Castanets at the ready – Cringleford care home residents take unusual approach to getting fit

A care home in Cringleford has been taking part in an unusual type of exercise to kick start the new year. 

Residents at Cavell Court, on Dragonfly Lane, have been enjoying a variety of seated dance activities, including flamenco and ballet, as part of Care UK’s ‘Let’s Get Physical’ initiative – which aims to encourage residents to get up and active by trying something new. 

 

Lifestyle team member and Flamenco instructor, Laure Van Minden, showed residents how to move their fans and castanets to the music, while expressing their emotions through dance and movement. 

As well as Flamenco, residents also tried out movement to ballroom music and ballet exercises.

The ‘Let’s Get Physical’ initiative sees Care UK homes across the country encourage residents to move more by trying something new and exciting – whether that be a seated ballet class, disco yoga or even ice skating. 

Karen Curle, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “Let’s Get Physical is a fantastic initiative that encourages residents to get active and try new things.

“Here at Cavell Court, we are always trying to come up with interesting activities for residents to enjoy, so when we discovered seated flamenco, we knew it would be a hit!

“Dancing offers a fun way to engage in physical activity, while also offering an alternative way for older people to express their emotion. Flamenco is known for its passion and energy, and the dancers use their castanets, fans, facial expressions and movements to convey their feelings.

“Taking in part in something different can also encourage resident involvement and offer a sense of achievement and fulfilment. Judging by how many residents took part in the session, we think the sound of castanets may become a more regular thing at Cavell Court!”

As part of the initiative, Care UK has also teamed up with popular 80s fitness star, the Green Goddess, to create a series of bespoke exercise videos for its homes to enjoy. Residents and team members across the country are encouraged to don their best Lycra and neon accessories and take part in the fun new workouts. 

Diana Moran, the Green Goddess, said: “I am delighted to support Care UK to encourage residents across the country to get active by trying something new. 

“Regardless of age, keeping active is what keeps us young. Whether it’s walking a little further on your everyday stroll, or exercising a little longer, every day brings a new possibility. Even for those less mobile, chair-based exercises can be just as beneficial. Nothing should get in the way of you being the best version of you!”

Cavell Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation. 

For further information on Cavell Court, please call Customer Relations Manager, Samantha Woods on 01603 856 835, email samantha.woods@careuk.com, or visit: careuk.com/cavell-court.

To find out more about Care UK’s partnership with the Green Goddess, and for more top tips on how you and your loved ones can get involved at home, visit careuk.com/lets-get-physical.