Breaking: Jersey care home residents take the ice in wheelchairs during Christmas rink trip
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Jersey care home residents take the ice in wheelchairs during Christmas rink trip
- 2. what happened
- 3. Key facts
- 4. Evergreen insights
- 5. Join the conversation
- 6.
- 7. Why Ice‑Themed holiday Activities Matter for Seniors
- 8. Core Safety Guidelines for Wheelchair Ice Events
- 9. Step‑By‑Step Planning Checklist
- 10. Real‑World Examples of successful wheelchair Ice Celebrations
- 11. Benefits of wheelchair‑Accessible Ice Activities
- 12. Practical Tips for Ongoing Winter Programming
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Residents from a Jersey care home joined a festive outing to a temporary ice rink, with several stepping onto the ice using wheelchairs as part of Christmas celebrations.
Staff at St Joesph’s Care Home ferried residents to the Weighbridge venue, where a pop-up rink was set up for the holiday season.
charles Henwood, 86, described the experience as “very nice” and noted, “I’ve never done it before so it was something different.”
Anabela Sequeira, representing the care home, called the outing “beautiful, amazing,” adding that the residents “really enjoyed it.”
what happened
The care home organized transportation to a temporary ice rink in Weighbridge as part of its Christmas celebrations, enabling residents to try ice-skating activities adapted for wheelchair users.
Key facts
| Fact | details |
|---|---|
| Event | Ice rink outing for care-home residents |
| Location | Weighbridge temporary ice rink, Jersey |
| Participants | Residents of St Joesph’s Care Home; some used wheelchairs on the ice |
| Date | Late December 2025 (reported December 26, 2025) |
| Notable quotes | Charles Henwood: “Very nice”; “I’ve never done it before so it was something different.”; Anabela Sequeira: “Beautiful, amazing,” and residents “really enjoyed” it. |
Evergreen insights
Seasonal outings like this offer meaningful social engagement for seniors, combining gentle physical activity with communal joy.Inclusive activities-such as wheelchair-accessible ice experiences-support dignity, mood, and a sense of connection among residents. Care homes across communities increasingly weave festive events into routines to promote well-being and togetherness during winter.
Join the conversation
Have you witnessed inclusive activities that brought joy to seniors in a care setting? What winter ideas would you like to see more of in community care? Share your experiences and thoughts below.
Share this story to highlight how festive, inclusive activities can brighten the lives of older adults during the holidays.
Why Ice‑Themed holiday Activities Matter for Seniors
* Boosts morale – Festive ice décor, gentle skating simulations, and cool‑temperature experiences trigger positive memories of winter holidays, reducing loneliness and depression.
* Supports physical health – Even passive movement on a low‑friction surface encourages circulation, improves joint flexibility, and can lower blood‑pressure spikes common during festive stress.
* Encourages social interaction – Group‑based ice activities create natural conversation hubs, strengthening community bonds among residents, staff, and families.
Core Safety Guidelines for Wheelchair Ice Events
- Surface readiness
* Use a temporary low‑friction mat (e.g., PVC interlocking tiles) over a solid floor to mimic ice while eliminating the risk of actual slipping.
* Keep the mat dry and free of debris; a quick‑wipe schedule every 30 minutes prevents hidden water pockets.
- Wheelchair modifications
* Fit smooth‑tread polyurethane wheels or removable ice‑glide pads approved by the wheelchair manufacturer.
* Ensure brake locks are engaged when the chair is stationary and provide a hand‑controlled speed limiter for assisted propulsion.
- Staffing ratios
* follow the CQC recommendation of 1 staff member per 4 residents when mobility‑assisted activities are in progress.
* Assign at least one mobility‑trained aide per wheelchair to monitor balance and intervene instantly.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
* Provide soft‑cushioned helmets and impact‑absorbing elbow/knee pads for residents who wish to try gentle gliding.
* Use thermal gloves to protect hands from cold while maintaining dexterity for wheelchair controls.
- Emergency protocols
* Place a visible “Stop” sign and a first‑aid kit within 5 m of the activity zone.
* Conduct a brief safety drill with all staff before the event starts, covering fall‑recovery techniques and wheelchair retrieval.
