Life is all about balance

About 15 residents took part in this intensive 12-week program. Twice a week, kinesiologist Cindy Kwan and her assistant Helen Hue lead group activities in which they did workouts and held discussion periods. “With the group we did different activities: first we warm up, then we work on balance and legs strengthening, but we also talk about safe behaviours they need follow”, said Mrs Kwan. “We remind them not to leave anything laying on the floor or not to climb on chairs to reach high objects.”

Louise de Villers, who’s in charge of the program at the CSSS Bordeaux-Cartierville – Saint-Laurent says that one in three people over the age of 65 suffers at least one fall per year. For this reason, the Programme P.I.E.D. is one of Montreal’s Direction de santé publique top priorities. “The program is usually given in retirement homes, but anybody that is interested can contact the CSSS for more info”, added Mrs. de Villers.

It was the fifth group that Cindy Kwan initiated to the Programme P.I.E.D. and once again she noticed huge progress between the first few sessions and the latest ones. “As a pro, you see the difference. Their posture improved and they also gained self-confidence” she said. The kinesiologist also added that the participants, who took part in the program on a voluntary basis and mainly to socialize, liked to challenge themselves and seemed to really enjoy their time doing the activities.

But, what did they really think of the program?

“I found it great and I hope I’ll do it again”, said Mrs Campeau. For Mr. Émond, the program was like a tap in the back. “With my illness, I often lose my balance, so the exercises helped me a lot.” Mrs. Sweeney, who suffered four falls in less than a year and a half learned a lot from the teachings of Cindy Kwan. “I can’t afford another fall, so I was glad I could do the program. I loved it and today I’m more careful.” Finally, Mrs. Jacobsen had nothing but praises for her two teachers. “Cindy and Helen were fantastic. I loved it and I want them to come back.”

Director of activities at the Résidence Monaco Donna Farmer was very happy that those who took part in the program liked it so much because she strongly believes that this kind of initiative is highly beneficial for seniors. “I think it’s important to promote this program since life changes drastically for many of them after a fall. They become more dependants and under stress, so fall prevention is definitely necessary”.

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

(Photo: Martin Alarie)