Enhancing well-being through exercise in a care home setting
Tracey Dunkley, Care Manager
Lime Court Nursing Home, part of Jaffray Care, is a charitable and specialist provider of care and support for adults, catering to those with complex healthcare needs, physical disabilities, Dementia/Alzheimer’s, sensory impairments, mental health requirements, or those in need of palliative care.
The workforce training was fully funded through a pilot with NHS Birmingham & Solihull ICB aimed at reducing the number of falls in the elderly by intervening to improve their physical fitness levels and strength.
Course Experience
When asked about the quality of the training their staff received on chair-based exercise instructing, they responded positively:
‘Staff really enjoyed the course and felt it was well organised.’
Implementation of chair-based exercise classes
The introduction of chair-based exercise sessions within the care home involved a flexible approach by staff, due to the unique and diverse needs of their service users. Engagement levels vary, with some residents participating briefly and others for longer periods; some will participate one day, and not the next. This ad hoc nature of exercises allowed for individualised attention but also necessitated careful management of limited resources.
‘Biggest issue is staff time’
Feedback from residents
The resident population at Lime Court is diverse, with many being non-verbal. They reported that despite the communication challenges, the positive impact of chair-based exercises is evident in the residents’ joyful facial expressions, smiles, laughter, and active participation. These non-verbal cues serve as a testament to the enjoyment and satisfaction experienced by the residents during the exercise sessions
Benefits and positive outcomes
Since the introduction of chair-based exercise classes, the care home has observed several benefits. The residents derive enjoyment from the exercise sessions, leading to improved mood and comfort. Importantly, the chair-based exercises have contributed to a reduction in distress-causing behaviours among the residents. Post-exercise, many residents choose to rest or take a nap, further showcasing the positive impact on their overall well-being.
‘Residents enjoy the opportunity, and it lifts their mood. This results in less behaviours that cause distress and the service users will rest or have a sleep afterwards.’
Future plans
To sustain interest and participation in chair-based exercise classes, Lime Court plans to incorporate them formally into care plans. Additionally, encouraging broader staff participation is seen as a means to facilitate sustained benefits for residents. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to the long-term well-being of their residents through the integration of physical activity into the care home’s routine.
Additional comments
As a final note, they emphasised the significance of chair-based exercises being armchair-based. This is particularly crucial as most of their service users are bedbound or in wheelchairs. The adaptability of chair-based exercises to various mobility levels underscores its accessibility and inclusivity in catering to the diverse needs of their residents.
This case study highlights the positive impact of chair-based exercises on the well-being of residents at Lime Court Nursing Home, emphasising its role in enhancing mood, reducing distress, and promoting engagement among individuals with diverse needs.
December 2023