Jonathan Freeman, Chief Executive, CareTech Ltd
Activities within the Care sector serve a central purpose beyond mere pastimes or entertainment. They are a key component in supporting the overall well-being and health of residents, addressing their physical, social, and mental needs.
Tailored activities, aligned with residents’ preferences and identities, hold significant value. They foster not only meaningful interactions among residents and staff but also enable caregivers to better empathise with those they support. This personalised approach becomes even more vital in times of restricted visitation, especially for individuals living with conditions like dementia, offering them activities that resonate emotionally.
Meaningful activities span various fields, encompassing physical, social, and leisurely pursuits. From everyday tasks like dressing to leisurely activities such as gardening or singing, these activities aim to emotionally and creatively stimulate residents.
An active social life is crucial for enhancing self-worth and happiness, and fostering friendships among residents. A well-curated schedule of social engagements significantly improves physical and emotional well-being. Moreover, meaningful activities within care offer a plethora of benefits, including enhanced sense of belonging and cognitive functions, decreased feelings of loneliness, stress, and boredom, mitigation of restless behaviours, thereby lowering the risk of accidents like falls, and improved sleep patterns.
Maintaining mental well-being is paramount for care home residents. Key aspects such as optimism, self-esteem, sense of control, and purpose contribute to a positive outlook on life. Activity coordinators play a pivotal role in ensuring residents’ mental well-being by tailoring activities to individual preferences while ensuring inclusivity.
An excellent example of meaningful activities is the fundraiser week carried out by Oakleaf Care, a CareTech service based in Northampton. Oakleaf Care organised a week-long series of fundraising activities to support the Northampton Saints Foundation. This initiative acted as a great catalyst to further solidify the bond between the residents and staff, embodying the essence of meaningful activities within the social care sector.
From May 27th to May 31st, 2024, Oakleaf Care hosted numerous activities and initiatives which not only raised funds but also nurtured a vibrant community spirit. Residents and staff alike enthusiastically participated in activities, each meticulously designed to promote physical activity, personal achievement, and social cohesion while maintaining accessibility for all.
Among the activities were daily sponsored silences, where residents embraced moments of quiet reflection for a noble cause. The garden area became a bustling hub for physical exertion, with some residents completing sponsored laps. Personalised goals set by residents added a deeply personal touch to the week, as it set challenges specific to individuals, which were testing yet achievable, creating a real sense of achievement in the service and allowing those participating to celebrate their own milestones.
The culmination of the week’s efforts was marked by a vibrant BBQ on May 31st, where laughter and joy filled the air. Representatives from the Northampton Saints Foundation joined in the festivities, celebrating the success of the fundraising endeavours and reaffirming the bonds forged throughout the week
In reflecting on the week-long fundraiser organised by Oakleaf Care, it becomes evident that meaningful activities within the care sector extend far beyond mere pastimes; they form the foundation of a therapeutic environment where residents find purpose, companionship, and fulfilment, contributing to the holistic well-being of individuals under care.
In speech bubble:
“Northampton Saints Foundation cannot thank Oakleaf enough for having us at their BBQ, it was so lovely to be involved and meet the team who worked so hard to fundraise throughout the week. You should be incredibly proud of the team effort Oakleaf Care displayed.“ – Gemma Shields, Partnership Manager. Northampton Saints Foundation
@jonathanfreeman @CareTechFdn
caretechfoundation.org.uk
