The Beijing Winter Olympics took place between 4 Feb 2022 – 20 Feb 2022. Our care home partners took this opportunity to organise Olympic-themed activities for their residents!
Read on to find out what our care home partners got up to during the Olympics!
Image: Anne, resident at Colinton Care Home, Brighterkind
Care Home Olympic-themed Activities
Four Seasons Healthcare & Brighterkind Care Homes
Residents at Four Seasons and brighterkind care homes have been taking part in their own Winter Olympic Games while supporting Team GB in their quest for medals in Beijing this month.
In the lead-up to the games, residents created flags and banners in their arts and crafts activities as well as some very impressive Olympic torches which were used in relays with local community groups as part of the homes’ opening ceremonies.
Hallgarth Care Home resident, Doreen, with her handmade Olympic torch!
Reminiscence sessions triggered memories from previous Olympics with favourite moments being Torvill and Dean winning gold for their legendary Boléro ice dance in 1984 and Eddie the Eagle winning hearts for his ski jumping in 1988, despite finishing last. It wasn’t just about famous sporting legends, however, as residents were encouraged to share their own memorable sporting moments. From winning the egg and spoon race at school to playing sport at a national and international level, the homes celebrated their own sporting stars, all with fascinating stories to tell.
Colinton Care Home residents, Dennis and Anne have a go at nordic walking!
Thomas Cairney, a resident at Whitefield Lodge Care Home in Glasgow, represented Great Britain in the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, in the 30km and 50km cross-country skiing events. Although he didn’t make a podium finish at the Olympics, he won many medals for the sport, which he took part in during his National Service, including one presented to him by the King of Norway.
Mill House Care Home resident, Freda, going for gold in the tabletop curling event!
The care homes’ Magic Moments Coordinators devised a series of activities suitable for residents of all abilities to take part in, including tabletop curling, snowball bowling, cross-country quizzing and armchair ice dancing! Residents also explored Chinese culture during the games, including a live-streamed tour of Beijing with a local guide to show them around and answer questions.
Park House Care Home resident, Muriel, with her handmade Olympic torch!
At Colinton Care Home in Edinburgh, resident, Anne MacDonald, aged 89, said: “I’ve really enjoyed taking part in all the different events, they were great fun and it just goes to show you can have a go at anything whatever your age.” 88-year-old resident, Dennis Easy, added: “It’s all been very exciting! I didn’t know I had it in me - I just wish Team GB had won as many medals as I have!”
Euxton Park Care Home residents enjoying a game of 'ice' hockey!
Steve Gardner, Head of Product Development at Four Seasons Health Care Group, said: “Our Olympic themed events have offered something for all our residents to take part in and were designed to stimulate the mind, body and soul. Our residents have enjoyed sharing their sporting memories which we have celebrated in all our homes. Activities that promote health and well-being are an important part of our Magic Moments activities programme and we have all really enjoyed ‘Going for Gold’ this month!”
Ryeview Manor, B&M Care Homes
Residents at Ryeview Manor Care Home in High Wycombe enjoyed playing Olympic-themed activities including a curling table game and a biathlon game with nerf guns.
Raluca & Charlotte from the Activities Team at Ryeview Manor said, "Everyone had a really good time playing Olympics Games!".
Ryeview Manor resident, Tony, playing the biathlon with his nerf gun!
Ryeview Manor resident, Doris, wearing her medal for taking part in the games!
Ryeview Manor residents, Mirza & Elias, playing tabletop curling!
Ryeview Manor resident, Phill, with his handmade Olympic torch!
Dean Wood Care Home, Bupa
Exercise club runs twice a week at Dean Wood Care Home in Brighton. Residents enjoy many activities during exercise club including gentle armchair workouts with lots of music and movement.
To celebrate the Olympics, the activities team at Dean Wood came up with themed challenges for the residents. These challenges included a walking trail, bean bag throwing, armchair kicks and tap! One day, the home had a bowling alley come to Dean Wood which was thoroughly enjoyed by staff and residents.
Dean Wood Care Home resident taking part in the bean bag throwing activity!
Dean Wood Care Home resident with his handmade Olympic torch!