Through our connections with primary care colleagues, we were asked to support local care homes with the delivery of physical activity for their residents.
Sam, Physical Activity Development Officer from the Active Charnwood team visited Northfields Care Home as a pilot. Sam delivered some seated exercise games with the residents, and helped to upskill the Activities Coordinator on different ways to improve the strength, balance and mobility of residents. Sam left the team with some physical activity kit and equipment. This model serves as an example of low capacity, high reward. We will be attending the local care home network to promote this offer wider.
The challenge
Finding a sustainable model that does not require huge amounts of funding to resource. Previously we had funding to deliver a programme ‘Golden Games’, which included physical bags of kit and equipment for care homes. When this funding ended, we had to be creative with how we supported our care homes.
The solution
Linking in with care homes through our primary care contacts provides a great platform to create join up between the systems, and an opportunity to upskill multiple healthcare professionals. Moving our Golden Games programme online provides homes with a platform for creative activity ideas such as ‘Active Monopoly’ and ‘Activity Bingo’. The proposed model of 1 physical delivery session + upskilling provides an opportunity to work with more care homes, without requiring funding or heavy resources.
The impact
No funding required. Teams available to support whenever needed. Care home Activity Leads have a greater understanding of ways to get their residents moving, and the residents benefit from a new face delivering fun and engaging movement.
How is the new approach being sustained?
Approach the wider care home network to promote the offer, and utilize officer time to deliver sessions where needed.
Lessons learned
GP Practices often have great connections with local care homes and are able to introduce us and support the dissemination of resources and information.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Links to relevant documents
Golden Games | Active Together