A PARTNERSHIP between charities and the council has helped older residents boost their wellbeing across the summer.
A three-month project between Wokingham Borough Council’s sport and leisure, and adult social care teams, saw them work with groups such as The Link Visiting Scheme and Age UK Berkshire to support more than 130 residents in their homes, post lockdown, to rebuild their confidence both physically and mentally.
Leisure instructors wearing PPE visited to lead simple chair-based exercises over a five-week period.
One 71-year-old man, who walks with sticks and has dementia, said he had been missing exercise sessions run by a day centre. He says that his one-to-one exercise sessions have boosted his confidence and he feels much stronger and is enjoying being active again.
A 92-year-old woman had completely lost her confidence and said she also needed to strengthen her mobility. Following the sessions she says she is standing better, has much stronger legs and is walking.
And a 88-year-old man with Alzheimer’s was missing the Dementia Café in Wokingham.
He said he had lost his confidence going out and was wobbly on his feet, but after the sessions he, “felt stronger and had more confidence – it was a great experience and a huge benefit”.
Another woman, who is recovering from a knee replacement operation, had recently suffered a stroke and was struggling to walk. She said that the sessions were very helpful.
“It has given me a lot of confidence and better balance,” she added. “I’m happy to do more exercise, following lockdown.”
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council, was delighted with the service.
“During lockdown our most vulnerable residents suffered greatly with many of their pre-lockdown support services on hold or running virtually,” he said.
“Those with mobility problems were stuck at home and, for many, they were also starved of face-to-face human contact.
“Once lockdown finished, we were able to do something about this. This scheme not only helped them physically to rebuild their strength and regain their independence, but fantastic friendships were formed between them and our staff which in turn boosted their mental wellbeing.
“The positive results of the project speak for themselves.
“It’s also another fantastic example of what can be done when we and local voluntary services organisations work together as one.”
