WELLBEING 4 SENIORS
Clare Hughes, Movement & Wellbeing Specialist
MOVEMENT AND WELLBEING FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA.
Do you have a loved one, or know somebody, who is struggling with loneliness, low mood or dementia?
I can help you and I can help them.
I use the power of movement and gentle exercise to enhance mobility, independence and wellbeing. I also encourage the exploration of interests, hobbies and aspirations to help live life to the full. Each programme is tailored to each client based on their capabilities and needs, and can be provided off-site or at home.
The work is client-centred and very much about developing a friendly and professional working relationship. Clients seem to benefit most from weekly contact, so they can maintain momentum and we can adapt to any changing needs or circumstances.
It is vital for older people to keep moving and active to maintain positive mental and physical wellbeing. It is also important to find meaningful activities and interests to enjoy a good quality of life.
MY SERVICES
Empathic, creative and fun!
ONE TO ONE AT HOME
Social connection and engagement
I tailor make programmes for individuals living at home by helping them engage with the activities and interests that they enjoy.
Depending on confidence, ability and how people feel emotionally, interests and outings are tailor made around their wishes and aspirations to build towards living life to the full.
For a variety of reasons some clients may not have the confidence to pursue interests or venture into the community but with my support and encouragement this can be gently introduced and built upon.
Examples of home based activities have included arts and crafts, seated exercises, cooking, reminiscence, flower arranging, learning a basic language, Tai Chi and Qigong based movement and mobility and more. However, sometimes clients enjoy just chatting and having that social interaction and a cuppa!
Outings with clients have taken us as far as the Kelpies in Falkirk to the beautiful walled garden at Archerfield, East Lothian. Other examples are parks, the Botanics, garden centres, art galleries, coffee shops and beaches.
Being out with clients also enables us to chat with people in the community, which is important to help us feel connected to the world around us.
MOVEMENT THERAPY GROUPWORK AT DAY CENTRES AND CARE HOMES
Having fun with Movement Therapy
I also offer Movement Therapy group work to Day centres and Care home settings. This promotes physical and emotional wellbeing as well as a lot of fun and positive connections.
Dance Movement Therapy sessions provide a safe therapeutic space to engage physically, socially and emotionally through movement and dance to focus on promoting increased physical and mental wellbeing.
Dance, movement, play and music can spark memories and feelings, re-visiting movement memories held in our bodies. I use a wide variety of props and music to encourage individuals to engage in the movement and with each other.
Evaluations from my group work sessions have shown the following outcomes:
Positive group cohesion.
Improved relationships within the group.
Increased mobility, strength and coordination.
Enjoyment of movement and play.
Increased sense of self.
Growth in personal confidence and wellbeing.
ABOUT ME
Clare Hughes - BA (Hons), MSc, RDMP
I have years of experience as a Movement Psychotherapist and also as an Activities Coordinator in a Care Home setting. This fusion of experience enables me to support clients physically and emotionally to enjoy life.
I am registered with The Association of Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK, and have an up-to-date PVG and Insurance. I am also insured to drive clients and have a wheelchair for clients, if required.
I am passionate about supporting senior people to remain active and engaged in order to maintain their health and wellbeing.
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"I can highly recommend Clare to anyone considering engaging with her. She is
an exceptionally able and committed individual who is held in high regard by all who know her”
Ian Bell, Manager, Engle Lodge Salvation Army Care Home
Clare has been helping to look after my wonderful mother who is 98. Her amazing personality and professional skills has meant that in the past year my mother has gone from being a virtual recluse to really enjoying being taken out and about by Clare. Trips in wheel chair or in a car have made an enormous difference to her health and well being. With Clare’s help and support she is engaging in exercises and crafts. As a result she is physically stronger and able to more personal care herself.
Clare is such a kind, thoughtful and caring person that she inspires everyone round her. She is very sensitive and has fitted in very well with the existing carers. Aa a family we could not recommend her more highly
Daughter of a client
Can recommend Clare to be a sensitive, creative and warm group leader for people needing a little fun and something a bit different. Stretching stiff limbs, enjoying gentle movement, playing with new ideas, meeting new people is always good for the soul!
Susan Scarth Movement Psychotherapist, Practice Supervisor, Educator
My mother always looks forward to Clare's weekly visits. If the weather's good, Clare might take her out to a garden and if not, they'll find some other activity they can engage in at home
Daughter of a client
Clare is truly an expert at what she does. She has such an entertaining and light hearted approach which keeps all of the clients engaged and encourages participation. The exercises and movements are well thought out and because it feels fun you forget that you're exercising. The clients look forward to Clare's sessions which speaks volumes.
St Bernard's. LifeCare Edinburgh
CONTACT ME
07947232530