At Greenhithe's Haslington Lodge Care Home, there's an infectious swirl of enthusiasm sweeping through residents and staff alike.
The residents and staff at Haslington Lodge Care Home in Greenhithe are twirling with excitement as they embrace the spirit of the popular TV show, Strictly Come Dancing.
The care home has been buzzing with anticipation since the news broke that the first two names on the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up has reportedly been revealed.
Though the official names have not yet been announced, the care home decided not to wait to get into the dancing mood.
In a heart-warming and inspirational performance, Kyle, a dedicated volunteer at the care home, and Mo, the home’s beloved cleaner, took to the floor to show off their ballroom dancing skills. The mother-son duo wowed everyone with their graceful moves and impeccable coordination, earning a resounding score of 10 from the judging panel comprising of residents and staff.
Tracey Crittenden, Activities Coordinator at Haslington Lodge Care Home, couldn’t contain her excitement. She said, “This was such a special moment for everyone here. Kyle and Mo’s performance was not just entertaining, but it brought so much joy and energy to our care home community.It's amazing to see how dance can uplift spirits and bring people together.”
One resident, who is a huge fan of Strictly ComeDancing, said, “I’ve watched every season of Strictly and I can’t wait for it to be back. But today, seeing Kyle and Mo dance was like having our very ownStrictly show right here! They were absolutely fabulous!”
Kyle and Mo, who have been practicing their routine for weeks, were overwhelmed by the response. Mo shared, “Dancing with my son in front of all these wonderful people was a dream come true. We wanted to bring a little bit of the Strictly magic to Haslington Lodge.”
Dancing is a fantastic activity that can bring numerous benefits, particularly those living in care home settings. Here are some of the advantages:
Physical Fitness: Dancing is a great way to maintain physical fitness. It promotes flexibility, balance, coordination, and strength, which are all essential for overall health and physical wellbeing.
Improves Balance and Coordination: Regular dancing helps improve balance and coordination, which can aid in preventing falls, a common concern among the elderly population.
Cognitive Function: Dancing stimulates the brain and can help slow cognitive decline. The mental effort it takes to remember dance steps and sequences boosts brain power and improves memory.
Social Interaction: Dancing provides opportunities for socialising, reducing feelings of isolation or loneliness. It allows interaction with their peers, building connections and promoting a sense of community.
Emotional Wellbeing: Dancing can boost mood and overall emotional health. The combination of movement, music, and social interaction can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers, reducing stress and depression.
Stimulates the Senses: The combination of music and movement in dancing stimulates the auditory and visual senses. This sensory stimulation can be especially beneficial for those living with dementia.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By promoting physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation, dancing can greatly enhance the quality of life in a care home setting.
Versatility: Dancing can be adapted to fit anyone's abilities. Even seated dances can be beneficial for those with mobility issues, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.
Promotes Autonomy and Confidence: Mastering new dance steps can provide a sense of accomplishment and increase self-esteem.This can lead to a more positive self-image and a greater sense of autonomy.
Enjoyment: Lastly, dancing is simply fun! It brings joy, laughter, and positivity into a care home environment, improving the overall atmosphere and residents' satisfaction.
So, whether it's a formal dance class, a spontaneous dance party, or a gentle seated dance, incorporating this form of movement can have significant positive impacts on physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
