Walking program helps reduce risk of falls
Wednesday January 9, 2008 -- Deron Hamel
A walking program at Kentwood Park which is aimed at reducing falls by increasing strength has been successful in its mission, says Sandra Foreman, director of care at the Picton long-term care home.

According to Statistics Canada, falls account for two-thirds of injuries which limit mobility and activities for Canadians. Nearly 14,000 Canadians die as the result of falls every year.

The walking program, which sees staff members assist residents by walking with them around the home throughout the day, has played a big role in helping to reduce the number of falls, says Foreman.

“We have had a lot of improvement with residents on our walking program and strengthening programs, where residents have come in not able to stand or not able to ambulate,” says Foreman. “We’ve had people with several good results and who are now able to walk for certain distances, which is certainly an improvement in their quality of life.”

Foreman adds that one resident who has a disease affecting her behaviour has also been helped by the walking program.

“We have implemented a walking program with her with two staff members throughout the day and evening while she’s awake to physically assist her in walking and to prevent her from (becoming agitated),” she says.

In bygone eras, restraints were often used to ensure residents didn’t fall. Like with other homes within the OMNI family, restraints are frowned upon and are only used when absolutely necessary to prevent injury to the resident or others.

Another contributing factor to reducing the number of falls in the home has been regular assessments on residents to check for mobility and balance issues. Because a resident’s physical status can change on a frequent basis, these assessments are valuable in keep falls to a minimum, notes Foreman.

“Everyone views falls as a very high concern, and we’re always trying to find ways to help improve the situation and to decrease the incidents and improve the residents’ opportunity to continue to ambulate without falling,” she says.