If you’re choosing a care home for yourself or a loved one, your top priority will probably be finding somewhere which provides high-quality care.
But it’s also important to consider the activities that homes offer.
The physical benefits of staying active are obvious. But as you get older, being able to take part in activities and maintain interests can also help you retain independence, mental well-being and self-esteem.
Care home activities
An activity is anything that helps stimulate your body or mind. And as we’ve mentioned, many have a physical aspect, like ball games, walking or exercise classes.
But clearly, certain physical activities will not suit everyone. As we get older, eye sight and hearing can diminish, while conditions such as arthritis can also limit your movement.
If that’s the case, it’s important to choose somewhere which offers other ways to stay active – in the broader sense of the word. This might include sensory activities or mental stimulation, like a daily crossword, music, aromatherapy, arts, crafts, puzzles or even listening to a regular radio programmes.
It also makes sense to find out if a home organises trips and excursions because having a regular change of scenery provides variety and breaks up routine.
The benefits of activities
Staying physically active helps you feel more energetic and so provides a greater sense of well-being.
It helps strengthen bones and muscles – reducing the risk of falls & fractures and helps to maintain a healthy weight. Being active is also effective in managing high blood pressure and stimulating a poor appetite.
But it goes beyond physical fitness.
Being able to maintain activity helps boost your self-esteem and confidence as well as making you feel happier and more satisfied in your life.
Moving into a care home can be a frightening and intimidating experience – and it can be easy to become withdrawn. But by choosing somewhere which provides a broad range of activities you’ll be able to make new friends, as well as maintain the interests and hobbies you’ve enjoyed throughout your life.
And even though you’re moving into a residential home, it doesn’t mean you should be wholly reliant on others. Taking part in events and activities you enjoy means you have more choice in how your days are structured and maintain control of your life.
So when considering and looking around at your options of care homes, make sure to check out the activities that are available. If you’d like to find out more on the activities that we provide in our care homes please get in touch: altogethercare.co.uk & 01305 300 161.
