Denise Desmarais working toward walking again, one step at a time

Heron Terrace resident improving mobility with help from home’s nursing rehab program
10/19/2016  - Deron Hamel
Pictured above, Heron Terrace resident Denise Desmarais has been working with nursing rehab co-ordinator Danielle Baillargeon to improve her mobility.  

Heron Terrace resident Denise Desmarais is living with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the condition does not dominate her life or impede her path to achieving her goal to walk again using a walker.

This is evident by the progress she has made in the Windsor long-term care home’s nursing rehabilitation program.

When Denise moved into Heron Terrace she had poor trunk control and wasn’t able to participate in much physical activity because of her MS, a progressive neurodegenerative condition.

When she started participating in the home’s nursing rehabilitation program, Denise worked with nursing rehabilitation co-ordinator Danielle Baillargeon on active range-of-motion exercises and then improving her mobility. Within six weeks, Denise’s range of motion had improved and she could top-dress herself.

“Those are great accomplishments because (her success) has now given her the confidence that she can do more, and she is very determined,” Danielle tells S&R Today.

“She is bound and determined to not use the sit-to-stand lift to help her transfer, so we have been working on transfer training.”

About a month ago, the physiotherapy team began helping Denise with standing exercises, since she had built up her trunk control and endurance to the point she was able to stand in six attempts totalling 20 minutes on her feet, Danielle notes.

“Denise has progressed a long way,” Danielle says. “She is very, very goal-driven, and I think with her positive attitude and with the physiotherapy team and (nursing staff) all being on board, I think it has really affected how well she has progressed.”

Denise says she is pleased with her progress and is working her way up to being able to walk with a walker again. 

“The program has helped me a lot – when I first came here I couldn’t even turn from side to side in bed, but now I can turn myself without relying on the PSWs (personal support workers) to do it,” Denise says.

“I can brush my hair now and top-dress myself. I also couldn’t stand, but they’ve got me standing at the rails now. It’s slowly coming back, but every little bit counts.” 

Heron Terrace’s nursing rehabilitation program is aimed at maximizing residents’ potential. Residents in the program set their own goals and staff members help them carry their plans through.

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