lifestyle...

So what is this ‘Lifestyle’?

It is essentially a very special, well-organised day care service. We say ‘day’care but Lifestyle doesn’t stop at 3:30pm.-it carries on until bedtime or whatever time somebody wants it to. It is an essential part of the care package that we offer.

We talk to each person (and usually their family, friends, keyworkers if they can’t verbally communicate) about what needs they have and which activities they enjoy. We try to add on some different experiences as well as keeping familiar ones. An individual programme is then drawn up and tried out.

Activities include: wheelchair aerobics, rebound therapy (trampolining), hand/foot massage, sensory sessions, ‘wheels for all’(specialist cycles), sensory drama, gardening, games, art/craft, music, beauty therapy, food preparation, hydrotherapy, swimming, visiting museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, pubs, shopping centres, leisure centres, discos, parks, libraries, local college courses.  Please see our Lifestyle video.    

Lifestyle also hosts a wide range of other entertainments and outings including; theme days, games days, bingo evenings, karaoke sessions, discos and parties for bonfire night, festivals, birthdays and Christmas. All these events give opportunity for socialising and having fun. Service users go to see pantomimes, we invite in travelling theatre groups, Blackpool shows such as ‘Eclipse’ and ‘Hot Ice’, circuses, zoos, fairs – anything which involves a multi-sensory experience is tried out.

The theme days provide a multi-sensory approach to the chosen theme. Themes so far have included French Day, Circus, Down on the Farm, A day at the Seaside, Circles and Indian Day. Leading up to the day, staff members support service users to prepare decorations, select music and organise activities. The day is designed to appeal to the senses together with an emphasis on entertainment. Families and friends are invited and have also loved the experience.

Lifestyle organises annual holidays. Service users go in small groups with their own staff team. Places visited have included Centre Parcs in the Lake District, Ribby Hall near Kirkham and the Bond Hotel in Blackpool.

All activities are carried out in a very person-centred way. If something does not work it is changed.