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Queen And The Proclaimers Prove Big ‘Hits’ At Hyllden Heights Care Home Drumming Sessions
Queen And The Proclaimers Prove Big Hits At Hyllden Heights Care Home Drumming Sessions
Hits by Queen, Elvis and The Proclaimers are keeping residents fit at Hyllden Heights drumming classes. The Lifestyles Team runs the ‘drumfit’ sessions every week and takes requests for songs from the residents. The Proclaimers’ ‘500 Miles’ is a firm favourite of resident Scot, Duncan Ireland, who loves tapping out the beat on the inflatable exercise balls.
“I do drumfit to exercise my arms and my shoulders,” said the 94 year old. “500 Miles is my favourite, you can really follow the beat. I request it every week, but I don’t think anyone’s tired of it yet!”
Hyllden Heights is a purpose-built care home offering residential, nursing, memory and respite care to up to 76 people. Its Head of Lifestyles, Sam Allen, said the sessions have multiple benefits.
“The whole idea of drumfit is not only to keep fit but it’s music therapy too. The team and I play upbeat songs that lift everyone’s mood, and the residents feel very powerful drumming on the balls. “It’s important we play songs the residents know to really get them engaged with the music, so requests are essential. As you can imagine, Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ goes down really well! It brings so many of the residents together, too. Some of our ladies are fairly quiet but when the class starts, they get chatting and they get caught up in the energy of the session.”
Drumfit is part of a wider programme of movement run by the home. The home’s maintenance manager, former soldier Terry Desmond, runs seated yoga sessions every Monday, which resident, Roy Kohlbeck, 93, also takes part in.
“I’ve been having physiotherapy on my shoulders, and the yoga and the drumming really help,” he said. “I always feel better after a drumfit session.”
For close friends Ivy Doran and Aileen Hill, both in their 90s, the drumming classes are a chance to share their love of music.
“These lovely ladies live on our memory floor and the sessions bring them both so much joy,” said Sam. “It brings Aileen out of her shell and the pair of them dance, laugh and really sing along. They transform from being quite reserved to upbeat and lively, they really have the best time.”
The drumfit sessions are one of the best attended activities at Hyllden Heights. Registered manager, Karen Pain, said they offer residents something different.
“They not only get to enjoy their favourite songs, but the classes also allow them to express themselves physically. They can tap out a gentle beat or, if they’re not in the best of moods, they can really hit the balls and get their frustrations out.
“It keeps their arms strong and joints mobile, which is so important for their overall health and independence. Plus, it’s such a sociable activity. People feel so energised at the end of the session and it’s wonderful to see everyone having so much fun together.”
Find out more about our vibrant community at Hyllden Heights Care Home