A new high-tech piece of equipment makes getting around a little easier for seniors.
By Lauren Kennedy

Without the caring support of the volunteers at the Central Carleton Nursing home, receiving the gift of walking wouldn’t be possible for some of the residents.  

Steadymate walker is improving the quality of life at the Central Carleton Nursing home.
The piece of equipment known as the ‘Steadymate’ walker has provided some seniors living at the nursing home the chance to be mobile, by providing extra security as they attempt to move around.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and rehab support worker Robin Jensen has seen a dramatic improvement in the residents who use the Steadymate. Two particular individuals come to mind when she thinks of the luxury of being able to walk.
“One lady chose not to walk after a traumatic fall since she was admitted about eight months ago, she was too afraid. When we received the walker, we asked her if she would like to try it and she said yes. Since then she has been up and walking around all the time,” Jensen explained.
The residents are not only pleased with themselves when they are able to get up and walk, but the other residents are so proud of their friends, it seems to encourage everyone around the home.
The Central Carleton Nursing Home heard about the walker from other nursing homes. Through communications with their volunteer organization, the volunteers themselves raised enough money – more than $1,700 – to provide the nursing staff with the ability to use this walker for their patients.
The advanced-design walker provides several advantages over the average four-legged walker.
The Steadymate offers a much more support and is safer than traditional walkers.
There is a larger table top on the upper part of the walker for residents to steady themselves if need be and to give them a sense of security.
It also has handle bars to grab at the top of the table. There are different slings, one that is a belt that goes between the thighs to act as a type of swing in case the resident happens to fall, and one that buckles behind the back for added support.
The walker itself is designed not to fall over and potentially harm the person using it. If a resident does happen to fall the walker will roll before it tips over.
Home administrator Mac Clendenning credited the nursing home’s volunteer association for making acquisition of the walker possible.
“Last year we were able to receive a blanket warmer that was a great help and this year we were able to have this walker,” Clendenning said. “This is the strongest group of volunteers that I have had the opportunity to work with and I really don’t know what we would do without them. We are very fortunate.”
Home resident Wesley Kennedy really enjoys the time he gets to spend with the walker, as well the nurses that assist him.
To demonstrate how the walker works, Kennedy got out of his own wheelchair and belted into the walker with help from the nurses. Before he was fully strapped in, he started to go. The entire time he had a smile on his face.
“It’s a beautiful thing to stand up, I’m having a great time,” he said proudly.