Durham care home inspires multiple entries into Step and Refresh programme

Care home workers, residents and even family members at Manor House, in County Durham, are reaping the benefits of a new health and fitness programme that has helped entrants to lose weight and feel better hydrated.

Designed by the home’s lifestyle co-ordinator, Nicky Morse, the programme is tailor-made for each person and lasts ten weeks. She explains:

“Several people were chatting about losing weight and getting fitter so we decided we could help through work.

“The ‘Step and Refresh’ programme is tailor-made to whatever each person wants to achieve with individual weekly checks. Some wanted to lose weight so advice includes healthy recipes and food choices, some wanted to feel fitter and we’ve been monitoring steps around The Manor House with pedometers, others wanted to improve their hydration which affects brain and body function and have been drinking more water.

“We invited family members to take part too, so the benefits are being felt in the wider community.”

Maintenance manager, Jeff Folwell, is among those to feel the benefits, saying: “I’ve lost two stone, partly by cutting out cakes and biscuits and eating less, and my wife has lost a stone and a half.

“We’ve completely changed our eating habits. We’re checking portion sizes now and what we eat is much better quality, we really enjoy it. Your body adjusts.”

Carer Alison Palmer, who took part with her son, says: “I lost a lot of weight a few years ago but it was beginning to creep back. With this programme I’ve lost about half a stone so far and feel much better for it.

“For me it’s a combination of diet and exercise so I’ve been counting steps too. My son’s also lost weight as we’re eating more healthily.”

Head of housekeeping Shirley Watson is delighted with the focus on hydration, saying: “I never used to drink much water during the day but now I’ve always got a bottle of water with me. One of the benefits is it helps you to be more alert.”

Nicky Morse concludes, “Now we’ve seen how successful this can be we’re continuing the programme so more staff can to join in if they want to,” Nicky added.

“And we’ve introduced ‘Make a Date’ which helps people focus on a health and fitness goal for a special occasion, for example toning up before going on holiday.

“It’s all part of promoting healthy lifestyle choices for our staff and residents, and helping people to find their motivation to improve their health and well-being.”

The Manor House Barnard Castle is part of the Hadrian Healthcare Ltd portfolio and specialises in older people’s care, including for dementia, sensory impairments and physical frailty.