94-year-old resident becomes UK’s oldest specialist activity adviser
A resident at Fernhill House has become the oldest in the country to attend a specialist activity
training programme aimed at helping elderly people remain mobile and healthy.
Ninety-four-year-old Marian
Hill used to work for Worcestershire’s education department and moved into
Fernhill House a few months ago.
A lifelong keep fit enthusiast,
Marian was delighted when three staff members taking part in a training course to
enable them to run seated physical activity sessions for some of the residents
asked if she would attend with them.
Home manager Peta Mandleberg
explained: “We and sister homes in our wider group, Majesticare, have become
the first in the country to include a resident or volunteer to join the staff
in this activity training. It’s all part of our ethos of vibrant living.”
The Revitalyz workshops,
written by occupational activity specialists, are specifically designed for
care staff and volunteers. Attendees can then deliver regular sessions,
encouraging care
home residents to become more physically active, maintain mobility and prolong
independence.
Marian joined
in most of the physical aspect of the training, so has a first-hand perspective
on what to expect when the team begins its own programme of physical
activities.
“It’s easy to become sedentary as one gets older, so regular sessions,
whether one to one or in groups, can make a real difference to a person’s
ability to perform everyday activities such as getting dressed, brushing their
own hair, lifting a cup, or simply moving about,” added Peta.
The course participants were given tips on using music and considering
what might appeal to a wide range of ages and tastes for the warm up and
activities – something not always considered when motivating older people.
Marian is looking
forward to helping run her first session later this month.
“Just because I’m
a bit older now doesn’t mean I can’t keep fit and healthy. Now I just need
these octogenarian spring chickens to keep up with me!” she said.