns or nettles are best avoided. Organisation is key As some of those involving themselves in horticultural therapy may have trouble relating to their memory, simple things can make gardening much easier. Use old plant pots and a marker pen to put into the flower beds to indicate what exactly is growing beneath the soil. This can be a huge help when keeping track of plants and flowers, especially if gardeners may have forgotten where exactly certain things were planted and when. It’s simple, it makes use of old plant pots and it’s one of the most useful things for gardeners (of any age!) Ensure it is on view The rehabilitative and wellbeing effects of gardens and plants come from being able to see them. By this we mean, ensure there is ample opportunity to view the greenery as it grows. There could be a particular viewing spot for those who may not be able to get involved, which is why planters at different heights is crucial to provide a varied viewing experience. If the garden is out of view from many people, it’s full potential is being wasted and it’s affects not fairly dispersed across the populace of the home. However far you want to take horticultural therapy, it can be a powerful tool in allowing older people to destress and unwind, whilst also providing something to focus their efforts on. Andy Baxter, MD at outdoor furniture and gardening supplies store, Internet Gardener
Tai chi sessions for North Yorkshire care home residents
TAI CHI sessions are being piloted at a North Yorkshire care home, Hazelgrove Care Home, to help residents with their mobility and stress levels. The ancient Chinese martial art is now being practiced at Hazelgrove Care Home, on Randolph Street, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Specialist sessions are being run for the elderly residents by facilitator Allison O’Neill, the owner of Saltburn based Guiding Light School of Holistic Education and Healing. Called Rainbow Tai Chi, the sessions are based on the international Capacitar Multicultural Wellness Education programme, which originated in the USA. Allison is piloting the therapeutic sessions at the home, which involves gentle, flowing movements to exercise the muscles without causing strain on the joints. The NHS advises that tai chi can help people aged 65 and over to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs. Allison said: “I was looking for a care facility where I could pilot the therapy and was thrilled when Hazelgrove invited me to work with the people who reside at the home. I look forward to coming to every session as the residents are very welcoming and the energy is really warm and inviting. And we also laugh a lot. Resident Joyce Baxtrum, who has been taking part in the sessions, said: “We’re going to shower ourselves with light.” Allison has also been running one-on-one reflexology and reiki therapy sessions with residents who struggle with mobility. Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Care Home, said: “We can see real benefits to the residents and their family members have also begun taking part. Residents overall well-being is enhanced from the gentle movement and the calming music. They enjoy visualising the movement of rainbow light and the whole therapy stimulates all their senses. Residents always look forward to the session.” For more information about Hazelgrove Care Home please visit www.milfordcare.co.uk
Portsmouth care home residents dance with Golden Toes
Portsmouth care home Hartford Court welcomes dance company Golden Toes to provide seated dance classes for the residents. The summer sessions include simple choreography influenced by different dance styles such as samba, flamenco and salsa to bring sparkle and joy through dance and music. The benefits of the sessions are numerous: The sessions are taught regularly by credible and talented dancer Alex Hewitt who began dancing at the age of eight then studied ballet, tap and modern and said: “I first visited Hartford Court in March of this year and each time I visit Hartford Court I get to know each resident a bit better! “I really enjoy seeing residents become more confident in the classes and getting to know more about all the personalities in the room. The best feedback I’ve recently received after a recent class included a man who told me that I had made him smile and that he hadn’t smiled in nearly six months.” Michelle Presdee is the General Manager at Hartford Court care home and said: “I think that the classes encourage residents to talk about their lives and share stories with each other which always lifts their spirits. The classes and shows are about making people happy and it’s wonderful seeing the smiles on our residents’ faces when they are dancing!” Veronique A Murdoch is the Managing Director of Golden Toes and commented: “Our classes encourage the residents to move their bodies in new ways, the most important part of the class is that the residents enjoy themselves.” Open since 2016, the prestigious purpose-built facility is located at the heart of Guardians Gate, adjacent to St. Marys Hospital on Milton Road in Portsmouth. The state-of-the-art 60-bed care home offers residential and dementia care including respite care and daycare services to the elderly people of Portsmouth and surrounding areas. The facilities at Hartford Court care home are truly exceptional and welcoming. The reception area incorporates a comfortable seating area, a resident’s shop and a hairdressing and nail salon. The rest of the home boasts a library, a choice of formal and informal dining rooms, a number of lifestyle kitchens and of course plenty of restful communal lounges including The Colonial Lounge, The Captain’s Quarters and the Parlour with lots of subtle influences from local author Charles Dickens. The quality of build, design and finish are second to none with nautical touches, inspired by the proud Naval History of the city of Portsmouth. Hartford Care is a family-owned business that has been established for over a century and its respect for residents’ privacy, dignity and individuality is central to its ethos. Michelle added: “We firmly believe that each and every one of our residents has an absolute right to choose the way they live their lives. We believe this ethos is why we have been recognised for three years in a row as a ‘Top 20 Care Home Group’ in the UK.” See golden-toes.com to find out more about the care home activities offered by the dance group or visit hartfordcare.co.uk to discover how Hartford Care offers person-centred care.
Powerful and classic cover songs, ideal for private events and public venues.
