Care home residents in Blandford, Dorset, have begun to boost their mental health and wellbeing through a dedicated Wellness Wednesday featuring a range of complementary therapies.
Gentle techniques available to up to 26 residents living at Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House include reiki, meditation, massage and sound healing.
Feedback on the sessions, held every other Wednesday and delivered both one-to-one and in groups, has been highly positive.
After she received a calming head message, resident Shirley Thomson spoke of the relaxation and pleasure it brought.
Shirley said: “I really enjoyed it. It was just so lovely, I love my head being massaged.”
Home Manager Helen Chapman, who commissioned the initiative, said: “I have a passion for holistic wellbeing and care and want our residents to be able to nurture that in ways that are appropriate and enjoyable for them.
“Our first sound healing session visibly moved participants. It featured an array of instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, prayer chimes and ocean drums. The aim was to create a calm atmosphere to support relaxation, memory recall and emotional wellbeing.
“One resident shared their recollection of seaside holidays after hearing the ocean drum, highlighting the power of sound to unlock cherished memories.”
Whitecliffe House is staging its Wellness Wednesdays through engagement with Dorset-based holistic therapy provider Peaceful Pathways.
Its founder Jane Scanlan, who personally delivers the sessions, said: “Complementary therapies brought directly into their care home can have a profound impact for residents who seek deep relaxation, peace and connection.”
Opened in 1991 in a Georgian mews setting off Whitecliff Mill Street in Blandford, Whitecliffe House is independently recognised as one of the leading care homes in the South West.
Its 9.9-out-of-ten rating on the public review site Carehome.co.uk reflects highly positive feedback on aspects of care such as the living environment, clinical care, treatment with dignity, companionship and the quality of food and drink.
