Resident with a passion for dance leads an Anchor Zest session

Resident Val Smith at Hatton Grange care home in Hyde has always had a passion for dance and performing. 

A former care assistant, Val always loved putting on shows for the residents at the care homes she worked at, playing the keyboard and dancing for their entertainment.

However since developing Alzheimer’s herself, Val has found it increasingly difficult to remember certain dance sequences, and felt she could no longer do some of the things she once enjoyed so much.

Recognising Val’s love of performance, carers at Anchor Hatton Grange where Val now lives, have spent time working with her to bring the joy of dance back into her daily life.

Through a series of focused 1-2-1 sessions, the team worked with Val to create her very own dance routine, demonstrating the different moves she could do along to a playlist of her favourite music, and encouraged her to lead a Zest activity session for her fellow residents.

Zest is an energised, exciting and fun physical activity programme available across all Anchor’s care homes. Designed to be suitable for all needs and abilities, Zest sessions feature a mix of active routines, dance moves, mobility work, and gentle moving and stretching.

Through leading the session and performing again, Val was able to recall precious memories of her past and see that with a little support the Alzheimer’s disease did not have to hold her back from doing something she enjoys, and Val has started to have a more positive outlook on her diagnosis.

You can learn more about our approach to wellness and activity here. Hatton Grange care home in Hyde has an engaging activities programme year-round, to find out more about the home click here.