Racing Residents And Competitive Carers Enjoy A Week Of Exercise And Sport

Staff and residents at Maiden Castle House care home in Dorchester, part of Care South, enjoyed an action-packed calendar of unique exercises, fun games, and healthy competition for their very own Sports Week.

The care home is burning off the Christmas calories with light exercise through a range of fun activities and initiatives organised by the activities team. The staff and residents at Maiden Castle House kicked off their year of fitness with 10 activities designed to give all residents an exercise to take part in.

The Maiden Castle House Sports Week, which ran from January 8 – 12, began with Communifit, training sessions designed to be social and inclusive, followed by gentle exercise and Tai Chi which helps residents maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. The action continued with a volleyball competition and a few legs of darts, inspired by the recent World Darts Championship.

The busiest day of activity came on Friday 12 with golf putting and table tennis. This was followed by some three-wheeled antics with Cycling Without Age, a not-for-profit organisation where volunteers take older people and those with mobility difficulties out on ‘trishaw’ cycle rides. Friday also saw the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust visit the home for football training. Care South are long-time partners of AFC Bournemouth, and the collaboration has delivered special memories from football days at the homes, stadium visits, coffee mornings and more.

The Maiden Castle House Sports Week concluded with a pedal exercisers contest, encouraging staff and residents to engage in some healthy competition.

Paul, a resident, said: “It’s been so much fun. I especially enjoyed the Tai Chi which I felt was very peaceful.”

Ashley Smith, Home Manager at Maiden Castle House, said: “We really enjoyed our week of sport and exercise. It was a fun way to get everyone moving and there’s been an activity for everyone to be involved in. It’s very important to give residents in our care the opportunity to engage in light exercise as there are so many physical, mental, and social benefits.”