At Glenholme, activities are about much more than filling the calendar. Across our homes, our teams are always looking for new, creative ways to bring people together, encourage residents to try something different and make everyday life as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.
From community partnerships and new experiences to games, outings and resident-led activities, our Wellbeing and Activities teams continually explore opportunities that reflect the interests, abilities and personalities of the people living in our homes.
One of the latest examples can be found at Wendreth Court, our residential care home in March, Cambridgeshire, where residents have been getting competitive with a new programme of Golden Games.
Introduced by Kieran from Living Better, alongside Wendreth Court’s Wellbeing and Activities Co-ordinators Karl and Ellie, Golden Games brings together a collection of accessible physical games designed to get people moving, thinking, socialising and, importantly, having fun.
Residents have tried their hand at everything from Boccia and Cornhole to Polybat, Balloon Games, Fly Swatters and Octaband.
The activities can be adapted for different mobility levels and abilities, meaning residents can participate while seated or standing and at a level that feels comfortable for them. Rather than focusing solely on competition, many of the games encourage coordination, concentration, teamwork and social interaction.
The sessions have already proved popular, with at least eight residents joining each session and as many as 15 taking part at once.
One resident said:
“I really enjoyed the games. It was nice to have a go at something different, and I liked playing together with the other residents.”
A key part of Glenholme’s approach to wellbeing is recognising that there is no single activity that will suit everyone.
The Golden Games demonstrate how even relatively simple games can be adapted to create meaningful opportunities for people with different interests, mobility levels and support needs. Residents can take part at their own pace, whether they want to enjoy some friendly competition, work as part of a team or simply try something they have never done before.
The project has also shown how physical activity does not need to feel like exercise. Movement can be incorporated naturally into enjoyable experiences that also encourage conversation, concentration and connection with others.
For some residents, trying something new can bring its own sense of achievement. During the sessions, one resident who initially doubted whether they would be able to participate found themselves thoroughly enjoying the experience:
“I didn’t think I would be able to do it, but I really enjoyed having a go. It was good fun and I liked playing with everyone.”
Importantly, Golden Games is not intended to be a one-off.
Through funding secured by Living Better, Wendreth Court has received nearly £400 worth of equipment, allowing the team to continue running the activities long after the initial project.
Kieran is also providing further training to Karl and Ellie, giving them the skills and confidence to independently lead future sessions and adapt the games for the residents taking part.
Karl Yellop said:
“The Golden Games have given us some fantastic new ideas. The residents have really enjoyed taking part, and having the equipment left here means we can keep the sessions going. The ongoing training from Kieran is also helping us feel much more confident about leading the games ourselves.”
Golden Games is just one example of the approach our teams take across Glenholme.
We want the people living in our homes to continue discovering new interests, revisiting old ones and having opportunities to be active members of their home and wider community. That might mean trying an unusual new game, heading out on a resident-chosen trip, getting involved with local groups, spending time with animals, taking part in creative projects or bringing a completely new idea into the home.
What matters is that activities remain person-centred, varied and meaningful, rather than following a one-size-fits-all programme.
By giving our teams the freedom to be creative and building partnerships with organisations in our local communities, we can continue finding new ways for residents to stay active, build confidence, connect with others and, above all, enjoy themselves.
At Glenholme, growing older should never mean that opportunities to try something new have to stop.
