Aged care residents dance for brain and body health
Residential Aged Care residents have been getting groovy as part of a new seated song and dance program featuring popular toe tapping tunes from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and Broadway songs.
This program is developed and delivered by Monique Feain, who is a qualified and experienced dance teacher based in Northern NSW and is a Dance for Parkinson’s Instructor. Her dedicated work with older people stemmed from her own experiences with dementia and Parkinsons in her own family.
The program is designed for residents who are living with cognitive and physical conditions including dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. It provides a structured therapeutic approach that helps unlock brain pathways, supporting brain and body health and promoting learning and social connection.
It’s not only about physically moving, it’s about the recognition of the dance moves for each song and skills behind it.
Holding classes weekly or fortnightly, alternating between the whole home and then the Memory Support Unit can be of great benefit to aged care residents.
“This is not just an exercise class, it’s not just a music class, it’s an interactive memory lesson – that’s been the success of it.”
“The feedback from residents has been inspiring, it makes me want to give back more. I love the fact that, for residents in memory support, I get to see participation from those who would normally not engage much.”
A social affair with friends…
Participants say dancing has always been a social affair with friends from when they were younger, so these classes bring back a lot of fond memories.
They love the music – a good sing-along is always a good time and the physical exercise lightens everyone’s day for residents and staff alike.
I have a dance studio in Wollongbar NSW near Ballina where I offer seniors community classes and I love bringing the joy and laughter of movement and music into the lives of our seniors.
Dance is for all ages, stages, abilities, shapes, sizes and levels.
This is a gentle activity of a fun, low impact, seated dance class for mental, physical and emotional well being, to toe tapping, familiar & catchy times from the 50's,60's and 70's we can singalong to as we dance.
A truly fun fitness workout to keep you moving and live life well!