The importance of physical fitness is extremely important as we age. It becomes more difficult to keep our bodies in the kind of shape we need to be as effective during our days. For our residents, we offer a proprietary fitness program that is specifically tailored to the needs of our residents. Our program is geared towards improving physical and cognitive health as well as incentivize healthy living habits for our staff.
What we do!
Our first step in providing the best fitness for each resident is to evaluate their needs. Generally, fitness is always going to be important, especially for seniors whose muscle mass decreases as they age. However, we recognize that each resident has different needs that must be addressed in order to provide them with kind of care they deserve. We identify the most significant areas that need to be attended to. For example, if a resident struggles with swallowing, we make sure that stretches and exercises intended for building neck muscles are a part of their fitness plan. For man residents, there is a fear of falling due to instability. In these cases, we make sure that we do more for the muscle mass in their legs to improve their posture and strengthen their hips. The first step in providing the best care we can is to diagnose the problem so that we know we are properly addressing the needs of each resident.
At Cotter House Worthington, we make sure to our residents get into the proper fitness routine. Once we know what a resident needs, we schedule their time to participate in their tailored program. It may be difficult for the rest of us to stay disciplined in a workout routine, but our care will make sure that our residents stay on the grind. Part of our commitment and love for our residents pushes us to keep them motivated and getting the fitness they need.
Once they have entered into the program, we monitor their progress in order to make adjustments to maximize their physical improvement. If a resident can do more, we can slowly ramp up their fitness goals. If a resident is struggling, we can try new exercises or find different ways of getting the same results. Monitoring progress helps us be flexible in attending to the needs of our residents and ensures that they are getting exactly what they need.
What about The MIND?
Another important part of our fitness program is that it is specifically tailored to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. We include cognitive exercises along with the physical activity to work out the brain along with the body. Working out releases endorphins that can improve cognitive functioning. We want our residents to use this time to stretch their brains and gain even more benefits from their fitness schedule. Improved physical fitness can also improve vascular health, getting more oxygen to the brain. Caring for the physical health of our residents is just as important to their cognitive health.
We believe that culture starts with the passion we have for our residents
Did you say fitness for the staff?
Not only do we believe in the benefits of physical fitness for our residents, but also encourage our staff to have good physical fitness as well. To take care of our residents, we must be our best as much as possible. That’s why we provide incentives for all of our staff to keep physically fit. We offer various stations that our staff can participate in for little steps to improve their health. When our staff is healthy, they are more capable of taking care of each of our residents. With the care we want to give our residents, it is just as important to take care of ourselves.
At Cotter House Worthington, we believe that our entire family, from our residents to our staff, deserves the kind of culture that encourages positive physical fitness goals. We believe that culture starts with the passion we have for our residents and giving them access to the type of fitness program that will meet their needs. As we care for our residents, we care for ourselves. It is all part of the journey that makes Cotter House Worthington a home that inspires health and provides the level of care we strive for every day.