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CANDLELIGHT'S ARMCHAIR FITNESS FOR ELDERLY
Care worker Dawn, a personal trainer and a qualified aerobics and aquarobics instructor, is incorporating her training and teaching qualifications in her current work by helping the elderly to keep fit – one-to-one armchair exercises for those confined to their own homes. A personal trainer and Flexercise instructor, an exercise system which offers a slow moving fitness programme that can include cardio respiratory, strength, flexibility, stability and breathing, Dawn is offering her services to clients of Candlelight Homecare Services where she is a care staff manager responsible for 20 staff and between 90 and 100 elderly clients. Candlelight provides a professional, friendly homecare service to help and support people so they can continue living in their own home and Dawn is based at its Glastonbury branch and lives just round the corner in Drum Avenue. “We haven’t fully explored all the possibilities or promoted or advertised the service yet but already some of our clients have expressed interest,” said Dawn. “We use bean bags, balls and music and make it fun while they are sitting in their own chair and the exercises really do help and certainly increases confidence and helps keep them young.” English-born Dawn, who moved to South Africa with her parents when she was seven, returned to the land of her birth with her husband and three children – now teenagers – about eight years ago. “It was always my hope to return to England either for a holiday or to stay and I’m delighted to be back,’ she says. “I love my work. I've been with Candlelight for about seven years and have always continued my health and fitness training. “It’s my life and I enjoy being so active. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Dawn, who also teaches aerobics and aquarobics at Wells Leisure Centre three evenings a week and Saturday mornings. Candlelight managing director Liz Kirkham has paid tribute to Dawn’s commitment and dedication. “Dawn has studied and gained the qualifications and skills needed for Flexercise and we are delighted that she’s willing to help our clients in this way. Recent sessions in South Somerset were heavily subscribed so we are confident there will be a good take-up from our clients with the chance to enjoy the exercises from their own armchairs.” For more information contact Candlelight Homecare Services 01458 831201. |
Health and fitness has always been a top priority for Dawn De Lange, almost ruling her life – and now, as a full-time carer, she is helping those in their golden years reap the benefits of her knowledge and skills.