Edenmore Nursing
Home has been enjoying their Chair Zumba sessions from Robert ‘Roberto’
Campbell for a number of years now, with family members (residents) lighting up
every time he walks through the door.
Roberto has been
leading Zumba sessions for over 20 years, starting out by teaching people
living with disabilities and church groups, where he saw first-hand the
benefits of movement in combination with music. Believing people living in
nursing and care homes could benefit from a similar approach, Roberto began
taking his sessions into homes too.
Unlike a
traditional Zumba class, where learning and following fixed routines may take
centre stage, Roberto’s sessions at Edenmore use gentler movements and are
shaped by the mood in the room, allowing him to adapt the pace and approach as
he goes. They are more about supporting wellbeing with music and movement,
rather than purely physical exercise.
Family members who
choose to take part do so in their own way. Some tap their feet from their
chairs or sit with their eyes closed, nodding along to the beat, while others
sway hand-in-hand with someone beside them or get up on their feet. For many,
music has the power to evoke positive and familiar feelings linked to their
past, such as favourite songs from a happy time in their life.
Family members
Harry, Diana, Carol and Anthony particularly love these afternoons. Although
Anthony isn’t always able to dance up on his for feet for too long
before getting tired, his feet start
tapping and he starts singing as soon as he sees Roberto. Harry and Diana have
a lovely dance together, talking and smiling at one another as they sway, holding
each other’s hands.
One memorable
afternoon, Carol decided to get up to stand at the front of the room and sing
the song that was playing to everyone!
Sessions are held
in one of the home’s lounges, with family members from Edenmore’s different households
encouraged to come together and take part. The household model approach means
people with similar care needs live in smaller communities within the wider
home, while still having opportunities to spend time with people from other
households.
Edenmore is also
preparing to open its newest household, The Quays, which will welcome people
who are self-funding.
Home
Administrator Emma shared about these sessions, ‘Roberto is always so happy and
vibrant. He doesn't just come in and put some music on. He is totally involved and
talks to everyone, getting as many family members up dancing as he can. Even
the team can’t resist joining in!’
Activities like
these at Edenmore give family members different ways to spend an afternoon
together and socialise, with the music and movement naturally prompting
laughter, conversation and interaction.
Edenmore Nursing
Home offers 24-hour nursing and residential care by the North Devon coast. To
learn more about life at Edenmore, visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com