How adult day programs transform lives

At 66 years of age, Carolyn inspires those who know her. Born with cerebral palsy, Carolyn lived with her parents until their poor health made it necessary for them to move into a long-term care home three years ago. For the first time in her life, Carolyn needed to figure out the basics of living on her own. She learned how to cook, pay bills and  make the 4.5 kilometre journey from her home to her parents' home on her power wheelchair. She makes this journey once a week to visit her parents, to get some help with her weekly bath, and help the activity team run their regular bingo game. Last winter, as the weather got colder, this routine started to become more difficult. Carolyn’s wheelchair couldn’t handle the long trip in the snow, and she didn’t have the money to use a transportation service anymore. “I’d been watching Carolyn for several months and was so impressed with her determination,” says Coreena Esser, a recreational therapy assistant at Interior Health's Adult Day Services program in Golden. “When I realized what a struggle she was having, I encouraged her to join the Adult Day program, so she could be picked up from her home and brought over for her bath, lunch and a visit with her family." Never one to leave well-enough alone, Coreena asked to visit Carolyn’s home later in the year to make sure she had the support she needed. “I noticed right away that the way Carolyn transferred herself from her wheelchair to the couch was very risky,” says Coreena. “I knew her knees wouldn’t be able to handle that motion for very long and I asked if she’d be willing to meet with our physiotherapist to see how we could make things better for her.” Through some trial and error with different walkers, and lots of hard work, Carolyn has a safe and effective way of transferring in and out of her wheelchair. Her work with the physiotherapy and rehab team had other benefits. Carolyn started using a stationary bike. As her strength improved, she was able to start walking for the first time in 15 years. “I’m so proud of Carolyn and all that she’s accomplished,” says Coreena. “She’s shown me that it’s never too late to learn something new.”