Care home gets residents moving with drumming class

The sessions are intended to keep residents fit and to help them socialise

A care home in Kent has been using a drumming class to help residents socialise and stay fit.

Hyllden Heights in Hildenborough, near Tonbridge, offers a "drumfit" session every week and it is one of the home's most popular activities.

The session involves residents tapping exercise balls to the beat of songs from artists including Queen, Elvis Presley and The Proclaimers.

Resident June Browning, 93, said: "It’s very nice because it brings the whole home together."

Ms Browning says the sessions make her "feel alive"

“I think it’s quite important because it makes you feel that you really belong to something,” the former Elmsted resident added.

Fellow resident Stephanie Dunbar, 80, agreed that the social aspect was the highlight of the weekly class.

"I’ve made so many friends since I came in here through doing the drumfit. It’s also very good for exercising.”

She explained that while drumming her worries disappeared "just like that".

Mr Ireland said the communal side of the activity was “very important”

Resident Duncan Ireland, 94, said he enjoyed the exercise and the music.

"500 Miles is my favourite, you can really follow the beat. I request it every week, but I don’t think anyone’s tired of it yet.”

The home's head of lifestyles Sam Allen said: “It’s good for fitness, it’s music therapy, it’s sociable, if they are having a little bit of an off day it can get their frustrations out.”

Registered manager for the home Karen Pain explained that the sessions helped keep residents' "arms strong and joints mobile" which benefited their health and independence.