Our physio will take our residents’ fitness to the next level

We were already seeing remarkable results in our residents’ health and wellbeing, thanks to our team’s commitment to fitness. We are now taking our exercise programme to the next level by bringing in Physiotherapist Robert Plichowski, known as Rob.

He will lead two exercise classes a week for our residents, as well as meeting with individuals to set personalised fitness goals. Rob specialises in supporting people recovering from strokes and those living with dementia and he is excited to be bringing his specialist skills to the team.

“The team here have been doing amazing things,” he said, “and we have a shared goal of helping our residents to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. My approach is grounded in evidence-based rehabilitation, and blending my research and experience with empathy and creativity I aim to make physical activity something that every resident looks forward to.

“It’s completely opt-in for residents and I will set specific, personalised goals which reflect their needs, values and abilities. For example, one resident might need exercises to build their strength, balance and mobility to help them stand independently and another might benefit from increasing their cardio through extra walks and seated cycles. We will be tracking residents’ progression and readjusting their goals accordingly.”

Our resident Stuart Howell, 88, has been working to improve his range of movement and he has already noticed a difference. “I’ve become more mobile; my limbs are more flexible and less painful,” he said. “The team has set me some exercises to follow and I try to do them twice a week.”

Our team’s focused support adds to Stewart’s daily routine of two to three independent daily walks in the garden. He is also part of the swimming club and attends the exercise classes.

Our extensive exercise programme runs six days a week and includes swimming, Pilates, Zumba (led by specialist instructor Sarah), bowls, skittles, fitness classes with Rob, a rambling club and an ambling club for those who prefer a gentler pace or one-to-one walks. We even use boxing gloves for sparring exercises! Our amenities reflect our commitment to fitness, with a gym, cinema, salon, bar, bistro and sensory gardens – all designed to encourage movement, socialisation, and reminiscence.

Head of quality at our home, Carol Morgan, is passionate about our residents’ wellbeing. “Exercise is central to our home’s culture and is woven into our everyday life,” she explained. “We are all united in our vision to offer individualised person-centred programmes that help our residents achieve their potential and live their very best lives. We already had a varied exercise programme but with Rob’s skill set we know we can elevate our offering and take residents to the next level with their health and fitness. We’re really pleased to have him on the team.

“The physical and mental health benefits are incredible but it’s also about connection and friendships. Residents gain a sense of community, joy and purpose, which extends not just to our classes but to our gardening club, outings, events and intergenerational visits – it all keeps us active and moving.

“We live in an ageist society, but here at Bramley Court we are committed to breaking down stereotypes about life in a care home. We’ve watched residents grow in confidence as their health improves. Some take part six times a week and are fitter than most, and our ramblers love going out in all weathers. They support and encourage each other and are all an inspiration – I’m so proud of them!”

Our resident Phil Christal, 82, is passionate about inspiring other residents to reach their fitness goals. “The comradeship of the exercise is good because people who are not as able as me can look up to me,” he explained. Phil has been an active cyclist and regularly cycled from his home in Cambridge to St Ives. He walks Pip, the home’s 8-year-old Jackapoo, every morning before breakfast with fellow resident Virginia Tunningley, 80.

“I feel like a youngster because I do swimming, Zumba, exercise classes, Pilates and daily walks!” Virginia said. “I have a bad knee and Rob has worked with me to get it stronger. It’s helped me a lot. I can now do things I never thought I’d be able to do – I can’t run yet but I’m working on it!”

Rob joins Sharon Scott, the home’s lifestyles exercise champion, and wellbeing team members Arieal Yabut, Lois Read and lifestyle coordinator Teresa Paskalev. Together they support residents with their individual goals and ensure all activities are inclusive with seated options and one to one sessions where needed.

“Through our fitness offering I have seen some massive changes in residents’ confidence,” Sharon said. “We see them growing in strength and improving their balance, which helps them to become more independent. It improves their quality of life and their sense of worth and we are really excited to be working with Rob to increase opportunities and support for everyone.”

Evidence-based research in the UK shows that strength and balance exercise programmes can reduce fall rates by nearly 30%. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for health and social care in England and Wales (NICE) guidance links these programmes to fewer hospital admissions in older people, easing demand on wider health services.

Our care home manager, Judith Wroe, added: “Our residents’ health and happiness is our main priority. We have seen first-hand how these tailored exercise programmes stimulate, motivate and keep everyone active.

“It’s also a lot of fun and brings us together – our team members join in too and love it – and we’ve created a wonderful atmosphere of support and encouragement. Residents and team members feel a huge sense of achievement. It’s transformative.”

Bramley Court Care Home is a 72-ensuite bedroomed home, which provides high quality residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. We are proud to have been consistently rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).