Willett Watch

REEACHing for their goals

Everyone needs a little boost at times. If you are one of those with special conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, Parkinson Disease, Stroke or Multiple Sclerosis, life can present its challenges. In most cases people with these chronic conditions finish their initial treatment and usually will not be eligible for additional treatment.

However, to maintain their quality of life or to “reach” for some of their goals, there is a need for some assistance. That is where the new Willett program, REEACH can help out. REEACH is an acronym for Rehab Exercise & Education Achieves Continued Health.

Physiotherapist, Patty Cheshire sees the program as an opportunity for a “tune-up” that can help in a number of different ways. Typically, these patients may lose some of their functioning after having been away from physiotherapy for a while. This is a way to bring them back and even help them to identify and achieve some additional goals.

The program requires a physician's referral. At the first appointment depending on the nature of the patient's challenges they may be assessed by either the Physiotherapist or the Occupational Therapist.

The results of this assessment helps identify the patient's goals and form the basis of a treatment plan. Since it is individually tailored, the treatment usually lasts for about two to three months and includes education and exercise that is designed to keep participants functional. The days set aside for the program are Tuesdays and Thursdays and the occupational therapy is provided by Occupational Therapist, Becky Logan.

As well, an educational component helps participants to better manage the activities of daily living. There is a focus on home safety and the proper use of assistive devices. Management of pain is often a large part of life for these patients and they get some very good advice from professionals. The exercises usually focus on flexibility and strength and may include mat exercises and bike or treadmill work. Since the condition of these patients is chronic it will always remain with them but the REEACH program is an aid to managing their condition. Participants have access to all that the new gym area in the Willett can provide. There are new bikes, treadmills, exercise equipment and other specialized rehabilitation equipment available for use.

Patty and Becky are no strangers to working with the conditions of the people in the program. Becky has an extensive background in homecare and hospital rehabilitation. Patty has worked in general hospitals geriatric day programs as well as at the John Noble Home and the new St. Joseph 's LifeCare Centre. “Patients usually have some potential to improve and we try to motivate them to do their best,” says Patty. One of the motivational techniques that staff in the program use according to Patty is, “reminding them of the skills and strengths that they do have”. She finds her work in the program, “rewarding” and enjoys seeing the patients achieve the goals for which they have the potential.

New patients are welcome to join at any time.

Often people with these conditions don't have much recourse for treatment in our community unless their condition worsens. This new program is designed to help fill that gap and give them a burst of activity to help keep them functional.

This is only one of the new programs being run out of the Willett and is part of the group that is “first out of the blocks”, so to speak. This group includes Active at Any Size, Ever Active and an expanded Willett Rehab Centre. As well, the Never Too Late exercise program continues to be popular.

If you are interested in this program or any others at the Willett, please call 442-2251, extension 6404.