Life ‘Merry’ for Willows resident these days
Woman dances on her own, once required a wheelchair
Wednesday December 17, 2003 Natalie Miller
Not too long ago, she was very unsteady on her feet. Laura* used a wheelchair, as she often fell when she tried to maneuver around the long-term care home on her own. Staff had to constantly direct her to the chair, as employees were worried she may take a tumble if she wandered around Willows Estate in Aurora.

But then it all changed for Laura. Employees, residents and staff members pooled their resources to help raise more than $500 to purchase a Merry Walker for her. The Merry Walker is an aide that helps residents who have a high risk of experiencing falls, explains Sue DuBeau, administrator of Willows.

Since July, Laura has been using the walker to make her way around the home.

Employees were pleased with her progress, as they saw Laura able to walk on her own a little bit each day. But they weren’t prepared for what happened during a live entertainment performance at the home recently.

While staff and residents danced, Rosalie Patchell, who works in the life enrichment department, approached Laura to see if she wanted to dance.

“She danced as if she was in her younger days,” says Rosalie.

Rosalie notes the walker has been “a wonderful invention” for Laura. “Her legs have strengthened up.”

Director of Care Nora Reaney wrote about the remarkable impact of the mobility aide in a memo to staff, residents and family members.

“The use of the walker was so successful that the resident’s falls and behaviours decreased dramatically in the two-week period,” writes Nora.

“Using the walker gives independence and strengthens the leg muscles so that their gait becomes steadier, thus decreasing the potential for falls.”

Laura is indeed steadier on her feet as a result, says Rosalie. “It’s a great story, really.”

The home launched a series of fundraisers, including 50-50 draws, bake sales, raffles and basket draws, in hopes of raising the almost $1,000 required to purchase the walker. The home’s medical advisor and a resident responded by donating $50 each. Cindy Wismayer, Willows’ environmental services manager, donated $1 from every sale of the table runners she makes to the fund.

*Laura is not the resident’s real name.