How to set and achieve exercise goals in a care home setting
As January unfolds, the focus on fitness takes centre stage, and our care home residents have wholeheartedly embraced the challenge. While promoting a year-round commitment to wellbeing, we are enthusiastic about making fitness fun, and showcasing both the physical and mental benefits our residents experience.
At Renaissance Care, we've adopted a holistic approach to exercise that extends beyond traditional classes. Small, consistent actions within the home environment can accumulate to yield profoundly positive results. Take, for instance, the simple act of moving a cup a bit further away from an individual over time. What may seem like a minor adjustment becomes a gradual yet effective means of engaging and strengthening muscles.
This philosophy is ingrained in our strength and movement classes, where practicing and fulfilling everyday activities can become significant milestones. Hanging pegs on a washing line, a routine task for many, becomes a purposeful movement that engages the entire body. It's a reminder that exercise can be seamlessly woven into daily life, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Benefits of Small Actions and Daily Movements:
- Incremental Strength Building: By incorporating small movements into daily activities, residents engage various muscle groups, contributing to increased strength and mobility over time. The cumulative effect of these actions is a tangible improvement in overall physical well-being, as strength-building acts as a preventative factor in the risk of falls in older adults.
- Mental Stimulation: The intentional integration of movement into routine tasks provides mental stimulation. This cognitive engagement is vital for residents' mental health, fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose, as well as enhanced mood and brain health as a result of the increased release of endorphins that comes from exercise.
- Goal Setting and Achievement: Our approach encourages residents to set achievable exercise goals, turning daily actions into milestones. Whether it's reaching a bit further or completing a set of movements, these accomplishments empower residents to take charge of their fitness journey.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: The holistic incorporation of exercise into daily routine contributes to an improved quality of life. Residents experience the joy of movement, social interaction, and a sense of accomplishment, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.
Empowering Residents in Their Fitness Journey
In our care homes, the key message is clear: setting and achieving exercise goals is not only possible but can also be seamlessly integrated into daily life. By encouraging small actions and promoting the joy of movement, we empower our residents to take charge of their fitness journey, engaging with exercises that are of individual interest to them – and supporting a life less ordinary.
