Free Yoga and Dental Checks for Walfinch Home Care Clients in Harrow and Brent

Bringing Yoga to Clients

"Some clients asked if we could enable them to do yoga,” says Shilpi Verma, Managing Director and Registered Manager of the Walfinch home care service. “I have been doing yoga for 12 years so I asked my teacher if she could provide an online class for our clients. She agreed, and it's now available online free of charge to any of our clients, their families and their carers, every week.

“Many are less mobile, so it's seated yoga with the emphasis on breathing, stretching and relaxing,” says Shilpi. “Clients have told us that the deeper breathing has helped them relax and feel less anxious.”

Research backs this up—US studies have shown that chair yoga can help reduce anxiety, improve mobility, and even ease the fear of falling. Other studies highlight benefits such as reduced stress, pain relief, better balance, and improved joint movement.

The sessions have been well received, with around 20% of clients now taking part. Some next of kin and even pregnant carers have joined in too. One family member shared: “Mum really looks forward to this every week.” A 58-year-old client, who is cared for by her 80-year-old mother, added: “It's made it easier for Mum, who is my full-time carer, although she can't help joining in sometimes.”

Free Dental Checks at Home

Walfinch clients can also access free dental checks, thanks to a partnership with local mobile dentist Dr Lovlina Bindra.

“We have teamed up with local mobile dentist Dr Lovlina Bindra, who visits clients to do oral health assessments. It's very popular, because they can register with her practice, and she can provide dental hygiene services and even do fillings in their homes. Anything more complicated can be carried out at her clinic, on the NHS or as a private procedure.”

A Holistic Approach to Care

Walfinch Harrow and Brent fully funds these yoga and dental services, setting the franchise apart from other local home care providers. “It makes us stand out from other local home care providers, and word is getting around among people seeking care, so it pays for itself,” says Shilpi.

Shilpi, winner of the Social Care Awards – Home Care Business Woman of the Year Award, is now looking to expand the range of extra services available. She is considering partnering with qualified and insured local hairdressers and podiatrists. “Our carers do minimum one-hour visits, so they have time to provide pampering sessions such as applying face packs and nail polish to clients who ask for them, but we'd like to broaden our range of services,” she says.

We strive to provide active care that improves health and wellbeing, and once clients have had a taste of it, they really appreciate the difference it makes to their lives.