Trying to change your diet for the better and to move more? People supported by Kisharon are doing just the same. Men and women in supported living are encouraged to keep active, eat healthily and attend regular checks with health professionals.
Staff aim to bring home the message that a balanced diet with carbohydrates, protein and good fats will not only keep excess weight at bay but will also lead to better health.
Above: Daniel Yefet cycling in the grounds of Mapledown School, Cricklewood
Regular activities – and those in adult day services often take part too – include swimming, horse riding, visiting the gym, walking and tenpin bowling. Men and women play ball games, table tennis and basketball in their gardens.
Some indviduals supported by Kisharon can be reluctant to exercise in the winter, but show more enthusiasm once the weather gets warmer.
Residents in supported living must fulfil a ‘community access’ duty every day. Everyone is required to go to the shops, work or involve themselves in the community in some way, and this provides the perfect opportunity take a walk each day, and notch up a high daily step count.
Staff ensure everyone sees a chiropodist when required, the dentist twice a year, an optician annually and has a six-monthly review with their GP.
“We find that compliance with these health checks is very good. It’s only with food that we struggle a little,” explained Supported Living Manager, Afolake Adebanjo.
Staff work with clients to compile weekly menus. Those with literacy difficulties make decisions using a set of food photographs.
“We try to slip in healthy meals but some are very resistant to change. One man eats a very large quantity of schnitzel every Thursday and is reluctant to change on the grounds that he has always eaten this meal on this particular day of the week!”
<< Back