Meallmore is partnering with Scottish musical exercise provider danceSing as part of a Scottish government initiative to increase exercise by elderly people.

Antonine House in Bearsden is one of 14 Meallmore homes taking part in the initiartive. At Antonine 10 to 15 residents participate in every session, which take place two or three times a week. Residents can choose the activities they prefer, and care staff can tailor it to the physical challenges and needs of specific groups. 

The activities are designed to improve movement, balance, circulation and fitness, and include chair fitness, standing fitness, dementia-specific chair sessions, and short circulation boosters. Residents are also encouraged to participate in singalongs, with songs specifically chosen with the aim of improving breathing, posture, concentration and co-ordination. 

Staff have received training from danceSing and an online portal facilitates the programme, which also includes a 24/7 radio station produced by two radio professionals, which care homes can use to encourage movement at specific times of day or assist with settling residents in the evenings.

The Scottish government initiative began last November and is funding the implementation of danceSing in 65 care homes, covering every local authority area in Scotland. The year-long programme will build on research investigating the benefits of music and exercise on the overall wellbeing of elderly people facing a variety of health conditions, such as dementia and mobility issues.

Sam Dougan, Meallmore’s activity and engagement lead said: “At Meallmore we are constantly looking for new ways to make sure that our residents receive the highest standards of personalised, quality care and support. The quality of the content and the delivery of danceSing really encouraged us to get involved and explore the potential benefits it could have on the health of our residents. The feedback has been really positive so far, and we’re looking forward to evaluating the progress of danceSing within our care homes.”

Natalie Gary, founder, chief executive and movement director at danceSing, commented: “When we describe danceSing, we like to use the phrase ‘technology-powered, human-led’. The technology is a powerful tool which allows us to make the programme a fully immersive experience. The human aspect is what empowers the residents to fully realise the ways in which exercise can improve their wellbeing. The results we have seen since implementing danceSing within the care sector two years ago are extremely encouraging. The Scottish government initiative is going to give us the opportunity to extend this research even further.”

Shelley Watters, Antonine care home manager said: “Implementing danceSing at Antonine House has been an easy and exciting experience. Staff have enjoyed working with the danceSing team during training sessions and we are already seeing the benefits of the programme on our residents’ wellbeing.”