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Streamway physio program graduate moves back home

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Debra Belliveau worked hard to improve her mobility to the point she can once again live on her own

During her time in the Streamway Villa physiotherapy program, Debra Belliveau improved her mobility so well she was able to move back home earlier this year.

Working with Streamway Villa physiotherapy assistant Harita Patel, Debra spent about 17 months doing strengthening exercises, range-of-motion exercises, practising transferring, weight training, balance training and doing lots of walking.

Debra’s goal from the get-go was to improve her mobility to the point she could return to living independently, and she worked hard to make that happen, Harita says.

When Debra made her intentions known, team members at the Cobourg, Ont. long-term care home, along with the physiotherapy team, worked with her to create a plan to help her maximize her strength and achieve her mobility goals.

Once a plan was in place, Debra focused on her exercises and let nothing get in her way, Harita says.

“That was really inspiring,” Harita tells The OMNIway, adding Debra’s determination, focus and sticking to her planned routines helped her achieve success.

“She used to exercise and walk with me every day,” Harita says.

Not only did Debra exercise with the physiotherapy team, she also worked on improving her mobility by herself, Harita says.

Harita says that while the support physiotherapy team members provide plays a part in residents’ progress, it’s also crucial the residents are self-motivated and are dedicated to improving their mobility.

“Motivation, dedication and consistency are very important,” Harita says, noting Debra showed each of these characteristics.

Physiotherapy programs are an important part of life in OMNI Health Care long-term care homes. For many years, residents have worked with physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants to achieve goals to improve their mobility.

While she now lives on her own, Debra continues to keep in close contact with Streamway Villa, making frequent visits to the home to say hello to residents and staff, who have remained her close friends.

“She came to visit us, just last week, and she was so happy,” Harita says.

If you have a story you would like to share with The OMNIway, please contact the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.


PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above, former Streamway Villa resident Debra Belliveau is now living on her own, thanks to improving her mobility in the home’s physio program.



Hard work and determination help Streamway resident achieve mobility goal

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Wanda Greacen is now walking independently after 12 months of participating in the home’s physiotherapy program

Hard work, focus and lots of determination have helped a Streamway Villa resident improve her mobility to the point she can walk independently.

When Wanda Greacen moved into the Cobourg, Ont. long-term care home she required a wheelchair and was finding it challenging to stand – even with assistance from staff members.

But after a year of working hard to reach her goal, Wanda is walking independently with a walker and enjoying an enhanced quality of life, thanks to her determination and some help from the physiotherapy team.

Wanda’s journey to improved mobility began not long after she moved to Streamway Villa and met physiotherapy assistant Harita Patel, whom she would work with for the next 12 months.

Wanda set her own goals and she worked with the physiotherapy team to create a routine that would help her reach those goals, Harita says.

Wanda and Harita worked primarily on range-of-motion and strengthening exercises, gradually adding weight to the movement as Wanda progressed at a fast pace.

Range-of-motion exercises improve joint function, and strengthening exercises improve muscle function.

Wanda also focused on balance and co-ordination exercises which helped her to improve her gait. Wanda exercised often and stuck to her schedule tenaciously, Harita says.

“These (exercises) helped her a lot to improve her mobility and helped her switch from a wheelchair to a walker,” Harita tells The OMNIway.

Physiotherapy programs are an important part of life in OMNI Health Care long-term care homes. For many years, residents have worked with physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants to achieve goals to improve their mobility.

Dedication and motivation are very important, and Wanda was dedicated and self-motivated, Harita says. Harita says she would sometimes start her shift to find Wanda already waiting for her.

“Motivation, dedication and consistency are very important,” Harita says, adding Wanda was a “very dedicated” resident.

And what does Wanda think of the progress she has made since moving to Streamway Villa?
 
“(I was) raised a poor, old country girl; I didn’t enjoy life growing up,” she says, “but since I have been here at Streamway, I feel like a chicken coming out of an egg.”

If you have a story you would like to share with The OMNIway, please contact the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at deron(at)axiomnews.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above, Streamway Villa resident Wanda Greacen greatly improved her mobility by participating in the home’s physiotherapy program.

Working with LTC residents, you can see the difference you make in their lives, student says

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Four Fleming College occupational therapy assistant/physiotherapy assistant students are doing a seven-week placement at Riverview Manor. Pictured above, from left to right: Jeel Patel, Divya Patel, instructor Natasha Annette-Lawrence, Domenique Douglas and Van Tran Thi Thao.

