The Functional Abilities Program (F.A.P) is offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo to meet three main goals:

Programming:

+         To provide exercise/rehabilitation programs

Education:

+         To provide staff with information on how to deal with specific motor difficulties

+         To provide a learning environment for students to acquire clinical skills

Research:

+         To investigate the relationship between exercise programming, quality of life, and the functional abilities of residents

+         To investigate research questions pertaining to the effect of aging on cognitive and motor functions

Two full-time Kineseologists and a co-op student from the University of Waterloo provide the following programs:

 1.      Individualized exercise programs including

i)                    walking programs

ii)                   balance retraining

iii)                 strengthening exercises (resistance training)

iv)                 range of motion exercises

v)                  rehabilitative exercises

vi)                 manual dexterity

2.      Volunteer Training Programs (D.A.R.E)

     Through this program, volunteers learn how to safely assist a resident in a walking program. The normal process of aging as well as the cognitive, emotional, and physical effects of disease processes associated with aging such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and strokes are discussed in a class setting with on-site practical application requirements.

3.      Family Partners in Care (FPiC)

Family members and friends are involved in prescribed physical activities with their resident to improve/maintain functional abilities and to enhance the family relationship.

4.      Falls Reduction Program

The Falls Registry monitors falls at Winston Park, seeks to determine their causes, and to prevent further falls.

Additional programs unique to the Nursing Home include:

1.      Seating and Mobility Program

     The Kineseologist co-ordinates referrals to CCAC for seating assessments. The assessments are completed by an Occupational Therapist in consultation with our staff.

2.      Restorative Eating Program

Specialized equipment, seating arrangements, and meal setup are implemented to ensure maximal independence at mealtimes.

Programs unique to the Retirement Home include:

1.      Group exercise classes

Classes are offered daily focusing on balance, weight bearing, range of motion, and cardiovascular activities. Class participants include those with arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and mild heart conditions.

2.      Yearly assessments

Assessments are completed to evaluate overall fitness including pain levels, range of motion, manual dexterity, balance, gait patterns, and basic cognitive abilities. The results of the assessment are provided where appropriate to assist the resident in recognizing areas of strength and areas requiring additional attention.

Referrals are received from any nursing staff or family requests. All programs are developed based on assessment results and the goals of residents, their families, and the staff.

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Functional Abilities Program - University of Waterloo.