1st February 2022
Sanctuary Supported Living
Staff and residents at a Basildon retirement community are celebrating their sporting achievements following official recognition from the county council and NHS authority.
Sanctuary Supported Living’s Poplar House has been awarded a bronze medal in the NHS East of England Winter Deconditioning Games which raise awareness of deconditioning (physical and psychological functional decline) and encourages older people to be as active as possible.
By taking part in Essex County Council’s Find Your Active initiative, Poplar House was given activity equipment for everyone to use, including a Boccia kit, floor basketball, rainbow parachutes and pom poms to help residents be more active and support their overall wellbeing. The team worked with an occupational therapist over a couple of months to assist with sports, dance and keep fit sessions which they’ve kept up ever since.
Residents now have their eyes on the prize and hope to turn their bronze into a silver or even a gold medal with the help of some step pedometers which have already got residents walking around the building to reach their daily step count.
Elizabeth Richards, Wellbeing and Inclusion Assistant at Poplar House, said: “Receiving the bronze medal was a fantastic surprise and everyone has really enjoyed getting more active and taking part in the sessions. It’s been fun to see the residents shooting hoops and dancing. Many of them are now using the equipment independently, without any encouragement from us!”
Set in a quiet, residential area of Basildon, Poplar House provides apartments and communal facilities for over 55s. Designed to offer comfort, independence and peace of mind, Poplar House has everything you need to enjoy a happy, fulfilling retirement.
