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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Long-term care patients in Fort Simpson have two new tools to help them build strength and improve balance.

The Dehcho Health and Social Services Centre recently purchased two new pieces of rehabilitation equipment for its physiotherapy wing.

Erin Wyatt, rehabilitation therapy assistant and recreation coordinator for the long-term care facility in Fort Simpson, works with John Grossetete using the new equipment recently purchased by Dehcho Health and Social Services. - Andrew Livingstone/NNSL photo

A new, state of the art set of parallel bars and steps were purchased to offer better opportunities for patients to strengthen their bodies and improve their overall core balance.

Erin Wyatt, rehabilitation therapy assistant and recreation coordinator for the facility, said her job has become a lot easier since the purchase of the new equipment.

"Before ... I'd have to get other staff to help me out when I was doing exercises with the patients," she said.

With only four staff on some days, who are busy with other tasks, Wyatt said it is difficult to progress with patients.

"With these parallel bars I can do more and not need the extra person to help. It's just a lot safer."

Lois Martin, supervisor for the long-term care facility, said having the new equipment has been great for the patients.

"We just see their attitudes and abilities improving," she said.

John Grossetete, a patient, works with Wyatt on a regular basis. He said he likes the bars because it helps him with strengthening his knee.

"My knee goes to one side and it can hurt," he said. "They help me out a lot. It's really good."

Martin said it has helped determine if a patient has the mobility to leave the centre and visit with family.

"If they want to go home it's important for us to make sure they are able to get up and down stairs with little to no difficulty," she said. "Having the stairs allows us to determine their ability in a safe and secure way."

Wyatt added it also provides the patient with more confidence in their own abilities.

The new equipment has helped create a better environment for everyone from patients to the staff.

"I've noticed differences in physical ability. People are able to go for walks more. Being physically active makes you more positive," said Wyatt.

Wyatt said staff can also better assess patients' abilities now that Wyatt is able to do more exercise with them.

"It just makes us more confident when doing our jobs," she said. "We know the limits of a patient more clearly now and with that we are able to push them a bit harder to improve their strength and their overall attitude. With this stuff we are a step above other rehabilitation centers in the North," she said."