For the last two years, Robert and Marion from Brampton, Cambridgeshire have been enjoying the benefits of our Love to Move programme.
Love to Move is a group movement class that helps to improve strength, flexibility, finger dexterity, core stability and cognitive enhancement, particularly with elderly people, and people living with dementia, supporting independent living and a better quality of life.
In his younger days, Robert was a keen swimmer, water polo player and wind surfer and he later went on to volunteer and run swimming and windsurfing clubs in his local community. Unfortunately, in 2018, Robert was left with severe dementia after a knee operation. According to his wife, Marion, Robert did not know who she was or where he was and one of his knees was left permanently bent.
Robert’s condition was picked up by a doctor that Marion went to see. During one of Robert’s appointments, they were recommended to go and find relevant exercise classes and that’s where they came across Love to Move.
“I knew I was in the right place immediately,” Marion began. “There was a cheerful welcome and I found that I vaguely knew one or two people.
“It soon became a lifeline. Somewhere to discuss what had happened and not feel an outsider.
“Robert was always happier afterwards. It also helped him accept his plight. It helped him to go out with friends, as a couple we were able to go out for lunch. Something we had not done since his op.”
Towards the end of 2019, Robert’s condition deteriorated and when the pandemic struck in March 2020, all Love to Move sessions were suspended.
In response to the national lockdown, all sessions became available online on Zoom and our Facebook page.
“It was a relief when they started. They are good and they help make sure Robert does as much as he is able to.”
Although Robert’s dementia is very limiting, Marion and Robert continue to take part in the online classes.
This week (17th – 23rd May) is Dementia Awareness Week. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, nearly 1 million people live with dementia in the UK and their families are struggling to get the support and care that they need and deserve.
For every pound invested in Love to Move, there is a social return on investment of £28.24.
The programme is flexible and easy to introduce and our research finds that 100% of carers who have experienced Love to Move would recommend our sessions.
See more about our Love to Move programme below.