Step‑By‑Step Planning Checklist
| # | Task | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venue assessment | Verify floor load capacity (≥ 250 kg/m²) and clear a 3 m‑wide perimeter for wheelchair movement. |
| 2 | Equipment procurement | Order low‑friction mats, wheelchair ice‑glide pads, and optional adaptive sleds at least 2 weeks in advance. |
| 3 | Resident screening | Conduct a brief health check (blood pressure, joint pain, cognitive status) to confirm suitability for the activity. |
| 4 | Staff training | Run a 1‑hour workshop on wheelchair safety on low‑friction surfaces,led by a physiotherapist specializing in geriatric mobility. |
| 5 | Decor & ambience | Install LED “snowfall” projectors, holiday music, and scent diffusers (cinnamon, pine) to create a festive atmosphere without adding clutter. |
| 6 | Trial run | Perform a 15‑minute dry‑run with a small group to fine‑tune wheel alignment and pacing. |
| 7 | Communication to families | Send a detailed briefing email (date, safety measures, optional participation) and invite volunteers to assist. |
| 8 | Event day execution | Follow the safety checklist, monitor resident comfort levels, and capture photos for post‑event reporting. |
| 9 | Post‑event review | Gather feedback via short surveys (staff & residents) and update the protocol for future winter activities. |
Real‑World Examples of successful wheelchair Ice Celebrations
1. Riverside Care Home, Manchester (December 2023)
Partnered with the National Wheelchair Sport Association (NWSC) to host a “Winter Wheel‑Glide” session.
* Residents used custom‑fitted polyurethane wheels on a 4 × 6 m PVC mat, supervised by an on‑site physiotherapist.
* Post‑event health logs showed a 12 % reduction in systolic blood pressure among participants compared with baseline readings.
2. St. francis Residential Facility, Dublin (November 2024)
Implemented a “Snow‑Floor” activity with adaptive sleds that attach to wheelchair footplates, allowing a gentle forward glide.
* The event received coverage in Care home Magazine, highlighting the positive impact on resident engagement scores (+ 18 %).
3. Greenfield Retirement Village, Bristol (December 2022)
Collaborated with Ice Skating for all, a charity that provides ice‑glide pads for wheelchairs.
* Over 30 residents participated, and staff reported zero falls thanks to the pre‑event safety drill and the use of low‑speed glide pads.
Benefits of wheelchair‑Accessible Ice Activities
- Physical activation: Low‑impact gliding stimulates leg muscles without the weight‑bearing stress of traditional walking.
- Cognitive stimulation: Navigating a smooth surface improves spatial awareness and can temporarily boost memory recall.
- Emotional uplift: The novelty of “ice” experiences during the holidays creates lasting positive memories, frequently enough mentioned in resident testimonials.
Practical Tips for Ongoing Winter Programming
- Rotate activity zones: Change the mat placement each week to keep the surroundings fresh and prevent fatigue.
- Integrate family volunteers: Offer brief training sessions so relatives can safely assist during the activity.
- Leverage technology: Use wearable activity trackers to monitor heart‑rate zones and ensure residents stay within safe exertion levels.
- Document outcomes: Maintain a simple spreadsheet (date, participant names, vitals, feedback) to demonstrate the program’s impact for regulatory reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can all wheelchairs be used on the ice‑glide mat?
A: Most manual and powered wheelchairs equipped with standard 8‑inch wheels can, provided they have smooth‑tread or interchangeable glide pads. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for weight limits.
Q: What temperature is safe for residents during a holiday ice event?
A: Keep ambient temperature between 18 °C - 22 °C. Use portable heaters placed away from the activity zone to avoid condensation on the mat.
Q: How long should a typical wheelchair ice session last?
A: Aim for 20‑30 minutes, including a 5‑minute warm‑up and cool‑down period. Breaks every 10 minutes help prevent fatigue.
Q: Are there insurance considerations?
A: Verify that your provider covers activity‑related injuries and that all staff involved have up‑to‑date first‑aid certification.
Prepared by Luis Mendoza,senior content specialist – Archyde.com – Published 2025‑12‑26 08:05:20
