Care Homes
Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) are pleased to be expanding our Health Coaching offer into care homes. SASP have partnered with West Somerset Primary Care Network (PCN) and North Sedgemoor PCN , providing group and 1:1 physical activity sessions for residents and staff training opportunities through the recruitment of care home health and wellbeing coaches.
You can read more in our quarterly blogs below...
North Sedgemoor
Tracie's Blogs
April, May, June 2024 (Quarter 1)
Meet Tracie Philpott, the new Health and Wellbeing Coach for SASP, serving care homes across North Sedgemoor! Since her appointment in March, Tracie has brought a powerhouse of knowledge, experience, and local insights to her role, and SASP couldn't be happier to have her on board.
Meet Tracie Philpott, the new Health and Wellbeing Coach for SASP, serving care homes across North Sedgemoor! Since her appointment in March, Tracie has brought a powerhouse of knowledge, experience, and local insights to her role, and SASP couldn't be happier to have her on board.
June, July, August 2024 (Quarter 2)
Tracie has been busy building strong connections with care homes in North Sedgemoor! Now, she's regularly in touch with nine local homes, where she's delivering group and 1:1 exercise sessions, lending out fitness equipment, providing staff training, promoting SASP's "Sloppy Slippers" campaign and our falls prevention resources.
One big project this quarter has been rolling out the Pool Activity Level (PAL) Assessment Tool with help from PCN Occupational Therapists. The PAL tool is tailored for people with dementia, helping care staff personalize activities, interactions, and care for each resident's needs. It's already a hit—five care homes have started assessments and staff training, with all five giving it a thumbs-up and hoping to see it adopted more widely!
To read the rest of this blog, click here.
Check back here soon for all the latest updates over the coming months!
October, November, December 2024 (Quarter 3)
Bringing Movement and Wellness to Care Homes: A Look at SASP's Inspiring Work
Tracie has been busy this Quarter in North Sedgemoor, building connections and bringing energy to local care homes. With regular visits to 10 homes, she delivers group exercise sessions, one-to-one support, equipment loans, and staff training—all while championing SASP's fantastic falls prevention resources. Excitingly, there are plans to connect with two more care homes in the new year!
Highlights of some festive group exercise sessions in December were candy cane golf, fake snowballs and seated toboggan rides!! Great examples of a creative approach to movement and engagement.
West Somerset
The West Somerset Care Home Project, conducted between March and September 2024, was a collaborative initiative led by SASP (Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership) and funded by West Somerset PCN. With the aim of increasing physical activity among care home residents to reduce the risks of falls and frailty, the project engaged 12 care homes across the region. By implementing a three-strand approach -group activity sessions, workforce upskilling, and the innovative "Sloppy Slippers" campaign - this initiative not only enhanced the wellbeing of residents but also equipped staff with the tools to sustain these benefits. This evaluation highlights the project's significant impact, showcasing improved skills, knowledge, and confidence among staff, alongside meaningful feedback from residents and carers. Below you will see the headline data.
County Wide Offer
As you get older, you may find that muscle strength is reduced and you are less steady on your feet. Some movements, such as leaning sideways or turning quickly, can cause a loss of balance. This can begin earlier than you may expect, from your early fifties onwards. To prevent a loss of balance and strength over time, strength-building exercises are recommended.
A workshop package has been developed by SASP for workforces in the voluntary and community sectors, health, housing and social care around how to have meaningful and positive conversations about physical activity within their everyday roles. The objective is to support workplaces to have meaningful conversations about physical activity with older adults and people living with health conditions.
