Residents Go For Gold At Renaissance Winter Olympics
Over the month of February, Renaissance Care Homes has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland as they embrace their version of the Tokyo Winter Olympics. With dedicated activities designed to improve hand-eye coordination, balance, fitness levels, and more – The team at Renaissance brainstormed an abundance of ideas to emulate the diverse and inclusive sporting environment that the IOC (International Olympic Committee) promotes while offering several activities to suit any interest or capability.
Jesmond Care Home Activities Coordinator, Jade, commented on the impact of the games:
‘’The games are great for getting staff and residents alike involved and being creative. We offer something for everyone.
It’s so rewarding to see the residents enjoying the activities we have planned for them and fully immersing themselves in the idea of the Olympics. Activities are very much resident-led, and although just for fun, there is a competitive element to it within the home. One creative resident even decided to use two sticks to win the ice hockey!”
After the events of the summer Olympics, it became clear there was just no stopping care home residents, who requested more activities of a similar nature to be implemented within their homes.
And the response from residents from doing just that has been what’s made it all worth it.
Margaret, 91, believes the Olympics has been a great experience to try new things that her loved ones have had a shared interest in. She has particularly enjoyed the curling and helping to create a team banner that is hanging proudly in the home's main lounge.
Gladys, 96, said:
“I feel good as it’s something I have never done before. (Nerf shooting) My brothers used to do shooting games when they were younger and I had never tried it, and now I have - it's brilliant!
“It surprised me that I was able to hold the gun properly and shoot it. I think it's brilliant you (Renaissance) do the games, as it makes me feel brilliant as I was good at them, and has really built my confidence. I’m having fun.
“I have definitely learned new things. I don’t have good eyesight so didn’t think I would be good at shooting and hitting the targets, but I managed to hit them a few times. I’ve tried the shooting, curling, and hockey – all things I had never tried before.”
Gladys’ advice for other budding athletes would be to give it a go – it's easy to say no, but you might just be glad you joined in.
