A Macclesfield care village resident has learned to walk again following a stroke.

Not-for-profit care operator Belong has welcomed back lead exercise specialist, Barbara Tait.

Having played a crucial part in the company's award-winning in-house exercise provision, Barbara returns to the post following a stint volunteering in disaster relief in her native South Africa.

One person who has already benefited from Barbara's expertise is Belong Macclesfield resident Maureen Fitzpatrick, who was left wheelchair-bound following a stroke.

Thanks to Barbara, the 90-year-old Scotswoman has relearned to walk with the use of a walking frame.

Maureen said: "Thanks to Barbara, joy has returned as I feel I've got my life back.

"On top of all the exercise, she's taught me about posture, hydration and breathing, and I value that she dignifies me and treats me as a person. 

"I'm proud to have achieved what I have and I'll keep it up to be able to hold my grandson when he is born later this year." 

Belong Macclesfield on Kennedy Avenue (Credit: Nub News)

Belong's pioneering approach to dementia care sees exercise specialists like Barbara devise personalised fitness programmes to complement residents' care plans.

It also links with external ancillary services, such as NHS health practitioners, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, regular one-to-one gym sessions make use of state-of-the-art equipment selected specially to meet the needs of an older audience, such as accessible bike machines for wheelchair users. 

Meanwhile, weekly group sessions and walking clubs focus on falls prevention whilst promoting the social benefit of exercise.  

Barbara said: "I'm pleased to be returning to lead Belong's exercise department. 

"I believe in – and have seen many times over – the truly transformative power that exercise can have for older people.  

"In Maureen's case, without the service she would have digressed and most likely require two carers for 24-hour support. 

"Instead, she's maintaining a good level of independence.

"Many of our customers tell us that as they age, they want to retain their physical and cognitive health as much as possible, so our goal is to assist in making this happen."  

Barbara Tait and Maureen Fitzpatrick (Credit: Belong)

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