Strike a pose

Home news

May 02, 2018

Millions of people around the world do yoga, recognising its positive benefits on strength, flexibility, relaxation and mental wellbeing. Now, residents at Stanecroft are discovering the benefits for themselves. 

In February the classes were launched with a yoga awareness presentation and taster session from Tania Plahay, yoga instructor and author of ‘Yoga in Dementia’. 

At the presentation, Tania explained how her yoga study, funded by the Foundation of Nursing Studies, has evidenced improvements in client wellbeing and co-ordination, including a reduction in falls. Yoga can also reduce anxiety and stress, and it encourages stimulating, fun activity. 

Tania led residents, their relatives and friends, and members of the Stanecroft team in a taster session, where they got to try the poses, most of which are chair-based. 

Since Tania’s visit, residents and staff have been enjoying regular yoga classes, run by Michelle, Stanecroft’s lifestyle coordinator. The team has watched residents improve, but even those who can’t do all the poses really enjoy themselves and feel included. 

Candace, the lifestyle lead at the home, says: “The stretching, breathing and relaxation that yoga promotes has been very helpful to residents. In the sessions there are lots of smiles and a great atmosphere. The music is very soothing too.”