Working out how to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle

Czajka Care Group is successfully helping residents across its five homes in Nab Wood and the Aire Valley to maintain their brain function and improve mobility by enjoying a fit and healthy lifestyle, regardless of their age or any disabilities.

Czajka Care Group has a longstanding relationship with health specialist Sue Birkbeck who runs regular fitness classes that are open to all residents across its homes, and she has now delivered more than 10,000 fitness classes to residents over the last 18 years.

Following this success, the company has gone on to develop a full programme of activities that promote health and wellbeing including regular visits from holistic massage professionals, dance classes and mobility sessions. These all complement Czajka Care Group’s entertainment programme which includes musical performances and afternoon teas through to theatre trips and days at the coast.

The company owns and operates Fairmount Nursing Home, Brookfield Care Home and Staveley Birk Leas Nursing Home, which are all in Nab Wood near Shipley, and Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton and Beanlands Nursing Home in Cross Hills. Both Currergate and Beanlands currently have a limited number of places available for new residents who require full residential care, respite care, short breaks, day care or palliative care.

In addition, there are a small number of homes currently available at Currergate Mews, which sits in the grounds of Currergate Nursing Home and offers 14, three bedroom, houses in a secure environment that are available to buy outright, or on shared equity terms, as well as being available to rent. 

Konrad Czajka, Managing Director of Czajka Care Group, said: “We have always recognised the importance of exercise for both physical and mental wellbeing, but understandably it can be daunting for older people, and those with disabilities, to have the confidence to try a class for the first time. That’s why we originally decided to work with just one person, who has the right skills, manner and approach. Sue is excellent with our residents, never pushing people into things they’re not comfortable with, but encouraging them to take small steps that they feel happy with.

“She visits all five of our homes at least once a week. From small beginnings, she has developed lots of inspirational classes that have become really popular. With an inclusive approach, it’s fair to say she has enticed even the most sceptical residents into her classes and this has led us to explore other ways that we can promote a healthy lifestyle, which has had a hugely positive impact on the lives of the people we care for.

“This is accompanied by highly nutritious meals. We cater for the requirements of vegetarians, vegans, diabetics and religious diets, and regularly ask residents about their favourite meals so we can accommodate them within our menus. We also grow organic fruit and vegetables at some of our homes and strive to offer the very best ingredients sourced from local suppliers wherever possible.

“We now have a small number of places available for new residents and would urge anyone considering moving into a nursing home, or who might be thinking about using their services on a short-term basis, to contact us now.”