What Activities Do Care Homes Provide?

As the Activities Manager here in the vibrant town of Sale, Greater Manchester, I've seen firsthand how a well-rounded activities program can transform life for our residents. It's about more than just "keeping busy"; it's about creating joy, connection, and a sense of purpose.

If you or a loved one are considering care homes in Manchester or Cheshire, you might be surprised by the sheer variety and benefits of the activities we offer. Let's dive into the exciting world of senior living at Amberley.

Why Activities Are Essential As We Age

Beyond the social aspects, a vibrant activities program can also play a significant role in maintaining cognitive function and overall wellbeing. Studies have shown that engaging in stimulating activities can help delay cognitive decline, improve memory, and even boost mood. Here at Amberley, we see residents who regularly participate in our activities programs come alive. They form new friendships, rediscover hidden talents, and experience a renewed sense of purpose in their daily lives.

Combating Loneliness and Social Isolation

Loneliness and social isolation are major concerns for older people, affecting up to 25% of older adults according to a recent study. Group activities provide a powerful antidote to this isolation. They create a sense of community and belonging, creating new friendships and reducing feelings of loneliness. Residents connect over shared experiences, laughter, and conversation. Participating in activities can also help reduce anxiety and depression, which are often linked to social isolation.

Promoting Mental Agility

Mental stimulation is crucial for maintaining cognitive function as we age. Engaging in activities that challenge the mind, such as trivia games, discussions about current events, or learning a new skill like calligraphy, can help delay cognitive decline and improve memory. Studies have shown that staying mentally active can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Improving Physical Health

Gentle exercise programs tailored for seniors can significantly improve physical health and wellbeing. Activities like chair yoga, tai chi, or guided walks can increase strength, balance, and mobility. This not only reduces the risk of falls but also improves overall fitness and stamina. Regular exercise has also been shown to boost mood and energy levels, contributing to a better quality of life.

Having a Sense of Purpose

Having activities to look forward to and participate in gives seniors a sense of purpose and achievement. This is crucial for maintaining a positive outlook and enjoying each day to the fullest.

Activities can help residents rediscover forgotten talents, explore new interests, and feel valued members of a community. They can take pride in their accomplishments, whether it's mastering a new painting technique, contributing to a group discussion, or simply helping to plan a social event.

A Diverse and Engaging Activities Calendar

We know that staying active is key to maintaining independence and overall wellbeing. That's why we offer a variety of movement-based activities designed for all levels of ability. Our fitness experts lead classes in chair yoga and tai chi, focusing on gentle stretches, deep breathing, and mindful movements. These practices can improve balance, flexibility, and strength, while also reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

The natural beauty of Sale is just outside our doorstep too! Our residents enjoy regular strolls through our own meticulously landscaped gardens or along the picturesque Bridgewater Canal. The fresh air, gentle exercise, and connection to nature are invigorating for both body and mind. For those who prefer a bit more support, we offer guided walks with staff members to ensure safety and comfort. Our routes are carefully chosen to accommodate a variety of abilities, with options for both leisurely strolls and more invigorating walks.

And who doesn't love a good dance party? Our music-based movement sessions are always a hit. We play a variety of tunes from different eras, encouraging residents to tap their feet, clap their hands, and sway to the rhythm. These sessions are not only fun, but also beneficial for coordination, balance, and overall mood. We also offer seated exercise classes to music, ensuring that residents with limited mobility can still enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of moving their bodies.

Nurturing Creativity and Connection

We also recognise the importance of nurturing the creative spirit and providing opportunities for residents to connect with themselves and others, infact our dedicated arts and crafts programme is a haven for creativity. Residents can explore their artistic side through painting, pottery, knitting, jewellery making, and a range of other crafts.

These activities not only provide a creative outlet, but also encourage a sense of accomplishment and self-expression. Our team is always on-hand to provide guidance and support, regardless of previous experience or skill level. We even host regular art exhibitions to showcase the residents' creations, giving them a sense of pride in their work.

Music is also a powerful tool for evoking memories and emotions. We host regular musical performances featuring talented musicians who play a wide range of genres, from classical to jazz to pop. These performances often encourage sing-alongs, dancing, and opportunities for reminiscing. We also have a resident choir, providing a fun and engaging way for residents to connect with others and express themselves through music.

The unconditional love of animals can be incredibly soothing and therapeutic. We welcome therapy dogs into our home for regular visits, giving residents the chance to interact with gentle animals, pet them, and even share stories about their own beloved pets. Studies have shown that pet therapy can reduce anxiety and agitation, improve mood, and even lower blood pressure.

We understand the need for moments of quiet contemplation and spiritual connection. Our dedicated spaces for reflection or meditation provide a serene atmosphere for relaxation and inner peace. We also host religious services for those who wish to participate and provide access to spiritual counselling for those seeking guidance.

Local Flavour and Community Connection

As a care home in Sale, we take advantage of the nearby cultural gem that is the Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Residents can enjoy theatre performances, art exhibitions, and a variety of cultural events throughout the year, immersing themselves in the vibrant arts scene of Greater Manchester.

We also organise regular trips to the Trafford Centre, a large shopping and leisure complex just a short drive away. Residents can enjoy browsing the shops, having a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, or simply taking in the lively atmosphere.

A leisurely stroll along the historic Bridgewater Canal provides a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Sale. We often organise guided walks, ensuring that everyone can participate at their own pace. The picturesque views, fresh air, and gentle exercise are a wonderful way to unwind and stay active.

Activities at Amberley Care Home

At Amberley, we take pride in offering a diverse and engaging activities calendar that caters to a variety of interests and abilities. Here's a glimpse into what a typical week might look like:

• Monday: Start the week with a gentle chair yoga session to improve flexibility and balance. In the afternoon, enjoy a lively discussion about local Sale history, perhaps featuring a guest speaker from the Sale Historical Society.
• Tuesday: Get creative with a morning arts and crafts session, where residents can explore painting, pottery, or other mediums. In the afternoon, we might have a book club meeting, where residents can discuss a favourite novel and share their thoughts with friends.
• Wednesday: On Wednesdays, we often organise outings to explore the vibrant cultural scene of Manchester. Residents might enjoy a matinee performance at a local theatre, a visit to a museum or art gallery, or simply a stroll through the bustling city centre.
• Thursday: Thursdays are for pampering! We might have a hand massage clinic in the morning, followed by a session of reminiscence therapy in the afternoon, where residents share memories and stories from their lives.
• Friday: Wind down the week with a movie matinee featuring a classic film or a sing-along session filled with familiar favourites.

This is just a sample, of course. Our activities calendar is constantly being updated, based on resident feedback and seasonal celebrations. We also encourage residents to suggest their own ideas and activities they'd like to try. Our goal is to ensure that there's always something on the calendar to spark interest and keep residents engaged.

Receive High-Quality Care Designed Just for You at Amberley

Don't just take our word for it. Come see our activities in action and experience the warmth and camaraderie of our community. If you're looking for a care home in Greater Manchester, or Cheshire, contact us to schedule a tour today.

To learn more about the care services and facilities we offer, please contact us on 0161 825 8222 or email info@amberleycarehome.com and a member of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you.

We're confident that you'll find Amberley offers more than just care; we offer a place where your loved one can truly thrive.