Milton Keynes care homes come together for special sports day

Five care homes in Milton Keynes recently came together for a memorable day of sport at a special inter-home sports day.

The event, part of an ongoing partnership between MK Dons Community Trust and Excelcare, saw representatives from Castlemead Court, Dovecote Manor, Neath House, Water Hall, and The Willows compete in a variety of light-hearted games.

The Trust hosted games including egg-and-spoon, three-legged and shopping-line races, a coconut shy, and a tug-of-war.

Excelcare’s residents, care teams, and Home Managers all joined in the friendly competition, earning points for their respective homes while cheering one another on throughout the day.

Bringing people together from multiple homes, the event fostered a strong sense of community and created opportunities for meaningful connections that are not often possible in day-to-day care home life.

Residents were also treated to a special performance from Holly of the D-Day Darlings, whose nostalgic wartime and post-war songs had many attendees singing along and reminiscing.

The success of the event has led to plans for it to become an annual fixture in the calendar.

Excelcare’s Regional Operations Director, Jayne Masterson said: “The Milton Keynes Sports Day was a truly special event, bringing together residents and teams from across our homes for an afternoon of fun, friendship, teamwork and community spirit.

“The event highlighted the positive impact Excelcare's partnership with MK Dons Community Trust continues to have across the Milton Keynes region.

“It was wonderful to see so many smiles, hear so much laughter and watch everyone cheering each other on.

“Events like these play an important role in supporting wellbeing and creating meaningful experiences for the people we support. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day such a positive success.”

The partnership between the Trust and Excelcare sees residents take part in weekly chair-based exercise sessions at each of Excelcare’s homes.

The Trust also delivers Adult Physical Activity sessions in seven care homes across the city.

Physical activity supports increased strength, balance and mobility and is proven to enhance the quality of life experienced by those living with neurological conditions.

The Trust has also supported residents to enjoy memorable days out watching the club’s first team play at Stadium MK.

The partnership has provided a welcome boost to the lifestyle and wellbeing of residents, while creating treasured memories with loved ones, friends, and fellow football fans.

Mark Johnston, Community Sports Development Officer at MK Dons Community Trust, has a personal connection to the programme as his mother lives with dementia and is cared for at Castlemead Court.

Mark said: “Sports day perfectly reflected what our partnership with Excelcare is all about.

“Through our regular sessions in the homes, we help residents stay active, but just as importantly, we help create opportunities for social interaction and meaningful experiences.

“It is great to see the success of schemes created through the partnership encouraging residents to socialise, make new connections and enjoy new experiences and the significant impact it is having on their confidence, happiness and overall wellbeing.”

Anyone who represents a care home – or has a relative in care – and would like to learn more about the Trust’s work in care homes can email info@mkdonscommunitytrust.com.