Care home residents compete in accessible games

A CARE home in Henley held its own combined Olympic and Paralympic event on Tuesday.

More than 64 residents and staff members at the Chilterns Court care centre in York Road were split into households and competed against each other to win medals.

The games were inspired by the recent Paris Olympics and the upcoming Paralympics, which start next Wednesday.

Some of the activities featured included golf and football. All activities were designed to be inclusive, allowing residents to participate regardless of their physical capabilities.

The major point-scoring rowing event took place at 2pm. It was simulated with paddles and balloons to represent water while teams sat in a rowing boat formation. The care home is split into three households organised based on residents' needs which are named Snowdrop, Bluebell and Tulip.

Residents made their own banners and decorations and wore the corresponding white, blue and red colours for the households in which they resided.

Deputy manager Claire Bonner said: “The event is beneficial for the residents and staff as it is both interaction and exercise. Because we have a dementia household, it's helping them orientate to time, person and place so they know what time it is and when they’re doing the activities.

“I think it’s nice as well because you come to a care home to spend the rest of your life, which is not so good, but we want to make it fun and their home.” Brian Western, 86, who used to be a car salesman, has been a resident for six weeks. He said he most enjoyed the football.

Jean Pinguet, 89, said: “I think the events and the staff are just wonderful. They put themselves up and really work hard for all of us. I used to play a lot of golf, mainly 18 holes, so that has been fun today.”

The day finished with a closing ceremony where final scores were tallied and medals and cake were awarded.

The Snowdrop household was awarded gold. The Bluebell household was awarded silver and the Tulip household was awarded bronze.

Three members of staff were also commended and awarded with medals for their input throughout the day.