From America to Chingford – Care home residents take an unusual approach to getting fit

A care home in Chingford has been looking across the pond for inspiration on how to keep fit this January.

Residents at Gracewell of Chingford, on Hatch Lane, have been enjoying cheerleading as part of Care UK’s ‘Let’s Get Physical’ initiative – which aims to encourage residents to get up and active by trying something new.

Always looking for imaginative activities for residents to enjoy, the team at Gracewell of Chingford drew on inspiration from America’s favourite form of encouragement – cheerleading! 

Tailored for older adults, residents enjoyed a series of workouts, complete with pom poms, designed to encourage flexibility and improve posture. To fine tune their cheerleading skills, residents also enjoyed a seated hula hoop session with team members also joining in the fun. 

Keeping with the American spirit and ensuring the residents performed their exercises in a fitting environment, team members at the care home decorated the lounge with American flags, bunting and balloons. 

The ‘Let’s Get Physical’ initiative sees Care UK homes across the country encourage residents to move more by trying something new and exciting – whether that be a seated ballet class, disco yoga or even ice skating. 

Luciana Dobos, Home Manager at Gracewell of Chingford, said: “We had a fantastic time taking part in Care UK’s Let’s Get Physical campaign here at Gracewell of Chingford. 

“We are constantly looking for new and exciting ways to encourage residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, which is why cheerleading seemed like the perfect activity. Keeping fit is important for everyone, but exercise has many additional benefits for older people, from reducing the risk of falls to increasing wellbeing and confidence. 

“Fun, group activities, like cheerleading, can also prompt conversation and encourage new friendships to form between residents. Both residents and team members had a fantastic time, and we look forward to continuing more creative workouts into the rest of the year!”

As part of the initiative, Care UK has also teamed up with popular 80s fitness star, the Green Goddess, to create a series of bespoke exercise videos for its homes to enjoy. Residents and team members across the country are encouraged to don their best Lycra and neon accessories and take part in the fun new workouts. 

Diana Moran, the Green Goddess, said: “I am delighted to support Care UK to encourage residents across the country to get active by trying something new. 

“Regardless of age, keeping active is what keeps us young. Whether it’s walking a little further on your everyday stroll, or exercising a little longer, every day brings a new possibility. Even for those less mobile, chair-based exercises can be just as beneficial. Nothing should get in the way of you being the best version of you!”

Care UK is a rapidly expanding provider offering high quality care for both funded and private residents, with more ‘outstanding’ rated homes than any other provider. As well as having a strong reputation for sector leading quality care, Care UK has invested heavily in developing a market-leading hospitality and lifestyle product reflecting similar focus areas to the Sunrise and Gracewell approach.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Gracewell of Chingford, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Gracewell of Chingford, please call Bev John, Home Admissions Advisor  on 020 3930 2852 or email chingford.haa@gracewell.co.uk. 

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/care-homes/gracewell-of-chingford. 

To find out more about Care UK’s partnership with the Green Goddess, and for more top tips on how you and your loved ones can get involved at home, visit careuk.com/lets-get-physical.