Take Time for a Little Physical and Mental Stimulation in Leek

Ageing adults can benefit enormously from getting out and about and joining in activities with other elderly people. And there are quite a few choices of different things to do in and around Leek.

At Home Instead Leek and Moorlands, our Care Professionals have often seen the difference that spending time with others can make to their clients. And if this time also involves some fitness or wellbeing exercises, that’s even better! So, we thought we’d share a few examples of places and activities in the area that your older relative or friend might find enjoyable and stimulating.

Leek Stroke Club

This friendship group meets every Monday at the Haregate Community Centre in Leek, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. You don’t have to have had a stroke to attend – in fact, most participants haven’t had one! It’s an opportunity for elderly folk to get out and meet people. There are plenty of activities for those who go along – including lunch (for a small fee), bingo, raffles, and general socialising.

There are also occasional outings, including shopping trips and visits to a range of places, such as the seaside, theatres, or craft centres. The group provides a welcome for anyone who would like to join in – and a place where they can find support, food, fun, and friendship. Transport is also available, again for just a small fee. The Community Centre is flat and provides easy access for wheelchairs. For details, call 01538 372179.

Leek U3A

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a national organisation with groups in most towns and cities, whose motto is: ‘Learn, Laugh and Live’. The Leek group is based at Norton House, as well as meeting at several other venues. Membership is open to anyone who isn’t in full-time employment and costs £10 a year, with a £1 class fee for most of the topic groups. At Leek, there are over 80 groups that meet weekly.

For the more active older person, there are groups ranging from bowls (at Brough Leisure Park), walking and gardening through to African drumming, petanque, and swimming. For those who prefer mental stimulation, there’s chess, bridge, and crib or chatting in various languages. And there are also creative activities such as card making, crochet and knitting, painting, patchwork and quilting, and singing. For more details, take a look at their website.

Approach Dementia Support

This group organises activities for those suffering from mild to moderate dementia and their carers. It holds weekly meetings at Leek Town Football Club in Harrison Park, on Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The group sessions are all free and focus on socialising and physical activities. These include basic physical fitness, including armchair exercises and the use of balls and a parachute. Attendees can then take part in various activities designed for enjoyment and mental stimulation – such as dominoes and word searches.

Approach Dementia Support also runs a singing group for those with dementia. This is held once a month at Haregate Community Centre on a Wednesday, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Research has shown that listening to or joining in songs can be very beneficial and can help to revive some happy memories. Music can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. For more information, contact Approach Dementia Support at 01782 214999.

Wherever possible, gentle physical and mental stimulation is very important as people age – as is social interaction. And there are numerous opportunities for taking part in all of these in Leek and the surrounding area. Why not encourage your older friend or relative to try one or two of them?

And if you’d like to know more about high-quality home care in the Leek and Moorlands area, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!