June, at a young age of 91, believes her well-being is a result of three things keeping active, eating right and staying connected to others. She resides in one of Chatham-Kent’s residences for seniors and is thankful she is there. June lived in her home with her husband before moving into the residence. She recognized early on how lonely she was once her husband was no longer there to keep her company. I had a wonderful opportunity to sit down and talk with June after she had attended a Falls Prevention Mobile Clinic earlier this year. I was interested to learn her thoughts on healthy ageing and her experience at the clinic.
Throughout her life, June shared she had always been busy working at various jobs, raising a family, golfing, curling, playing cards and bingo. After her husband had been ill for some time she decided to move into residence living. Used to being active, June joined the various activities available through her residence and now takes part in exercise classes twice a week and joins a group of friends to play cards. June’s activities also extend beyond what is offered through her residence. She still goes for a one mile walk each day and gets on her stationary bike and cycles half an hour most days of the week.
June commented “it is so important to do things with others and keep busy. You need to do things like games and bingo to keep your brain working…you just feel more alive when you do!” The social connection gained through the various activities with others is good for the mind, body and soul.
Although June no longer has to prepare her meals, she still pays attention to what she eats. She commented she knows how easy it would be to gain weight, and although a slim waistline is not her concern, staying healthy is! She stressed that she has to watch the snacking! June recognizes the benefits a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight has on her mobility.
In June’s opinion, one of the biggest problems facing older adults is to lose their balance and fall. “At our age, we don’t recover like we used to”. June heard about the Erie St. Clair Falls Prevention Mobile Clinic from a presentation she attended at her residence. She contacted the clinic organizer, learned more about the clinic and signed up to attend one.
June admitted that when she signed up for the clinic, she really did not know what to expect. She was very pleased with her experience and the opportunity to meet with so many health professionals. “They took such a great interest in my health and gave me lots of advice.” June has added exercises the physiotherapist recommended to improve her balance to her daily routine, and admitted she does them most days of the week. She understands the importance of doing so.
For those interested, the Falls Prevention Mobile Clinic consists of a team of health professionals who travel from community to community to carry out individual assessments that will identify those at risk of having a fall. The clinic aims to:
- Assess what may be putting an individual at risk of having a fall
- Educate individuals on how they can reduce the risk of having a fall
- Connect individuals to community programs and health services that help maintain independence
During the assessment, the participant meets with health professionals’ one on one to discuss specific things known to lead to falls. Nurses, Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists are some of the health care professionals who make up the team that runs the clinic. There is no cost to attend, and a full visit can last up to 2 hours. The recommendations made are printed out and given to the participant. Also, with the participant’s consent, the family doctor will receive a letter outlining the assessment results and recommendations.
The fall prevention mobile clinic is designed for individuals who:
- Are 60 years of age or older
- Have trouble getting around
- Live alone or in assisted living
- Have had a fall or near fall
- Want to maintain or improve balance
- Have a fear of falling
The Erie St. Clair Falls Prevention Mobile Clinic is offered once a month in a different community throughout Chatham-Kent. To find out more information call toll free 1-877-301-9790, or Laurel Cammaart at Chatham-Kent Public Health, at 519-352-7270, ext. 2456.
This article has been prepared by Laurel Cammaart, Public Health Nurse with Chatham-Kent Public Health. June’s story is a true story, only her name has been changed to keep her identity private. When asked if she would recommend the Falls Prevention Mobile Clinic to a friend, she said she certainly would.
