Activity begins as soon as a person wakes up and choosing their clothes for the day, getting dressed, brushing their teeth are all important activities and should be noted somewhere to recognise increase or decrease in capablities.
Vitalyz recognise that Activity Co-ordinators/Activity Organisers are being relied upon to provide a vast range of activities, some of which they may not actually be experienced in, or trained to deliver.
Lack of training can lead to unintentional risks being taken and possible mistakes happening.
Insurance is also an issue as activities such as seated exercise, should only be performed by a suitably trained person.
The role of an Activity Co-ordinator/Organiser is relatively new and has not yet been adopted by all residential care homes.
Unfortunately, even when a home does have someone in this role, it can be a frustrating job as some people maintain that 'activities' are not important, and too child-like so easy to do!
This is not the case: Vitalyz understand how important activities (therefore activity people) are so we deliver training that will help support activity programmes.
Benefits of regular exercise and mobility sessions include:
- Improved mobility
- Increased confidence
- Raised self-esteem
- Reduced depression
- Increased circulation
- A noticable feeling of well-being
- Improved balance
- Prevention of falls
- Promotion of independence
Benefits for residents/service users include:
- The instructor understands medical condition and medication
- Group sessions promote social interaction
- 1-2-1s are ideal for the less confident or recuperating resident
- Knowledge that the instructor has received specific training
- Familiar instructor empowers people to decide IF they want to join in
- The atmosphere in the home will be more relaxed
- Exercise can happen an ANY time, when it suits!
Benefits for residential staff and management
- Staff feel confident and motivated to deliver exercise based activities
- Sessions can happen at ANY time, to suit residents and staff
- Management know CRB checks have been carried out
- Home can confidently advertise this activity will be provided regularly
- Job satisfaction is achieved when staff have been correctly trained.
Food for thought...............
Locating a suitable exercise provider can be difficult, especially in remote areas, and there are a nember of potential obstacles:
- where to find them
- will they have appropriate and up-to-date qualifications/ skills
- can they prove their CRB status
- Do they hold adequate insurance cover
There are many reasons why outside exercise provision may not be appropriate:
- Funds allow only 1 session a week/fortnight and if cancelled can't be re-arranged.
- Visits are on the same day at the same time = not suitable for some residents.
- Professional evaluation and personal attention cannot be guaranteed. ............So why NOT train your own team?
Vitalyz training is relevant for those studying NVQ Health and Social Care levels 2 & 3 and helps meet Standard 12 of the National Minimum Care Home Standards.