Archers Court Care Home go the extra mile for Caroline

Running is like marmite: you either love it, or you hate it – and for Caroline at Archers Court Care Home, she’s always loved the adrenaline rush of finishing a 5km run around her hometown. Now 78 years old, Caroline isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, and has recently launched her very own ‘Fitness Friday’ initiative in the home! We spoke to Caroline about why she loves running, and how her new class will make a difference to not just herself, but her fellow residents, too.

Originally joining a running group because it was popular among her friends, Caroline quickly fell in love with running and it became a huge part of her personality. “I used to run 3 times a week with the Sunderland Strollers Running Club. I also enjoyed my spin class, cycling and even played squash for a ladies team – anything active, I loved it!”

As an avid runner, Caroline never shied away from a challenge, and has completed multiple half-marathon’s and even a full marathon. Now living in our dementia-specialist Reconnect community at Archers Court Care Home, she’s able to continue her love for running, thanks to the incredible support from the Reconnect team.

“Caroline is a very active person and likes to keep busy” said Sharon Easterbrook-Smith, Home Manager of the Sunderland care home. “When she joined our home, it was clear she had a lot of energy and liked to keep moving. After learning more about her, we discovered her history of running and decided to focus her person-centred care plan around keeping her active and stimulated.”

The term ‘person-centred care’ is commonly used in a care setting, but what does it actually mean? Well, across the entire Orchard Care Homes group, our teams of carers, specialist support workers, nurses and activity co-ordinators (just to name a few) get to know your loved one, and find out their likes, dislikes, hobbies and passions. This information is then used to create a person-centred care plan, which looks at organising activities and events that the resident will genuinely enjoy. In Caroline’s case, her love of being active helped the care home team structure her plan towards movement, exercise and running.

Living with dementia, keeping Caroline’s connection with her love of exercise is even more vital, and was the reason the home launched a new initiative for her. “Our Fitness Friday’s are led by Caroline, and gives her an opportunity to share her passion for movement” said Sharon. “With the support of our team, she’s helping other residents keep active and energised throughout the day – it’s so wonderful to see her in her element!”

The change in routine has not just made a positive impact on Caroline, but it’s also made a difference to her husband. Joe, who married Carol in 1983, told us how he now has the reassurance he needs that his wife is in the best care home for her. “Caroline keeping active is really important to me as she’s happiest when she’s exercising. She loves to run and dance – and you can see the difference in her face when she’d done her daily workout. I know she’s in the right place, and that’s all I can ask for.”

Alex Greaves, who supported Caroline on her first run since joining the home, expressed her joy at seeing her find her love for running again. “I am hugely inspired by Caroline’s passion for fitness and proud of the home and care team for empowering her to continue this passion in her new home. The Reconnect model focuses on supporting people to continue their previous passions and meaningful activities, which is exactly what Caroline is able to do at Archers Court. This kind of work is exactly the reason I work for Orchard and feel lucky to deliver our Dementia Promise Training as part of my job role.”

At 78 years old, you may think Caroline would want to slow down – but she’s showing age is just a number and anyone can be active with the right support! A huge thank you to Carol, Joe, Alex and Sharon for sharing their inspiring story.

Based in Farringdon, Archers Court Care Home in entirely dedicated to specialist dementia care through their innovative Reconnect communities. Why not get in touch to find out more? Call 0191 528 2526 or hit the button below for more information.