PRESS RELEASES
Innovative Program Targets At-Risk Seniors
Addison Gilbert Hospital has launched "Safe Steps for
Seniors"
A new, free group exercise program for Cape Ann senior
citizens at risk for injury through falls
The innovative program, which is offered through Addison Gilbert's
Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine and is taught by a
hospital physical therapist, is funded through a grant from the
Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The first class of the 12-week long
program began last month.
Safe Steps for Seniors will run in three separate 12-week long
sessions with 15 open spots in each group. In addition to the
hour-long classes, which run twice a week throughout the session
and are aimed at developing mobility, balance and strength, program
participants receive a lunch voucher so they have a healthy lunch
and socialize in the AGH cafeteria as part of the program.
Participants will also attend three lectures on vision,
pharmacology and footwear to help further educate them on reducing
the risk of falls.
"Safe Steps for Seniors is a targeted, innovative program - the
first of its kind on the North Shore," said Melinda Adam, PT, OCS,
Director of Rehabilitation. "Falls are often the result of multiple
factors, and the program is designed to help at-risk seniors
develop the physical skills to reduce fall risk. Additionally it
includes an education component necessary to help senior citizens
reduce their chances of falling and seriously hurting
themselves."
The concept for Safe Steps was created by Kathleen "Cricket"
Coale PT, a balance and vestibular specialist at The Center for
Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Participants are pre-screened
for the program and must meet certain criteria to be eligible to
participate, including be aged 60 or older, walk independently (an
assisted device such as a cane or walker is okay), be able to stand
for 30 minutes, be self identified or identified by a health care
professional as a fall risk, and be unable to stand on one leg for
ten seconds or more.
Falling, a major concern among the health and well-being of the
elderly is the fifth leading cause of death in that population.
This year, 40 million Americans have reached the age of 65 or
older, which increases their risk of becoming seriously injured
through a fall. More than one third of adults 65 or older suffer
falls each year. Several factors can increase the risk of falls -
including visual impairments, pharmacology issues and balance
issues - which the Safe Steps program is designed to address.
For more information on the program, call 978-283-4001 extension
141.
About Addison Gilbert Hospital
Addison Gilbert Hospital is a full service, 58-bed medical/surgical
acute care facility. The hospital, founded in 1889, provides
state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient care to residents of the
Cape Ann community in specialties such as radiology, cancer care,
primary adult and pediatric care, day surgery, midwifery,
gynecology and maternity care, inpatient geriatric services, and
emergency medicine. Among all other Massachusetts hospitals,
Addison Gilbert continues to score among the top hospitals in the
nation for patient satisfaction in surveys conducted by Press Ganey
Associates. In addition, Addison Gilbert Hospital has been named
one of the nation's "100 Top Hospitals" by Thomson.