The Active Living Program is a restorative care program. The program has been running for ten years.

Each Restorative Care Worker (there are 3, one per floor) is assigned to one of Broadway Lodge's neighbourhoods and through their knowledge and skills as Restorative Care Workers (RCWs), they support residents to maintain strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility. Using wall bars, Ex N Flex (active/passive exercise machines), weights, ball toss, recumbent bikes, and walking they individualize programs that support dramatic changes in residents’ health, well-being, and mobility.

As a result of the interventions of the RCWs and the hard work put in by residents—they are very enthusiastic about their individual programs—we see that their transfer status changes and they become more independent or able to support themselves during the care process. This impacts safety because it reduces the level of need placed on the staff—meaning, increased mobility allows residents to do pivot transfers using their strength and balance that has been improved or restored through the exercise process. It means that they can assist or be more independent when dressing due to increased flexibility and strength as well. So, the risks of staff injury decrease as resident capacity and capability increase. In some examples, people come in using a wheelchair and now are walking or have increased their independence significantly.

Broadway Lodge has seen many residents’ transfer status change for the better and people who came to us primarily using wheelchairs are walking – some independently and others with minor support. The benefits of the program are reduced injuries for staff as they have stronger residents who can assist with dressing and transfers. As well, residents experience a jump in self-confidence as they celebrate their enhanced mobility and independence. These three RCWs (Reah Fernandez, Letty Rivera, and Bel Lee) deserve a loud cheer and applause because they bring such kindness and positive energy to the lives of our residents that their efforts to encourage and support participation in the ALP are life-changing. We are so proud of them and their accomplishments! Shout out to the residents who stay motivated and active through this fantastic program.