Walking initiative is praised by group

Efforts by a Perthshire care home are being hailed as shining examples of how residents and the wider community can become and stay active through walking.

Richmond House in Crieff has been encouraging daily walks and strength and balance exercises for residents in its garden, as well as setting up a weekly Dementia Friendly Health Walk in the Strath capital, which is open to all.

Taking place every Thursday from 10.30am at the Royal British Legion Scotland clubrooms, the walks are being delivered in partnership with Live Active Leisure’s Stride for Life programme and Paths for All, and tie in with a carers’ cafe

– which acts as an informal meeting place for unpaid carers, those being cared for and family members.

The cafe also provides support for unpaid carers from representatives from Perth and Kinross Council, PKAVS, Carers Voice and Richmond House.

The walks are led by Richmond’s enthusiastic staff and volunteers and began in April this year. Up to 20 people now take part.

Two walks are offered, lasting either 20 or 50 minutes.

And, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, care home residents will now also be able to join in.

Currently, staff are working on a oneto-one basis to help residents become familiar again with traffic and other pedestrians.

Dementia Friendly Walks volunteer Colin Crawford explained that the community project started because Richmond House wanted to not only be providing care to people in a residential setting but also wanted to expand its services to support those in the wider community as well.

He said: “It’s very much about being inclusive so anybody can come along for a walk, and a cup of tea and cake at the end as well.

“This project has been very positive for me as well. I’ve been able to meet a lot of new people that I didn’t know before and build up friendships with them.

“It’s also good because it allows me to get out and into the fresh air as well so it’s keeping me fit.

“And the carers’ cafe is for anyone as well. Any unpaid carer is welcome to come along and meet people in the same situation and information and advice will be available to them.”

Paths for All has created a collection of five video case studies surrounding the Crieff walks and Richmond House’s work with residents.

Carl Greenwood, Paths for All’s senior development officer, hopes that more care settings will be inspired by Richmond House and offer everyday walking activities.

He said: “Being physically active can improve the quality of life for people living with a range of long-term health conditions, including dementia.

“Paths for All have worked in partnership with Richmond House care home and Live Active Leisure to develop everyday walking activities, such as a Dementia Friendly Health Walk, daily walks and strength and balance exercises in the care home’s garden.

“Richmond House staff have shown great leadership by providing everyday walking activities to help their residents and the wider community.”