Stay seated, stay fit initiative launched at Hastings care home
Mountside Care Home creates a new programme of fitness in a new partnership with community exercise company GFitness.
Particularly tailored towards older adults with less mobility, the fitness programme introduces an innovative chair-based fitness programme aimed at enhancing the health and mobility of its residents.
The collaboration, which marks a significant step towards promoting active lifestyles among the elderly, offers a series of gentle, yet effective, exercise classes designed to be performed from the comfort of a chair. These sessions focus on strengthening, flexibility, and mobility, addressing the specific needs of the care home's residents.
"We're thrilled to see the enthusiasm from our residents for the GFitness classes. It's quickly become the highlight of our well-being programme," said Mountside Care Home Deputy Raymond Brown. "The armchair exercise routine not only brings immense health benefits, but it aligns perfectly with our commitment to healthy living and enjoyable activities for all."
GFitness, known for its dedication to improving the quality of life for older individuals through exercise, has tailored the programme to ensure it is accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their mobility levels. The classes are led by experienced instructors who specialise in senior fitness, ensuring that each session is both fun and beneficial.
"This partnership with Mountside Care Home is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the adaptability and benefits of our exercise programmes for the elderly," said a representative from GFitness. "We believe that maintaining some form of fitness is crucial at any age, and it can often be challenging for those who are less mobile. Our chair-based exercises provide a perfect solution, making fitness accessible and enjoyable for everyone."
The initiative has been met with great enthusiasm from the residents, who look forward to their GFitness sessions as a way to stay active, improve their health, and socialise with friends.
Whether you’re looking for the best in residential care, specialist dementia services or short-term support, Mountside Care Home, owned by ACI Care offers the very best in elderly care in Hastings.
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The Old Rectory Care Home Celebrate Chinese New Year
Residents at The Old Rectory Care Home in Dymchurch experienced a cultural celebration like no other as they embraced the spirit of Chinese New Year with a lively lantern making activity.
Amidst the vibrant colours and rich traditions of Chinese culture, residents eagerly gathered to delve into the festivities surrounding Chinese New Year. Guided by the care home staff, they embarked on a journey of discovery, learning about the cultural significance of the holiday, the symbolism behind traditional Chinese lanterns, and even exploring the Chinese Zodiac to discover which animal represented their birth years.
Cheryl Waters, manager at The Old Rectory Care Home, expressed her delight at the enthusiasm shown by residents throughout the event. “We had an absolute blast learning about Chinese New Year and making our own lanterns. It was such a fun and enlightening experience; I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to share the experience with everyone.”
To complement the festive atmosphere, the care home’s kitchen cooked up a treat with a feast of familiar Chinese dishes for everyone to enjoy, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the celebration.
Reflecting on the day’s activities, Cheryl remarked, “It’s moments like these that truly enrich our lives and bring us closer together as a care community. The enthusiasm and passion displayed by our residents serve as a reminder of the power of curiosity and the joy that comes from embracing new experiences.”
Read the story featured in Kent News Online here.
Gabriel Court Delights with Wine and Cheese Event
Gabriel Court Care Home Delights Residents with Wine and Cheese Tasting Event
Residents and staff at Gabriel Court Care Home gathered for a delightful afternoon filled with the tantalising aromas of wine and cheese. This special event, part of the care home's vibrant social calendar, brought together aficionados and novices alike for an unforgettable gourmet experience.
The wine and cheese tasting event has quickly become a beloved tradition of the Kettering care, cherished not only by enthusiasts of fine food and drink but also as a cherished social occasion that fostered connections and conversations among residents and staff.
As attendees sampled an array of carefully selected cheeses paired with complementing wines, the room buzzed with excitement and appreciation. Among the standout pairings, the robust flavours of Malbec beautifully complemented the creamy richness of Stilton, earning the duo the title of crowd favourites.
It was the sense of togetherness and camaraderie that truly defined the event. When asked about the occasion being celebrated, the consensus was simple yet profound: the joy of being together and sharing good times on a Friday afternoon.
Gemma, activities coordinator at Gabriel Court, expressed her delight at seeing residents come together to enjoy the event. "To witness the smiles and laughter that filled the room during our wine and cheese tastings, was truly special" she said. "These gatherings not only stimulate the senses but also nourish the soul by fostering a sense of community and belonging."
At Gabriel Court Care Home, moments like these remind residents and staff alike of the joy that can be found in the simple pleasures of life shared with good company.
