A resident at a Chester care village has relearned to walk following a stroke, with support from on-site fitness staff.

Belong, a not-for-profit dementia care operator, supports customers to enjoy an active lifestyle whilst maintaining their independence.

Its holistic approach maximises health through use of an in-house gym and a dedicated exercise specialist.

Highly qualified and passionate about her vocation, Barbara Tait was recently appointed as Belong Chester's lead exercise specialist, heading up the group's award-winning exercise provision.

Barbara returns to the post following a stint volunteering in disaster relief in her native South Africa.  

For one 90-year-old resident, Barbara's expertise has been life-changing.

Maureen Fitzpatrick was left wheelchair-bound after suffering a stroke. She also lost both the ability to walk and function in her left hand.

Following months of work, the Scotswoman has relearned to walk with use of a walking frame, by strengthening balance and coordination, taking advantage of an assisted bike, a stepper machine, and interactive cognitive games. 

Maureen said: "Thanks to Barbara, joy has returned as I feel I've got my life back. 

"On top of all the exercise, she's taught me about posture, hydration and breathing, and I value that she dignifies me and treats me as a person. 

"I'm proud to have achieved what I have and I'll keep it up to be able to hold my grandson when he is born later this year." 

This pioneering approach to dementia care sees exercise specialists like Barbara devise personalised fitness programmes to complement each customers' care plan.

The team also works with external ancillary services such as NHS health practitioners, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

"I believe in – and have seen many times over – the truly transformative power that exercise can have for older people," said Barbara Tait, lead exercise specialist at Belong.

"In Maureen's case, without the service she would have digressed and most likely require two carers for 24-hour support. Instead, she's maintaining a good level of independence.

"Many of our customers tell us that as they age, they want to retain their physical and cognitive health as much as possible.

"Our goal is to assist in making this happen."   

More information about Belong Chester can be found at www.belong.org.uk or by emailing [email protected].