My name is Alexandra, I would like to offer my services as a singer. I am a trained therapist to diploma level with a deep appreciation and imagination for arts and crafts. Before my diploma I studied Health and Social Care and ran an activities job full time. I have a professional trained voice and a comprehensive knowledge of over a decade of songs. All this combined with a genuine interest in lifting the mood of the people I do my activities with and planning our goals. I create a supportive, humanistic approach with an interest in tell and hear stories and ideas during these activities. I hold a DBS and public liability insurance, both current and in date. I am happy to work with your individual requirements and can be flexible in my programme/set. Shows start at £45 and consist of background music while people congregate, as well as the opportunity to dance, sing or even project the words on request. I provide four different shows, including themed or seasonal. There will be music while setting up, which is delivered by my Waldorf speakers and lights which is fantastic to create an atmosphere. I also have access to over 10,000 karaoke tracks should anyone wish to take part. I sing Motown, Rock and Roll, Ballads, Golden Oldies, Christmas, other major holidays and celebratory music. I am based in Kingswinford so I can cover the West Midlands and surrounding areas. Please look at my website for further details of the services I provide, should any be of interest. I am happy to come and discuss how I could support your individual needs and budgets. Thank you for your time and interest and I hope to hear from you. www.prittyinpink222.wixsite.com/singeralexandra www.facebook.com/alexandra.singer0 www.carehome.co.uk/supplier.cfm/searchazref/65432205305 By the Light Of The Silvery Moon (Doris Day) Show me the way to go home Morning has broken (choir groups) Bicycle made for two (melody) Some enchanted evening (South Pacific) King of the Road (Roger Miller) You made me love you When you’re smiling (Louis Armstrong) Oh you beautiful doll (Rosemary Clooney) When the red red Robin (Doris Day) My Bonny lies over the ocean (Melody) Cheek to Cheek ( Ella Fitzgerald) Rock Around The Clock (Bill Haley) Danny boy (Irish Folk song) Yes Sir! That’s My Baby The White Cliffs of Dover-I’ll Be Seeing You We’ll Meet Again Lili Marlene-Roll Me Over-Bless ‘Em All Me and My Shadow I’ve Got Sixpence- Sit Under the Apple Tree The Lambeth Walk Jingle Jangle Wish Me Luck as You Wave Goodbye Shrimp Boats-On Top of Old Smokey It Had to Be You She Wears Red Feathers-My Truly, Truly Fair One of the Roving Kind Let Me Call You Sweetheart You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby Tip-Toe Through the Tulips (With Me) Goodnight Sweetheart All things bright and beautiful Button up your over coat Roll out the Barrels We’re Gonna Hang out the Washing Summer Holiday (Cliff Richard) I’ve Got Sixpence Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree The Lambeth Walk Jingle Jangle Jingle Wish Me Luck as You Wave Goodbye It Had to Be You She Wears Red Feathers-My Truly, Truly Fair One of the Roving Kind You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be. Will Be) Tip-Toe Through the Tulips (With Me) Goodnight Sweetheart Walking After Midnight (Patsy Cline) Top of the World (Carpenters) Teenager in love Nobody Does it better (Carley Simons) That’s Amore! (Dean Martin) I Wanna Be Loved By You (Marilyn Monroe Moon River (Andy Williams) Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly) Baby I need your loving (Four Tops) Diana (Paul Ank) Smoke gets in your eyes (Righteous Brothers) Can’t help falling in love with you (Elvis) Return to sender Heart Beat Be My baby (The Ronettes) Top of the World (Carpenters) Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen) Under the Boardwalk (The Drifters) I drove all night (Roy Orbison) Daydream Believer (Monkeys) Brown eye d Girl (Van Morrison) Do you love me! (Contours ) Hey Baby Let’s twist again Rock Around The Clock (Bill Haley) Devil in disguise ( Elvis Presley ) Do Ray Me (Sound of Music It’s not unusual (Tom Jones) Stand by me (Ben king) Can’t take my eyes off of you You are everything (Diana Ross) You lost that loving feeling Dream a little dream of me (Ella Fitzgerald’s) Stuck in the middle with you Achy Breaky Heart (Billy Ray Cyrus) Heart Beat Be My baby (The Ronettes) Diana (Paul Anka) La Bamba Baby I need your loving (Four Tops) Born free (Matt Monroe) It’s now or never ( Elvis) Arms of mine Sitting on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding) Brown eye d girl (Van Morrison) Suspicious mind Elvis I’ll be your sweetheart / I’m shy Mary Ellen/ Wonder who’s kissing her now Side by side / Lets all go down the strand! Boiled Beef and Carrots/ Lilly of Laguna/ For me and my girl / Have you even been lonely Waiting at the Church / Everything s is beautiful Ma she’s making eyes at me/ Alexandra Rag Time Band / If you new Suzie / Anyone here seen Kelly Singing In the Rain/ walking my baby back home/ who’s sorry now, You’ll |Never Know Are you lonesome tonight / I’m forever blowing bubbles/ After the ball/ I belong to Glasgow, The last waltz Down at the old Bull and Bush, Beer glorious Beer/ Town lovely black eyes/ When Irish eyes are smiling Carolina in the morning/ Shine on Harvest Moon/ If you where the only girl in the world. Hello Dolly , there’s a tavern in the two/ April showers/ on Mother Kelly s door step Pretty baby/ Paper Doll/ Sunny side of the street Any many more on request….
