Keith care home residents take the plunge
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A KEITH care home is launching a weekly swimming club for its residents.
Glenisla is taking the plunge after asking its residents which activities they'd like to take part in.
A large number came back with swimming as their reply – and two of them have already got their feet wet.
Ian Cresswell (89) and James Smart (78) tested the water at the Keith Sports & Community Centre.
With them were Glenisla's manager Brenda Harper and activities coordinator Katie Hopewell, supported by carers Beth Penny and Yvonne Milne.
Katie said: "Both families were on board to encourage Ian and James and it couldn’t have gone better.
"James said it was wonderful to be back in the water and Ian was the happiest I have ever seen him.
"He said he felt he could swim the English Channel.
"Both of them are keen to get back into the water as soon as possible."
Kate obtained photographs of the pool's hoist equipment so she could familiarise the pair with it prior to their visit.
Brenda said: "The pool staff deserve a special mention as they were so helpful and supportive.
"I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the delight in Ian and James' faces. It was priceless.
"We now have a list of names of residents ready to take the plunge on a regular basis."
Swimming is deemed one of the best forms of exercise for joints and muscles.
Katie is currently taking part in Caring about Physical Activity, an online course run by the Care Inspectorate which promotes the benefits of exercise for older people.