Valentine's Quiz for Residents and Families
Mountside Care Home Hosts Valentine's Quiz for Residents and Families
In a display of community spirit and love, Mountside Care Home in Hastings recently hosted a Valentine's Day quiz event. Bringing together residents, families, and friends, everyone experienced a fun-filled evening of trivia and camaraderie.
The care home event saw teams formed by residents and their loved ones eagerly taking part in the friendly competition. While the atmosphere was filled with the excitement of the quiz, it wasn't solely about the competitive spirit. More importantly, the event served as a platform to raise funds for the residents' special fund. The fund is dedicated to enhancing their quality of life with activities and pastimes of their choice.
One of the highlights of the evening was the home's raffle, which saw generous contributions from attendees. The raffle proved to be a resounding success, raising an impressive £115 for the fund. This significant sum will go a long way in ensuring that residents have access to enriching experiences and entertainment within the care home.
Speaking about the event, Kimberley, activities coordinator at Mountside Care Home, expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated. "It was truly heartwarming to see residents, families, and friends come together to support our Valentine's quiz. The funds raised will make a real difference in enhancing the lives of our residents and providing them with meaningful experiences."
The money raised through the event will be specifically earmarked for live entertainment within the home. The money will ensure residents continue to enjoy lively performances and engaging activities that bring joy and excitement to their daily lives.
As Mountside Care Home continues to prioritise the needs and preferences of its residents, events like the Valentine's quiz serve as shining examples of the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together to support each other in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re looking for the best in residential care, specialist dementia services or short-term support, our Mountside Care Home offers the very best in elderly care in Hastings.
Fairways Spreads Love and Joy on Valentine's Day
Fairways Care Home in New Romney Spreads Love and Joy on Valentine's Day
In a celebration filled with warmth, creativity, and heartfelt gestures, residents and staff at Fairways Care Home in New Romney came together to mark the love and joy of Valentine's Day in a truly special way. Embracing the spirit of the occasion, they dedicated the day to crafting handmade Valentine's cards, creating Valentine's heart trees, and sharing the love with each other through thoughtful gestures.
The day kicked off with residents and staff gathering around tables adorned with colourful papers, markers, and crafting supplies. With a sense of excitement and anticipation, they set out to create personalised Valentine's cards, pouring their creativity and love into each handmade creation.
"The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing with creativity and joy," remarked Annie, activities coordinator at Fairways Care Home. "Seeing residents and staff come together to make Valentine's cards was truly heartwarming. It's moments like these that remind us of the power of love and connection."
As the day unfolded, residents also had the opportunity to participate in creating Valentine's heart trees, adorning them with vibrant decorations and messages of love. These beautifully crafted trees served as a visual representation of the love and unity shared within the care home community.
As residents exchanged laughter, and words of appreciation, it was clear that the spirit of Valentine's Day had truly touched the hearts of all who participated. The celebration served as a reminder that love knows no bounds and that even in the midst of challenges, the power of love and compassion prevails.
Embracing Chinese New Year with Lantern Making
Residents at The Old Rectory Care Home Embrace Chinese New Year with Lantern Making Activity.
In a celebration that transcended cultural boundaries, residents at The Old Rectory Care Home in Dymchurch found themselves captivated by the spirit of Chinese New Year, immersing themselves in the vibrant colours and rich traditions of Chinese culture.
Feeling inspired by the festivities surrounding Chinese New Year, residents eagerly gathered together to learn about the cultural significance of the holiday and the symbolism behind traditional Chinese lanterns.
Guided by the care home staff, they delved into the history and customs associated with this auspicious occasion, discovered 2024 is the year of Dragon, and also learnt more about the Chinese Zodiac and which animals their birth years represent, gaining a newfound appreciation for the diversity and beauty of Chinese culture.
Armed with vibrant colours, paper, and an abundance of creativity, they set out to craft their own Chinese lanterns, each one a testament to their newfound knowledge and appreciation for the holiday.
"We had an absolute blast learning about Chinese New Year and making our own lanterns," exclaimed Cheryl, manager at The Old Rectory Care Home. "It was such a fun and enlightening experience, and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to share the experience with everyone.”
Of course, the day wouldn’t have been complete without creating our version of a Chinese feast. The kitchen cooked up a treat of familiar Chinese dishes for everyone to enjoy.
"It's moments like these that truly enrich our lives and bring us closer together as a care community," remarked Cheryl, manager at The Old Rectory Care Home. "The enthusiasm and passion displayed by our residents serve as a reminder of the power of curiosity and the joy that comes from embracing new experiences."
Dymchurch Care Home Fun-Filled Parachute Game
The Old Rectory Care Home energises residents with a creative and fun-filled way to participate in a little bit of exercise.
