Walking our SHA Values: Staying active in long-term care
The Integrated Rural Health Long-Term Care (LTC) Falls Prevention Working Group developed a "Walk to the North Pole” challenge to encourage residents in LTC throughout the province to stay active by walking and tracking their activity.
The Challenge took place from October to December of 2024, and involved 19 LTC homes and over 450 residents who “walked to the North Pole.”
“This challenge was a great idea to get my mom walking more,” said a family member of a resident of the Kerrobert Integrated Health Center.
At the conclusion of the challenge, each LTC home celebrated with a North Pole themed party.
"We love staying active and walking. I really enjoy the walking club and this challenge,” said one of the residents from Kerrobert who took part.
“Walking is a great and safe way for residents to maintain and improve their health,” said Falls and Injury Prevention Coordinator, Laura Bouvier. “Safety is our top priority in preventing falls and injuries. Walking has many benefits, including strengthening balance and coordination, which decreases the risk of falls and subsequent injuries.”
With safety as its driving force, this creative challenge is a strong testament to how staff live the SHA CARES values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Empathy and Safety) in their work every day.
Residents from LTC homes throughout Saskatchewan took part in the “Walking to the North Pole” walking challenge.