Domenique Douglas says her Riverview Manor placement has been ‘rewarding’

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – Fleming College occupational therapy assistant/physiotherapy assistant (OP/PT) student Domenique Douglas says one thing that has stood out for her during her placement at Riverview Manor is how quickly she and other students can make a difference in residents’ quality of life. Read more

Getting to know residents on a personal level has made LTC an attractive career option, student says

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Four Fleming College occupational therapy assistant/physiotherapy assistant students are doing a seven-week placement at Riverview Manor. Pictured above, from left to right: Jeel Patel, Divya Patel, instructor Natasha Annette-Lawrence, Domenique Douglas and Van Tran Thi Thao.

Jeel Patel says Riverview Manor placement has steered her towards pursuing a career working with long-term care residents

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – Four weeks into her seven-week placement at Riverview Manor, Fleming College occupational therapy assistant and physiotherapy assistant (OP/PT) student Jeel Patel says she’s decided she wants to work with long-term care home residents once she completes her program in June. Read more

Fleming OT/PT students wrap up 7-week placement by organizing a fun event for residents

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Pictured above, Riverview Manor residents were treated to a “tournament day” organized by placement students from Fleming College.

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – A group of students from Fleming College’s occupational therapy assistant and physiotherapy assistant (OP/PT) program wrapped up a seven-week placement at Riverview Manor by treating the Peterborough long-term care home’s residents to a “tournament day” that featured competitive activities that were also fun and had physical benefits. Read more

Riverview placement is a perfect fit for OT/PT student who loves working with seniors

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Fleming College occupational therapy assistant/physiotherapy assistant students Peterann Gray (left) and Mina Tran (right) are pictured here with their instructor, Natasha Annette-Lawrence. Four Fleming students are participating in a seven-week placement at Riverview Manor.

Mina Tran says working as a PSW provided insight into the benefits physiotherapy can bring seniors. Now she wants to deliver those same benefits

Mina Tran says it was while working as a personal support worker (PSW) that she saw physiotherapy assistants making a difference in seniors’ lives. The positive impact physiotherapy was having on people piqued her interest, Mina says. Read more

Training in LTC homes gives occupational therapy students important transferable skills

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Fleming College instructor Jeanette Boersma (standing, far left) is seen here with some of her occupational therapy students and physiotherapist assistant Jody Harris.

Better communication and learning how to work with people with a broad range of abilities are some of the skills Fleming College students are perfecting at Riverview Manor

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – Enhanced communication skills and experience working with people who have a broad range of physical and cognitive abilities – these are some of the key benefits Fleming College occupational therapy students are reaping through a nine-week placement at Riverview Manor, says their instructor, Jeanette Boersma. Read more

Fleming College students modify neck brace to help Riverview resident with Parkinson’s

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Fleming College instructor Jeanette Boersma (standing, far left) is seen here with some of her occupational therapy students and physiotherapist assistant Jody Harris.

This is just one example of the benefits students bring to residents through placement partnership

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – A group of Fleming College occupational therapy students and their instructor recently modified a neck brace for a Riverview Manor resident affected by Parkinson’s disease who was having difficulty keeping her head up while walking. Read more

Riverview Manor’s therapy partnership with Fleming College a ‘win-win’

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Fleming College instructor Jeanette Boersma (standing, far left) is seen here with some of her occupational therapy students and physiotherapist assistant Jody Harris (standing, far right). The students are doing a placement at Riverview Manor as part of a partnership between the Peterborough long-term care home and college.

Residents get additional help in the physio program, while students gain valuable experience

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – A collaboration between Riverview Manor and Fleming College’s occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant program is a “win-win” for both the Peterborough long-term care home and the students involved with the partnership, says instructor Jeanette Boersma. Read more

Taking on new challenges is helping Frost Manor resident increase mobility

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Frost Manor resident Mike Lane and Achieva Health physiotherapy assistant Debbie Ellison are seen here walking the halls of the Lindsay long-term care home.

Mike Lane’s persistence helps him accomplish new goals

Frost Manor resident Mike Lane is always ready for a new challenge when he’s working with the Lindsay long-term care home’s physiotherapy team. Read more