Called the parachute game everyone at The Old Rectory Care Home enjoyed the recent armchair exercise class, proving that staying active can indeed be fun as well as social.
This innovative game designed not only to enhance muscle strength, but increase mobility among the residents, injected a hefty dose of fun into the home's daily routine.
The care home's spacious activity room was filled with vibrant energy as residents gathered around, each taking a seat and eagerly grasping the edges of a colourful parachute spread out before them.
Led by an enthusiastic instructor, the game began with simple movements, lifting the parachute up and down in unison, creating a mesmerising wave of colours. The residents, guided by the instructions, found themselves immersed in the activity, their laughter echoing through the room as the parachute billowed like a giant, multicoloured cloud.
This seated parachute game, ingeniously adapted for the residents' varying levels of mobility, proved to be an excellent workout, engaging not only their arms and upper bodies but also enhancing their range of motion and flexibility.
The Old Rectory Care Home's parachute game underscored the importance of incorporating enjoyable, social elements into fitness routines, especially for the elderly. By turning exercise into a playful group activity, the care home not only promoted physical well-being but also enhanced the social and emotional health of its residents.
Hastings Care Home Participate in RSPB's Big Bird Watch
Mountside Care Home Participate in RSPB's Big Bird Watch as the home's windows before observation points for viewing the birds that visit the care home garden.
Residents at Mountside embraced the beauty of nature and took part in the RSPB's Big Bird Watch, an event that not only celebrated our feathered friends but also brought smiles and joy to our residents' faces.
Embracing the natural world, residents took their window seats to observe and record the various bird species that graced them with their presence. Armed with binoculars and notebooks, they embarked on a journey of birdwatching, showcasing their passion for nature and wildlife.
The event not only allowed them to connect with nature but also provided an opportunity for residents to engage in meaningful discussions about the birds they spotted and their distinct characteristics.
Following the birdwatching session, the residents took part in an entertaining game of "Guess the Bird" by listening to recordings of various bird calls. This interactive and educational activity brought out their competitive spirit and had them laughing and guessing as they tested their knowledge of bird songs.
"This has been such a wonderful experience for all of us," said activities coordinator, Kimberley. "The residents had a blast watching the birds and playing the guessing game. It's amazing to see how this event has brought them closer to nature and each other."
The RSPB's Big Bird Watch is an annual event that encourages people of all ages to spend time in nature and record the different bird species they encounter. By participating in this event, the residents not only contributed valuable data to bird conservation efforts but also enjoyed a day filled with birdwatching fun.
Savouring a Taste of France with a Deluxe Croissant Morning
Gabriel Court Care Home brought France to Kettering when they savoured a taste of the typically French pastry the Croissant.
Residents of Gabriel Court Care Home were happy to embrace the French breakfast tradition dubbed the "Deluxe Coffee and Croissant Day," bringing a touch of continental flair to their morning.
A resounding success, the event saw the care home's dining area transformed into a café setting, where everyone gathered with eager anticipation as the smell of the buttery pastries cooking could be smelt.
Swapping out their customary tea and biscuits was a real change and potentially one that may become a routine social engagement for the home.
Served warm and accompanied by an array of jams and preserves. The residents enjoyed the delicate layers of pastry, enjoying the simple pleasure of spreading jam on their croissants and savouring each bite.
"Feedback from the residents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing joy at the opportunity to try something different. It’s so nice to be able to do something different, and see the big impact it has on our residents' day-to-day lives." says Heidi care home manager.
This initiative by Gabriel Court Care Home highlights the importance of variety and enjoyment in the dining experiences of care home residents, demonstrating that even small changes can significantly enhance their quality of life.
New Romney Care Home Residents Revel in Live Music
Rocking and rolling in New Romney as Fairways Care Home residents enjoyed and afternoon of live music with local musician Denis Connolly.
Everyone, including the care team and family members, were treated to a delightful afternoon of music and camaraderie, featuring the talented musical artist that is Denis
Denis Connolly, known for his heartfelt performances and ability to connect with audiences, performed his repertoire of toe tapping beats, including many timeless classics and personal favourites.
Residents and staff alike shared stories, and laughter, as the music evoked a range of fond memories. “The power of music to bring people together always amazes us. Live music is an active part of our care home life, something we enjoy and something we will always promote whenever we can.” said Alison, home manager.
This wonderful day at Fairways Care Home serves as a testament to the positive impact that music and community can have on our well-being, reminding everyone of the simple joys that life has to offer.
Everyone is very much looking forward to the next live music set from Denis.