Mobility worshops proving to be popular

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

The Mobility Workshops held at the Middleton legion are drawing quite a crowd according to Wendy Knowlton, community coordinator. “We’ve had on average about 30 to 35 people each week, it’s great,” said Knowlton. “Most of the people who came the first day have returned each week.”

She added that she was impressed by the receptiveness of the group of seniors attending the workshops. “It has been a friendly and cooperative group,” she said. “I think they are interested in learning to use the devices.”

The four-part workshop series that began on May 28, is being funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada to encourage seniors to protect their independence and mobility by using assistive devices (ADs) such as canes and walkers to stabilize their balance. “One in three seniors fall each year,” said Knowlton. “And the injuries can range from bruises to broken hips and - depending on the injuries - a fall can reduce mobility for few days, or permanently.”

Seniors and veterans can preserve their independence and maintain the quality and enjoyment of life by using assistive devices. But often they wait too long and risk serious injury.

These workshops aim to help seniors overcome some of the stigmas associated with using canes and walkers and offer tips on how to properly use each for maximum safety. Humourous videos featuring comedian Don Harron make light of the negative images associated with ADs, while peer mentors lead the group.

The workshops are lead by Vivian Lightfoot, Kay Durling, Ken Keddy, and Luther Jensome, all four are local seniors who use assistive devices that range from grab bars, canes, and walkers, to scooters.

Physiotherapist Wendy-Lee Hamilton, who works with the Seniors’ Lincs program out of Soldier’s Memorial Hospital, is also a facilitator on hand to help answer questions.

Middleton is one of three sites across Canada that have been selected for the workshop.

Knowlton said that the series aims to lift some of the stigmas surrounding ADs and encourage a greater acceptance of them in the local community. “One of the big concerns that seniors have is the cost of ADs,” she said. “They aren’t covered under the provincial health plan, so we have to work on that.”

She added that nationally, the project aims to develop a training kit to be used in future training sessions.

For more information on the workshops contact Wendy Knowlton at 532-2664.