Traditions of Hanover Residents Benefiting from Fox Better Living Strength, Mobility and Balance Exercise Program

Traditions of Hanover residents Ralph and Marge Valentino have been getting out of their apartment and increasing their activity level, thanks to the Fox Better Living Strength, Mobility and Balance Exercise program. The Valentinos, along with 25-30 other residents at Traditions of Hanover meet two times a week, for one hour each session, and work hard to gain more strength and have better mobility and balance to improve their quality of life.

For the past year and a half, seniors at Traditions of Hanover have had the opportunity to participate in the Fox Better Living Strength, Mobility and Balance Exercise program. The program offers a proactive approach to improving strength, mobility and balance deficits by using evidence-based, objective assessment tools. The program increases individuals’ functions so they can remain active members within their community. It decreases the risk of falls and improves quality of life and well-being.

“We do a lot of stretching exercises,” said Ralph Valentino. “We stretch our arms and legs, bring our hands and arms over our head and we have rubber bands to use for different stretches, too. There are also exercises where we stand on one foot and try to keep our balance.”

Ralph and his wife Marge have been living at Traditions of Hanover for the past three years and they have been participating in the program since it first began in May 2012. The program has been very beneficial to them, and to many of the other residents.

Each resident receives a strength, mobility and balance assessment as soon as they move into the community, quarterly, upon observed functional decline, and/or after a fall. After the assessment, the health care team may recommend a variety of options for the resident, including referral to a physician or therapist, medication review, or participation in the Fox Better Living Strength, Mobility and Balance Exercise Program.

“When we use the terms ‘age in place’ and ‘continuity of care’ in independent living, some may wonder how that is possible. By having Fox Rehab services in our community, residents have not only the ability to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy, but at no additional fees to them they may participate in the Strength, Mobility and Balance program in order to improve and maintain their independence as long as possible,” said Jennifer Murphy, marketing director.

Eric Sartor, Fox Rehabilitation trained exercise physiologist, leads the program each week. The program is a progressive and challenging exercise program, proven to increase strength, mobility and balance in order to improve the ability to maintain independence and individual wellness.

“When our staff members see a resident experiencing a new challenge with balance, getting up from a chair or increased falls, having Fox Rehab on site is key in helping to overcome a setback in their independence,” said Murphy.

“I can’t speak for everyone in the class, but I know the program has helped me and my wife,” said Valentino. “It gets us out of our apartment and moving instead of just sitting down all the time. The exercises are really good for us and I hope they continue the program. I recommend it to anybody who is willing and able to participate.” 

Fox Rehabilitation is a national leader in providing physical, occupational and speech therapy services to seniors in houses, apartments, assisted living residences or adult medical day care. Their mission is to rehabilitate lives by believing in the strength of people, allowing them to provide care to the community; and believing in patients and their ability to achieve optimal function to rehabilitate their lives (Fox Rehabilitation, www.foxrehab.org).

Located at 5300 Northgate Drive, Bethlehem, behind Wegman’s off of Route 512, Traditions of Hanover Independent Living is a unique retirement community offering Independent Living residences on an affordable month-to-month basis with no buy-in fees. Resident services and apartment features include meals, housekeeping, social events, transportation, and full kitchens. For more information, please call Jennifer Murphy at 610-882-0400 or log onto www.traditionsofhanover.com.