West Lake staff, physiotherapist engage residents in exercise program to reduce falls
Friday May 16, 2008 -- Natalie Miller
West Lake Terrace's restorative care team and its physiotherapist are embarking on an exercise program aimed at improving seniors' strength and balance to reduce their risk for falls.

Modelled after a successful falls prevention program at sister home Kentwood Park in Picton, physiotherapist Ton Van Oosten is hoping for positive results at the West Lake long-term care home as well.

“We see really great improvement,” says Van Oosten about the seniors who take part in the program.

Van Oosten, who also works at Kentwood, assesses residents to determine who will benefit from the exercise program. The program is designed to support residents who are ambulatory. “Once you get a little weaker, it's more difficult to keep your balance,” he explains. He says poor balance is responsible for many falls. “But you can train these things.”

So far, six residents are candidates to take part in the program. The exercises involve balance work, strength training and range-of-motion enhancers.

West Lake restorative care staff participated in an in-service from Eglinton-Bayview Physio, where Van Oosten works, to become familiar with the program. While Van Oosten is in the home twice a week, it's the intention restorative care staff lead the program, while he provides support. He will continue to re-assess residents and assess new seniors who move into the home as well.

Julie Clarkson, life enrichment co-ordinator, says training for staff continues and she's hopeful residents will benefit from taking part in the program.

“The falls prevention program increases exercise and balance techniques and some of the exercises will be improving their strength” which can help reduce falls, she says.

Van Oosten adds there is a social element to the program too. “People are having a good time and making progress physically, so you're winning on two fronts.”

If you have feedback on this story please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail natalie(at)axiomnews.ca.