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.

A 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!

One creative initiative planned around Wimbledon fortnight included teaming up with a local tennis club offering free facilities for residents to enjoy some tennis-themed games. The big challenge? Transport! Without minibuses, it was tough to get residents to the club. But no worries—Tracie provided activity packs, so staff hosted balloon tennis and similar games right in the care homes, giving residents a taste of the Wimbledon spirit.

Working in care homes brings unique challenges: visits from family, the bustling home routines (hello, tea trolley!), and residents who may be too unwell or need specialised engagement due to physical or cognitive limitations. But Tracie's flexibility and her "box of tricks" keep her ready to adapt, finding fun, engaging ways to keep residents moving and motivated.

Tracie's journey in North Sedgemoor is full of meaningful connections and learning—proof that every step, even the challenging ones, bring positive change.