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.