The Dancer will develop an 8-week programme of group and one to one dance sessions for our residents. This year’s residency will focus on the cognitive benefits associated with dance, enabling our residents to improve their motor-skills by learning new styles of dance and movement, and improving working and episodic memory through the learning of routines and sequenced movements.
DANCER IN RESIDENCE
- Duration: 8 Weeks – June and July (Exact Dates are Flexible according to Dancer Availability).
- Work Pattern: Flexible 2 days a week with some weekend days
- Location: KYN Bickley
- Project Fee: £5,000.
BACKGROUND
KYN offers an elevated approach to older adult care. Our homes prioritise individualised journeys built around the needs and interests of our residents, in beautiful surroundings, with life-enriching practices. Focusing on the cornerstones of good health – preventative intervention, nutrition, mental stimulation, and active social life – our aim is to not only materially improve the wellbeing of our residents, but to also enhance their quality of life. The promotion of physical activity is an essential pillar of care. We offer an embedded programme which includes yoga and Pilates, seated sports, and movement and music sessions, designed to support functional movement, increase strength and balance, and reduce anxiety and stress. Residents also have the opportunity to work one-to-one with a dedicated physiotherapist.
We would like to work with a Dancer in Residence, to develop creative and innovative approaches to movement, and further enhance the impact of physical activity within our home.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
The Dancer will develop an 8-week programme of group and one to one dance sessions for our residents. This year’s residency will focus on the cognitive benefits associated with dance, enabling our residents to improve their motor-skills by learning new styles of dance and movement, and improving working and episodic memory through the learning of routines and sequenced movements.
The programme should support our vision for personalised care by being tailored and responsive to residents’ interests, needs, aims, and abilities. The dancer will be expected to programme sessions suitable for a range of cognitive and physical abilities, including for those living with dementia.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dancer in Residence will be expected to undertake the following duties:
- Ongoing consultation with residents to ascertain their interests and preferences
- Consultation with KYN’s designated physio
- Group dance and movement sessions
- One-to-one sessions for those who are unable to, or do not feel confident to, participate in group activities
- Weekly reporting on activity delivered
- Risk Assessments for the activities being delivered.
Post Project, the Dancer will deliver:
- An end-of-project evaluation detailing the project delivered, its impact on residents and their progress with coordination and their motor skills, at least three brief resident case studies, and recommendations for further programming
- The development of materials which enable the continuation of the project, post-residency by the Life Enrichment and care teams. This aspect can be delivered after the month’s main block of work.
Support Offered by KYN to the Dancer in Residence:
- A KYN induction and an onboarding and training process, exclusive of the 8 weeks of programming to be delivered
- Consultation with KYN’s dedicated Physiotherapist
- Consultation with KYN’s Director of Dementia
- Ongoing support from the Life Enrichment team at both Head Office and Home level
- Assistance with the development on an Evaluation framework
- All group dance activities will have support from a member of the Life Enrichment team and care staff.
KEY REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATION
The Dancer in Residence must have strong technical dance skills. They should be an excellent communicator, able to engage and motivate older adults with a variety of abilities, to participate in dance activity. We are open to applications from across all disciplines of dance.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Dance degree or equivalent training
- Demonstrable experience planning and leading dance sessions using a range of strategies that will enable progression in residents’ skills, confidence, and ability
- Strong verbal communication skills, that engage participants in dance
- An approachable manner and the capacity to relate to and communicate with people of different backgrounds, abilities and experiences
- An understanding of, and commitment to, inclusion, access, and equality of opportunity
- Adherence to all policies and procedures relating to Safeguarding and Protection, and Health and Safety in the workplace.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- Teaching qualification in dance
- Experience with older adults and/or vulnerable groups.
REQUIREMENTS TO WORK
To ensure the Dancer in Residence can work autonomously across the home; before commencing work, they will be required to undertake and evidence:
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS)
- Public liability insurance
- Completion of a KYN induction and basic statutory and mandatory training, to ensure Safeguarding and Protection, and Health and Safety in the workplace.
FEE
The £5,000 project fee includes: planning, delivery of activity, evaluation, production of resource materials and mandatory induction and training.
ABOUT KYN
KYN is a compassionate and innovative privately owned care home group that provides both residential and nursing care in beautiful, homely London environments. Founded by individuals inspired by their own experiences of searching for care, the team’s inspiration is to create care homes where they would be happy for their own mothers and fathers -their KYN – to live. Individual support is provided by a team of exceptional nurses, vocational carers, dementia specialists, in-house physiotherapists, and regular visits from a GP, ensuring flexibility as residents’ care needs evolve. With a holistic approach to care, KYN is committed to offering exceptional life-enriching practices, making it a place where residents truly feel valued and at home, allowing them to cherish what matters most: independence, friendships, and comfort.
KYN Bickley opened in February 2023 followed by KYN Hurlingham in June 2024. Other KYN sites are in development across London, with homes in Highgate and Kensington already underway.