Striding out to fight dementia
A trailblazing walking group run by Wishaw care home Beechwood has been recognised for helping its residents living with dementia discover a new lease of life.
The dedicated team has been nominated for the Health Walk Group of the Year award at the 2019 Volunteer Awards after starting their all-embracing walks at the start of the year.
The walks were added to residents’ weekly activities schedule in a bid to help people suffering from the illness to reap the benefits of physical exercise.
Cathy Togneri, service manager at Beechwood Care Home, said the staff were “incredibly honoured” to have been nominated and feels the walks have had benefits for everyone involved.
She said: “It means a lot to the team to be recognised for their efforts in helping to make our residents’ lives at Beechwood as active as possible.
“After a consultation with the residents last year, we discovered a group of them who all really enjoyed walking and getting out in the fresh air, surrounded by greenery and nature.
“Walking in the local community has helped to evoke memories for the residents which encourages meaningful conversations.
“Staff and residents have forged stronger bonds by sharing experiences and reminiscing about important life events.
“The walks have had a substantial impact on minimising stress and have positively influenced residents by reducing anxiety and depression, and improving their overall mood.”
The group was set up in a partnership with Get Walking Lanarkshire, which offers a programme of free health walks across North and South Lanarkshire by helping to establish new walks as well as providing training and support to volunteer walk leaders.
And Cathy cannot imagine life without them now they’ve proved such a success, with the local community also getting involved.
She added: “Being part of community walking groups is now part of the culture at Beechwood and has shaped the residents’ weekly activities, giving them something to look forward to.
“Our dementia-friendly walk takes place every Monday afternoon and is open to everyone from the local community.
“We even had pre-school children from Craigneuk Family Centre and Craigneuk Community Council members attend our ‘Big Fit Walk’ in June this year.”
Beechwood’s team will find out if they win at an award ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, September 10.