For people with somatic complaints, dementia, or other psychogeriatric conditions, Norschoten offers a place for the care they need, with movement forming an important part of this. That's why Jesse Boer at Norschoten ensures that clients stay as fit and active as possible. He does this as a movement therapist across various locations in the Barneveld region in the Netherlands.
Norschoten offers both short-term care, such as rehabilitation, and long-term care, with multiple residential care locations in the region.
Bike Labyrinth as motivator
When clients are less motivated, Bike Labyrinth offers a way to make the activity more social and appealing. At the day centre Jesse regularly visits, he gives weekly fitness classes to people with Parkinson's. "We always do a bit of cycling on the exercise bike, but clients often don't find this motivating and don't keep it up for long. That's why clients prefer cycling with Bike Labyrinth. Together, we choose a route, and several clients watch along on the screen. This makes the activity social and helps with motivation," says Jesse.
A conversation starter when that's a challenge
Bike Labyrinth can also help during visits, where social interaction can sometimes be a challenge. "Family members and friends who come to visit can cycle together too. It can be difficult for them to start a conversation, but Bike Labyrinth helps provide something to talk about," Jesse explains.
More time with the right tools
Jesse's main focus is movement, so he has all the time and attention for the topic, but many care staff have to balance it alongside their other tasks. When someone is physically and mentally able, clients can use Bike Labyrinth independently. "Part of my job is giving care staff practical tools. For example, I'll advise letting someone cycle with Bike Labyrinth for fifteen minutes, so nurses can use that time for other tasks," Jesse continues.
“Because residents can virtually cycle through routes from their own surroundings, something many of them can no longer do without assistance, we give them back a piece of independence.”
Memories and recognition
One of the biggest advantages Jesse mentions is the recognition factor of the routes. "With people who have dementia, we sometimes see that cycling through the old village where they used to live brings back recognition and memories." For many residents, it's difficult to return to places they used to visit often. It's especially special when they can still visit these places virtually. "When we saw Staverden Estate as a virtual route, we immediately went cycling with a woman who used to live nearby. We cycled past Staverden Castle, and that moved her deeply. She used to work at the castle and never thought she'd be able to go back there," Jesse concludes.
2516 BE The Hague, NL
info@bikelabyrinth.com
+3170 737 1152