Home care worker encourages 92-year-old to go for daily walks and mow her own lawn

Ninety-two-year-old Joan stays fit and active due to a daily walk she goes on with her home care worker, who says he sees both “emotional and physical benefits”.

Colin aged 45, who works for Seniors Helping Seniors (UK) Ltd - Canterbury, visits Joan on a daily basis and encourages her to go for a walk every day and even mow her own lawn.

He says: "Walking and being out in the open air has always been an important part of Joan's life. Joan is 92 years young and loves nothing better than taking me for a walk.

“Sometimes that might require me to focus Joan on the idea of going for a walk but that happens very naturally either with a simple suggestion or through subtle prompting within the conversation such as ‘great weather for a walk’.”

He adds: “It's clear to see that apart from the physical benefits Joan gets from walking every day, the emotional benefits are obviously hugely positive too, and I witness this first hand after every single walk we do together.”

As well as working for Seniors Helping Seniors, Colin also volunteers for Age UK and has specialist dementia experience.

Colin respects Joan’s independence and accompanies her shopping and ensures she stays hydrated and well nourished. They do housework and the gardening together and end with a good walk.

Sally Wilse, co-owner of Seniors Helping Seniors said: “We support people to live the lives they want to live no matter their age or the conditions they live with. The service is about helping with the tasks of daily life while inspiring and facilitating as much physical and mental activity as possible.

“Our carers accompany clients living with dementia to chair based yoga sessions, taking clients to the local gentle gym, taking clients to and watching a swim or gym session, going on walks in the woods, along the prom, out into town or to the village or just around the corner to post a letter.”

click here for more details or to contact Seniors Helping Seniors (UK) Ltd - Canterbury