Elderwood’s Right Moves® Program Earns Network in Aging ‘Program of Excellence’ Award

Exercise program benefits Elderwood assisted living residents

BUFFALO – Elderwood’s Right Moves® wellness program has received the 2020 Program of Excellence Award from Network in Aging of Western New York. Elderwood Wellness Coordinator Steven Johnson, who manages the Right Moves program, accepted the award in a pre-taped segment aired during the Network’s virtually-broadcast annual conference. The Program of Excellence Award is presented yearly for “outstanding and innovative contributions to the geriatric citizenry of Western New York.”

Right Moves was created to encourage Elderwood’s assisted living residents to take a more active approach to their health, with a goal toward preventing falls, injuries, and hospitalizations. Led by staff who are trained and certified through the American Council on Exercise, Right Moves focuses on maintaining physical activity, function, and mobility through exercise, therapy, home safety, and other initiatives.

Across the 13 Elderwood assisted living communities, about 30 percent of residents participate in Right Moves. Many of those who regularly attend the program experience improvements in strength, balance and overall health. In some communities, falls among residents have significantly decreased. By avoiding falls and injuries and concentrating on their health, seniors are better able to successfully age in place and maintain their independence.

“We thank Network in Aging for recognizing Mr. Johnson’s commitment to improving resident health and the efforts of the wellness directors in our assisted living communities for keeping residents motivated and moving,” said Dennis Ng, Elderwood Director of Rehabilitation Services.