Reflecting On Renaissance Winter Olympic Games

During February, our homes partook in several sporting events inspired by the Beijing Winter Olympics: curling, skiing, ice hockey, bobsleigh. With an overarching wellness theme promoting physical and emotional wellbeing and considering it was ‘heart disease awareness month’ - we wanted to encourage a ‘healthy body: healthy mind’ approach within Renaissance Care homes through the various activities, décor, and lifestyle choices on offer. 
Meadowlark Care Home Manager, Casey Whittaker, reflects on the benefits and impact the month’s events had on resident wellness, fitness, and confidence. 

“We knew that residents had thoroughly enjoyed the Renaissance summer Olympics, as they had requested that most of the activities they took part in during that time (boxing, walking, shotput) remain on our weekly activities planner. Our activities team are fabulous and manage a diverse and inclusive timetable, with activities tailored to ensure that residents of all abilities can be active and get involved in something that captures their interests, likes, and hobbies.

“While we already manage a full timetable of activities and events that caters to individual lifestyle choices, it's always good fun when we can collectively come together and join the Renaissance community through these group activities.” 

The Renaissance Winter Olympics ran alongside the Winter Olympics in Beijing and gave us a great opportunity to join in the excitement of the global sporting events. Not only could we watch athletes on the television, but we could also turn our hand to some of the sports and have fun doing so. These group-wide initiatives are also great for supporting our activities team in collaborating with other homes to share resources and think of new fun ideas.

“The most rewarding thing about participating in the games is seeing and hearing the residents laughing and trying things they haven’t done before. On many occasions, I would hear rooms fill with cheers and chuckles and each time it would brighten my day. Our residents are a competitive bunch, so that’s been a good laugh too.

Ahead of the Winter Olympics starting, Eve Muirhead, skip of Team GB’s Olympic gold medal Curling team sent a video message of support to residents of Renaissance Care.

“Having Eve cheering us on from Beijing was just the icing on the cake. It motivated residents to get involved, and we loved cheering her team on from home too. What a delight that they won GB’s only gold medal, we were so excited watching” 

During the month-long events, the care homes included a variety of alternative activities that adopted the Olympic theme: food, art, and culture. This meant that even those who didn’t participate in the physical activity were still able to get involved.  

Casey stated:  “As the Olympics coincided with the Chinese New Year we had good fun making Chinese lanterns, creating our very own Winter Wonderland, and adorning communal areas with snowflakes and Olympic torches. Although limited due to COVID guidance, we still managed to create an immersive experience that emulated that of the Beijing games.
We have all enjoyed celebrating with Chinese food and drink, as well as some well-known Winter treats - Bailey's hot chocolate has been a firm favourite!” 

Additionally, spending time reconnecting, having fun, and working together has been something the homes have cherished after a difficult few months inflicted by the pandemic.  

“The response to home activity has been fantastic. Our relatives have been engaged every step of the way too, cheering their loved ones on in all their sporting endeavors. Bowling is a particularly popular sport here in Forres, and we have been able to replicate this to an extent by incorporating elements into our curling activities.”

The introduction of the games has allowed for individual homes and the wider Renaissance community to come together for one common goal, enhancing the lives of all who live with us. With activities designed to aid with hand-eye coordination, balance, confidence, and encouraging residents to try new things – the Olympics has been a great success and one of which we will continue to incorporate elements of into our service.