Stepping stones: Ann MacDonald’s dedication to fall prevention
For Ann MacDonald, being a physiotherapist is more than a job, it’s a lifelong mission dedicated to helping others—and she has been doing so for over 35 years.
Ann works at Reactivation Care Centre (RCC), and for the last two years, she has been supporting the diverse needs of Oak Valley Health patients requiring restorative care. Once a patient’s acute care journey ends, Ann and her colleagues offer programs and services like nursing, recreational activities, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy, aiming to enhance patient independence.
Fall prevention stands as a cornerstone of their work. “From day one, and for all physiotherapists, fall prevention has been a priority. It’s second nature,” she says.
With many patients facing cognitive deficits, she emphasizes proactive measures for patient and staff safety, advocating continuous education for patients and families. With age, or as patients become dependent on mobility aids, physiotherapy not only aids recovery but also teaches safety practices crucial for preventing future falls.
“Families often underestimate how medical conditions affect mobility, unaware of risks like dizziness, or how dementia or cognitive decline worsen with every hospital admission,” she explains. “Even walking is often overlooked, but there are broader implications and fall risks. It’s part of our job to educate and prioritize proactive measures to ensure patient safety and well-being,” she says.
For Ann and the RCC team, tools like the Berg Balance Scale and the Tinetti test help assess and lessen fall risks. New protocols at RCC, such as enhanced supervision through signage and quick response to alarms, exemplify their proactive approach. Ann notes despite all efforts in preventing falls, they happen, and it’s important to know how to respond and be better prepared for the future.
Training and resources in Oak Valley Health’s Fall Prevention Program help to minimize risks and ensure patient and staff safety. Tools like the bedside fall prevention tool, fall risk screening, and implementation of fall prevention intervention, are referenced daily. The team also frequently participates in learning modules, and daily staff huddles allow them to review at-risk patients, crucial given the higher risk of falls.
Ann shares even the obvious ways to prevent falls can be overlooked, and being aware of simple preventative measures like ensuring work areas are free of obstacles, wearing proper footwear, and having appropriate gait aids available, have a great impact.
Beyond her work, Ann leads an active life, something she also stresses in her advice to her patients. Ann enjoys walking her dogs daily and cherishing time with her family, even more so as a new grandmother.
“I love seeing my patients achieve their goals and I can’t tell a patient how to improve their daily living if I don’t do so myself. I practice what I preach, and it’s important to stay active and get your body moving,” she says.
Her enthusiasm rings true for the entire team, fostering a collaborative spirit at RCC where everyone works together to ensure each patient receives optimal care—one step at a time.
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