Newbury care home helps locals keep active

A Newbury care home is inviting the local community to learn more gymnastics and keep fit.

Every Thursday from 11am to noon, Care UK's Winchcombe Place, in Maple Crescent, is inviting members of the community to take part in a dementia friendly exercise session to help older people to stay mobile and live more independently.

Supported by the British Gymnastics Foundation, Love to Move is specially designed to support older people to retain maximum movement and function.

By integrating gymnastic foundation skills, cognitive stimulation therapy and social interaction, the sessions encourage information processing, flexibility and coordination.

The sessions incorporate a range of seated exercises to accommodate people of all abilities, using movements inspired by gymnastics to enhance balance, movement and flexibility.

Speaking of her experience, Helga Patrikios, 86, said: "I've been attending these sessions for four months now. I won't miss a week. The class is fantastic, it keeps me moving and we all have such a laugh.

"I've always liked to keep fit, so doing these sessions really does set me up for the rest of the day. I feel so happy afterwards."

Winchcombe Place home manager Shirley Summerbell added: "Here at Winchcombe Place, we understand the benefits that exercise can have for older people.

"Keeping active is not only great for physical health, supporting mobility and cognitive function, but it's great mentally too. Joining in with a class and having some fun is a great form of social interaction.

"We're looking forward to welcoming people of all abilities to our next session, whether you've been coming for months or this is your first time."

Winchcombe Place provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.