We all know how important staying active is and even more so in the elderly. Even small amounts of activity throughout the day could have significant health benefits including improved mobility, flexibility and balance.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic the residents at Abbeyfield Brecon were participating in weekly fitness sessions, taken by Sally Vaughan, a qualified exercise instructor registered with Later Life Training. Sally concentrates on exercises which will help with functional fitness in either a seated or supported standing position, using resistance bands for some of the exercises.

At the beginning of the Pandemic, Sally took the classes outside in the garden as we were having fantastic weather at the time. Social distancing and the wearing of face masks were strictly adhered to. As the weather started to turn at the beginning of Autumn, Sally had to rethink her weekly sessions and came up with the idea of filming herself at her home, demonstrating the exercises and giving clear, verbal instructions, as one of our residents has very poor eyesight.

This video was then emailed to Emma, the House Manager who wirelessly projects the video onto the large television in the resident’s communal area. Emma sits with the residents throughout the sessions to offer support and guidance should the residents need it.

As a result, we now have more residents taking part in these fitness sessions and the fact that they are available ‘virtually’ for the time being means they can participate more than once a week.