Active lifestyle remains important in long-term care
Monday, November 6, 2006 -- Natalie Miller
From being able to stretch their arms so they can put on a sweater to being steady on their feet while a worker provides care, maintaining regular exercise is important for residents in long term care homes, says a life enrichment co-ordinator.

Forest Hill in Kanata has two eight-hour shifts a week designated for restorative care, an additional three fitness sessions and a daily walking program.

"It is incredibly important for people to stay active," says Carolyn Della Foresta, life enrichment co-ordinator at Forest Hill.

"The more we work their limbs and muscles the better we can provide care for them.”

When providing care, a resident’s agility makes it easier on both the resident and the staff, she notes.

Residents at the long-term care home are benefiting from a more-intensive restorative care program introduced about a year ago, says Carolyn. Restorative care aide Tanya Daigle leads the restorative care program and works closely with Family Physio, which provides physiotherapy support for Forest Hill residents. Family Physio provides assessments for residents and advises Tanya about which exercises would benefit particular residents, including knee raises with weights, leg stretches, massages and heat packs. For example, a resident in a wheelchair with unsteady gait may be referred to the home’s walking program. Exercise enhances a resident’s independence and boosts self-esteem, caregivers say.

The importance of exercise for seniors is the focus of a press conference in Peterborough Wednesday, Nov. 8. At 11 a.m., at Community Care, 180 Barnardo Ave., representatives from community health agencies and local seniors will launch a media campaign to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity.

Harold Brennan, Phemie Hajduczek, Kay Davis-Omerod and Corrine Hemstock are four area seniors who helped create public service announcements they say they hope will inspire other seniors to become more active.

"If you don’t use it, you’re going to lose it," says Harold, in a news release about the event.

Kay attributes exercise as a key factor in her recovery from a stroke. The series of three public service announcements will be released Wednesday, each one featuring a different person’s story.

Community partners came together at the end of the summer to develop the local campaign with financial support provided by the St. Joseph’s Care Foundation. The campaign will feature television and radio ads as well as supporting print materials.

"Physical activity is one of the most important keys to healthy aging and reducing the risk of falls," says Sandy Malasky, home support services co-ordinator for Community Care.

"Remaining active throughout the lifespan plays a significant role in helping older adults maintain strength and flexibility and allows them to move with greater balance, confidence and safety. This campaign will help reinforce this message to everyone, not just the seniors in our community."

For more information about the seniors and exercise campaign, visit the health unit’s website, www.pcchu.ca.