Physical activity promotion in care homes

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the implementation of a physical activity (PA) scheme – Let’s Motivate (LM) – within private care homes (CHs) in Dumfries and Galloway (D&G), Scotland; aiming to provide an insight into the different factors which might contribute to its success and further sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study is described in which one-to-one semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight key staff involved in implementing the project within two purposively sampled CHs; in order to explore their views and experiences of implementation.

Findings

The paper provides an insight into the different factors which stand to both promote and impede the successful implementation of LM, within the two CHs involved.

Originality/value

This paper explores a new and innovative PA initiative in CHs in D&G, Scotland. Studies exploring the factors which can both promote and impede implementation are important as they can help to usefully inform the implementation and sustainability of initiatives.

Citation

Turpie, L., Whitelaw, S. and Topping, C. (2017), "Physical activity promotion in care homes", Working with Older People, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 206-214. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-07-2017-0016