Pampered pensioners enjoy day at 'care home spa' - Yahoo News UK

[Matt Simpson]

CARE home residents enjoyed a beautiful day of pampering and chilling out inspired by an international celebration of relaxation.

Five Colten Care homes co-ordinated a host of gentle activities designed to embrace wellness, slowing down and de-stressing.

Dozens of residents at homes in Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown and West Moors took part, with input from staff members and visiting therapists.

The activities followed this summer’s International Relaxation Day, a collective ‘stress relief’ occasion launched by a nine-year-old American boy Sean Moeller 39 years ago and observed globally ever since.

Resident Iona Midlane is all smiles after a hand massage from Companionship Team member Elizabeth Carpagnano at Colten Care’s Brook View in West Moors. (Image: Colten Care)

Massages, shiatsu and reiki along with yoga, meditation, gong baths, foot soaks and spas were all part of the day.

After a head massage and face mask complete with cucumber slices to soothe her eyes, 104-year-old Dorothy Parker complimented carers at Brook View in West Moors.

She said: “That was the most I have ever felt relaxed.”

Fellow Brook View resident Iona Midlane said she particularly enjoyed a gentle hand massage from companionship team member Elizabeth Carpagnano.

Resident Joan Blackshaw enjoys a hand massage at Bourne View in Poole. (Image: Colten Care)

At Canford Chase in Poole there was a focus on breathing exercises.

Companionship team leader Vicky Day said: “We spent some of the day looking at how we can regulate our breathing to help increase feelings of calm and wellbeing and boost physical energy.”

And at Amberwood House in Ferndown, treatments included foot pampers. Companionship team member Kirsty Richmond-Cole said: “All the treatments were enjoyed throughout the afternoon and our ladies were glowing as they left the spa.”

Bourne View resident Jean Pickles said: “I would love to have another spa day again.”

Head, hand and foot massages at Fernhill in Longham (Image: Colten Care)

In a sensory room at Fernhill, Colten Care’s dedicated dementia care home in Longham, a steady flow of residents received shiatsu and reiki from Wellbeing Champion Angela Thorn.

As she came out, Kiki Tormey said: “I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. That was incredible, I’m so relaxed.”

And June Welford, who also lives at Fernhill, told carers: “This has been the best day. Every day is relaxation day with you.”

Healthcare Assistant Terry Harvey said: “I feel so much better. We do a physical job, using all the muscles in the body, and this kind of treatment really helps.”