Action For Dementia Action Week As Benson House Hits 100 Miles And More
The team at Benson House were inspired to go the extra mile for Dementia Action Week this year and the arrival of a treadmill in their open plan bistro area meant there was no looking back!
Dementia Action Week is an awareness campaign led each year by Alzheimer’s Society. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness and to fundraise on behalf of those who need support, and for continuing investment in ground-breaking research.
100 Mile Target for Benson’s Walkers
Benson House Care Home Customer Relationship Manager, George, and Wellbeing Coordinator, Lauren decided they needed an activity that would help put Dementia Action Week into the spotlight – and the word ‘action’ gave them inspiration. There would be walk with a target - 100 miles - and it would be a group effort, with participants at the care home contributing to the mileage by walking, or gently jogging, on a treadmill.
There was an 11th hour hitch when the original treadmill didn’t work so George and Lauren tracked down a second-hand replacement, which Lauren and her partner drove to collect just in time for the big launch. Lauren had the honour of taking the first steps on the treadmill, which was positioned in the bistro area for all to see!
Star Turns on the Treadmill
Over the following week, team members all took a turn clocking up some miles – some more reluctantly than others! – and every visitor to the home was encouraged to hop onto the treadmill, including members of Caring Homes’ support team, local paramedics and residents’ family and friends. Star performer, contributing 12 miles, was Duke of Edinburgh student, Armin, who spends a day at the home each week gaining work experience. Armin visited two or three times during Care Home Open Week and his efforts were much appreciated. However, the biggest cheer went up for 84 year old resident Grace, who was determined to take part and arrived ready for action wearing track suit bottoms and trainers. “She’s fabulous – and she has a great sense of humour”, remarked George – and Grace was certainly up for the challenge.
Moving with Purpose Brought Everyone Together
At the end of the week, the team had hit their target and more, collectively clocking up 112 miles. George reflected, “As well as raising awareness of a worthy cause, it was great fun and most importantly, it brought everyone together – not to mention getting people moving with purpose, so there were health benefits too!”
It’s fair to say that seven days of treadmill action brought a new perspective to life at Benson House – so much so that there are even calls to keep the treadmill as a permanent fixture in the bistro!
Discover Comfort, Compassion and Community at Benson House Care Home
Our purpose-built luxury care home, Benson House in Wallingford, provides residents with high-quality nursing, residential and dementia care on both permanent and short-stay basis. Benson House is centred around our residents, their needs and their wishes. With various social lounges, a cinema room, bistro area and hairdressing salon, there’s plenty to keep residents engaged.
For more details about the care we offer, visit our Nursing Care and Residential Care pages. Learn more about our specialised Dementia Care. Call us today to arrange a tour or for more information on 01491 523 674
