Mosswood Care Home Hosts Successful Strength and Balance Open Day
Mosswood Care Home recently opened its doors to showcase the successful implementation of the Strength and Balance (S&B) Programme, an initiative led by the NHS Care Home Collaborative in partnership with Paths for All, a charity dedicated to encouraging walking across Scotland. With their support, Mosswood Care Home has embraced this programme, which aims to enhance the physical well-being of residents. The open day, featuring exercise classes, equipment demonstrations, and an afternoon tea, showcased the positive impact of this collaborative effort.
The project, which spans 20 weeks, has produced outstanding results, prompting the installation of specialised S&B equipment through Paths for All in the garden areas of participating care homes like Mosswood. This equipment not only encourages residents to spend time outdoors but also aids them in maintaining an active lifestyle.
For over a year, Mosswood Care Home has been at the forefront of this initiative, with Chiara, one of our fantastic activity coordinators, leading the charge. Her dedication has been instrumental in achieving the brilliant outcomes that have come to define the project. Residents like Jim, who have participated in the classes, have shown marked improvement in their strength and balance, demonstrating the programme's efficacy. Betty, another resident, has been a regular attendee of the classes throughout the entire programme. She quipped that the promise of cake may have also been a motivating factor for her attendance at the open day!
The Importance of Muscle Strength and Balance for Older Adults
As we get older, we begin to lose muscle and bone strength, and our balance tends to worsen. This decline in physical capacity is not merely a matter of inconvenience; it is linked to a decrease in our ability to perform daily activities independently, such as bathing, dressing, doing housework, and going out. Muscle weakness and poor balance are the two most common modifiable risk factors for falls, which can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures, increasing the likelihood of hospitalisation or the need for long-term care.
Recent evidence reviews funded by the Centre for Ageing Better, in partnership with Public Health England, have underscored the importance of muscle strengthening and balance activities across the lifespan as a critical component of recommended physical activity levels. The UK’s Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) advocate for 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, or a combination of both, to maintain health. For older adults, particularly those with declining physical capacity, it is especially important to incorporate strength and balance activities into their routines to help maintain independence and reduce the risk of falls.
This tailored approach to physical activity, based on the World Health Organisation’s World Report on Ageing and Health, addresses the different needs and physical limitations of older adults in various stages of life. Whether it involves increasing daily movement, breaking up sedentary periods, or participating in structured classes led by qualified instructors, these activities are designed to enhance muscle function, bone health, and balance, thereby supporting better health outcomes for older adults.
Research-Backed Benefits of Strength and Balance Training
One of the key highlights of the S&B Programme is its foundation in research, which emphasises the importance of weight-bearing exercises—activities that involve standing up and strengthening specific muscle groups. These exercises have been shown to help people stay on their feet for longer and significantly reduce the risk of falls. The pilot phase of the programme revealed a reduction in falls and an improvement in mobility and other health factors among participants.
While weight-bearing exercises are crucial for achieving the best results, the programme is inclusive and encourages all residents to participate, even if they are unable to stand. The philosophy is that any movement is better than no movement, and all levels of participation can contribute to improved health outcomes. To achieve the desired benefits, it is recommended that these exercises be performed at least three times a week.
Showcasing Success and Expanding Impact
The open day event was not only a celebration of the programme's success but also an opportunity to showcase its impact to other care homes. Representatives from various homes, including Boclair Care, Brainkind, Stanely Park, Strathleven Care Home, and Balclutha Care Home, were present. This gathering provided a platform for staff members, ranging from activity coordinators and wellness coaches to carers, nurses, and physical therapists, to experience first-hand the benefits of the S&B classes.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to participate in the exercise classes that have become a staple at Mosswood Care Home. These classes have played a pivotal role in improving the strength and balance of the residents, and the open day was a chance for other care homes to learn and decide whether it was something they could implement at their own homes.
The afternoon tea served as a networking opportunity, allowing guests to ask questions and discuss the programme in depth.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Strength and Balance Programme at Mosswood Care Home is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and dedication to resident care. With the training provided by Paths for All and the continued support from the NHS Care Home Collaborative, it is hoped that more care homes will join the initiative and contribute to spreading the positive impact of the S&B Programme across the region.
As the day came to a close, the message was clear: the Strength and Balance Programme is not just about exercise; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for residents, giving them the strength and confidence to remain active and engaged in their communities.
To learn more about the Strength and Balance Programme or to explore how you can implement it in your own care home, please reach out to the Care Home Collaborative at ggc.chcreferrals.ggc.scot.nhs.uk or visit their website here.
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