Partner Article

FAB EXERCISES GET CARE HOME RESIDENTS ACTIVE

Life’s fab for hundreds of residents of Hull-based Hica Group care homes, following the company’s investment in a new health and wellbeing programme.

More than 20 staff have completed nationally recognised flexibility, aerobic, balance and strength (FABS) exercise training in a move by the care group to enable residents to become more active.

Now, the newly qualified trainers will be working across 15 care homes, two retirement villages and home care services, encouraging residents and service users to get up and participate in a series of exercise classes, which can be beneficial.

Developed by experts at The Centre for Healthy Ageing at Birmingham University, the Move It or Lose It classes can significantly boost balance and strength.

They can also help to reduce the number of falls and fall related injuries experienced by people living within the home.

Research also indicates greater confidence, more independence, happier moods and general improvements in all round health for those who regularly exercise.

FABS is also backed the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and Active IQ, an award-winning organisation recognised by qualifications, exams and tests regulator, Ofqual.

Elm Tree Court care home resident Sheila Watts, said: “I’m definitely going to have a go at this. I think it will be great fun and there’s no excuse for not joining in with friends when exercising can be so good, helping you to live life to the fullest.”

Brian Johnson, Hica’s wellbeing lead, said: “As a care provider we are committed to ensuring that our residents can access the exercise they need.

“The FABS training is an excellent opportunity for staff to enhance their knowledge of aerobic, balance and strength exercise for the benefit of everyone. Activity is such an important part of our resident’s daily lives, so it’s essential that we cater for all.”

Chief executive of the Hica Group, Penni Brown, added: “The health and well-being of residents is our number one priority. Our activities co-ordinators play a key part in keeping residents fit and healthy.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing how well the exercises are going, as I know many of the residents are keen to get involved with things like aerobics.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .