Launching Our New Swimming Initiative
This week marked a special first for The Abbey’s Care Home in Rotherham as four of our residents, Ethel, Betty, Joyce and Maureen, took part in our very first swimming trip.
Swimming is a brilliant gentle exercise for the elderly, as the resistance of the water helps to improve circulation, supports joint mobility and provides a fantastic sensory experience. We’re incredibly thankful to the team at Wath upon Dearne Leisure Centre, just a short drive away from our home in Rotherham, for their support from our initial enquiry right through to helping us in an out of the pool and making sure each resident felt comfortable and supported throughout.
The session brought variety and excitement to our residents’ week and provided a welcome change from their routine at home. Watching them reconnect with an activity many of them had enjoyed when they were younger was lovely to see.
Home Manager, J’amie said:
“The residents couldn’t stop laughing and chatted the whole time. Joyce told us stories about when she used to be a lifeguard and Ethel and Betty told us all about the memories they had of swimming on childhood holidays.”
We're excited about our new swimming initiative here at The Abbeys Care Home in Rotherham and are committed to making sure our residents can keep doing the things they love, whilst staying active and involved in the community.
With a smile on her face, Joyce said: “I might take up swimming again” and we can’t wait to make that happen for her.
Left to right: Ethel, Lee and Betty
This trip out is the first of many more swimming adventures to come. We're already planning our next visit and we are excited for the residents’ who have been inspired by Ethel, Betty, Joyce and Maureen, to get back into the water themselves.
The swimming sessions will become a regular part of our nationally recognised Wellbeing Programme, providing ongoing opportunities for gentle exercise, social connection and reminiscence.
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