KEEPING ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVE WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL SETTING

BY JULIE FERGUSON

AHEAD IN THE COUNT: Annandale Village is committed to promoting an active, healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is a key component of daily programming.

Adults with disabilities, who are able to, should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), people with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular moderate physical activity than people without disabilities, yet they have similar needs to promote their health and prevent unnecessary disease. In fact, health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic disease and obesity are much more prevalent for individuals with disabilities.

This makes physical activity even more important, as it can help prevent or lessen the impact of such health issues. Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

While health and wellness have always been a priority at Annandale Village, serving approximately 190 adults with special needs, the addition of a state-of-the-art fitness facility provides new opportunities for residents at all ability levels to improve their health. "The strength and stamina that is developed by participating in physical activity can help those we serve maintain a higher level of independence – which directly aligns to Annandale's mission of maximizing the abilities and independence of individuals with developmental disabilities," states Adam Pomeranz, Annandale Village CEO & President.

The new fitness facility was the dream of Hope and Scott Blackstock, the benefactors and visionaries who made the dream a reality. When asked what motivated them to help build the fitness facility, Hope said, "Scott and I are big believers in the power of movement to bring joy into the lives of those with special needs. A helpful side effect is that it also greatly improves their physical health, and consequently their mental and spiritual health. Our vision was to have a fitness facility that was truly inclusive to all levels of ability. The Annandale fitness center was designed especially with the residents of the D.Scott Hudgens Skilled Nursing facility in mind. If it can be utilized - under supervision - by our least-abled on campus, then it will be a success. Many states, especially on the west coast, are embracing the idea that nursing home residents should enjoy gentle exercise as part of their daily program. Everyone takes pride in their physical accomplishments...especially our Villagers for whom the gains are very hard won."

Classes in the new fitness facility are held a few times a week under Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Jeffrey Peters. "With the grand opening of The Justis Blackstock Fitness Center a few months ago, many of the Villagers, what we affectionately call our residents, have already made great strides… We have people of all different backgrounds, capabilities and goals coming together showing each other great respect and encouragement. As the recreation and community inclusion coordinator at Annandale, I am extremely proud of everyone who has been participating in the fitness center and can't wait to see what achievements lie ahead."

Since 1969, Annandale Village, a non-profit organization in Suwanee, Georgia, has been dedicated to providing residential and non-residential programs and services to adults 18 years and older with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. Their mission is to provide progressive life assistance so the individuals they serve can maximize their abilities and maintain their independence in the least restrictive environment. People with developmental disabilities and their families come first in everything they do.•

WORK IT ON OUT: While health and wellness have always been a priority at Annandale, the addition of their new fitness facility provides new opportunities for their Villagers at all ability levels to improve their health. The new fitness facility was the dream of Hope and Scott Blackstock, the benefactors and visionaries who made the dream a reality.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie Ferguson, is the Community Outreach & Development Manager, Annandale Village at Suwanee, Inc.

References

cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/materials/infographic-increasing-physical-activity.html cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/division-information/media-tools/dpk/vs-disability-activity/index.html cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/pa.html cdc.gov/features/physical-activity-disabilities/index.html health.gov/paguidelines/2008/chapter7.aspx

COMMIT TO BE FIT : PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

The following is a list of Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Disabilities from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

Adults with disabilities, who are able to, should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Aerobic activity should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes, and preferably, it should be spread throughout the week.

Adults with disabilities, who are able to, should also do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or high intensity that involve all major muscle groups on two or more days a week, as these activities provide additional health benefits.

When adults with disabilities are not able to meet the Guidelines, they should engage in regular physical activity according to their abilities, and should avoid inactivity.