Exemplar Health Care homes host the ‘Exemplar Elite Games’ to encourage physical activity around the love of sport

A number of Exemplar Health Care homes organised their own Exemplar Elite Games to encourage physical activity during lockdown. The games come at a time when disabled people are twice as likely to be physically inactive than those without a disability (according to data from Sport England).

Residents at Brook View in Liverpool, Copperfields in Leeds, Ribble View in Preston and St Andrew’s Court in Hull chose a range of activities as part of the games, including a scavenger hunt, jigsaw puzzle, bean bag toss and golf football, as well as additional sporting events for colleagues such as three legged race, ice bucket challenge and a dance battle.

The homes also organised an opening ceremony to mark the start of the games, and a closing ceremony to present certificates for everyone who took part.

During the week, the homes were transformed into sporting stadiums – with gardens taking the form of football pitches, putting greens and racing tracks, and lounges hosting jigsaw challenges and drawing competitions.

Although the games were played without spectators, our care home colleagues were there to cheer residents on, helping them to say fit and well during this time.

For our residents, it was a great opportunity to socialise with others. John, who lives at our Brook View home in Liverpool, said:

“It was fun - it was very fun. I prefer the group activities because you get to talk to people, and have a bit of fun with them.”

Andrew Sharp, Regional Director of Operations at Exemplar Health Care and Elite Games Founder shares:

“We know that physical activity is vital for our mental and physical wellbeing. At a time when physical activity is limited due to lockdown restrictions, our residents wanted to do something that would help everyone to keep active and fit, whilst having lots of fun.

“They were involved right from the start of planning the Exemplar Elite Games – and came up with the list of activities that they wanted to compete in. It was great to see that as well as some traditional games, such as golf football, bean bag toss and Frisbee, they included some more fun challenges such as the blindfolded make up challenge and the ice bucket challenge for staff.

“The way that both residents and colleagues have embraced the challenge of organising the games has been amazing.”

About Exemplar Health Care

Exemplar Health Care is a leading provider of specialist nursing care for adults living with a range of complex and high acuity needs, arising from neuro-disability, brain injury, spinal injury, stroke, mental ill-health, physical disability, learning disability and/or autism and complex dementia.

Our community-based homes provide person-centred care and rehabilitation that focuses on maximising independence, building everyday living skills and empowering people to live as fulfilled lives as possible.

We support people on their journey from being in hospital or living in a secure setting to community and independent living, as well as offering longer term support for people living with degenerative or life-limiting illnesses.

Find an Exemplar Health Care home

Exemplar Health Care has homes across England that provide a welcoming and supportive environment where people can feel at home, continue to do the things that they enjoy, and remain closer to family, friends and loved ones.

Find your local care home here, or make a referral here.

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