Walfinch home care clients are spreading the word about the benefits of its activity-based care.

Sue, from Oxfordshire, explains: “After three weeks in hospital, I couldn't stand up. I needed help at home, so I chose home care from Walfinch Oxfordshire.”

Hannah Tomlin, Sue's carer and the Events Coordinator for Walfinch Oxford, suggested that her care should include outings to the Walfinch Thrive Club in the village of Uffington, which offers free seated exercise sessions to anyone in the community. Initially Hannah took Sue to the classes in a wheelchair.

Massive difference

“It made a massive difference me,” says Sue. “Now I have got stronger and can walk to the class on my own. Personal trainer Oliver Halls, from Better Days Fitness, who leads the class, is good at suggesting changes that help, without being patronising or making you feel singled out.”

Sue got so much better that she no longer needed a carer to help her at home, and recently started walking unaided again.

She asked Kam Gill, who runs Walfinch Oxfordshire, if she could call in the care team if she ever needs extra support or help to get to appointments, and Kam said she would be very welcome.

“I am so lucky to have found people like this. They see the real person, not just your physical difficulties,” says Sue. “I am still going to Thrive Club, and have made new friends and seen many existing ones.

“A year ago I was in a terrible state, mentally and physically, but Walfinch care and its Thrive Club have done wonders for me.”

Celebrating recovery

Kam Gill says: “We know we have done a good job when someone we care for gets well

enough not to need care any more. It shows what good care and access to healthy activity can do, and people like Sue are living proof that we are dedicated to helping our clients thrive, not just survive.”

Amrit Dhaliwal, Founder and Chief Executive of Walfinch, says: “When a client improves or even leaves us because they no longer need care, we don't see it as losing a client but as gaining an advocate, because we know that they will recommend our services in their community.”

Thrive Club benefits

Walfinch Oxfordshire Thrive Clubs include three seated exercise classes: Ducklington on Monday mornings; East Hanney (Monday afternoons); and Uffington (Thursday mornings). It also offers an arts and crafts session in Uffington (Wednesday mornings). All are free of charge and open to anyone.

Kam says: “It's about combating isolation and giving everyone access to activities that improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing.  We also serve refreshments, so they are a friendly place to meet and chat.”