McKnight’s Long-Term Care News author, Alicia Lask, reports on a recent study indicating that individuals residing in assisted living facilities do not experience an adequate amount of physical exercise in order to live a healthy life. According to Lask, the University of Michigan School of Nursing conducted this study where researchers examined the day-to-day physical movement of residents in eight different communities of assisted living facilities. Researchers found that these residents sat for thirty minutes to an hour before moving their bodies. However, Janet Larson, a registered nurse, and Ph.D. found that when the residents did move their bodies this physical activity lasted for only two minutes or less, such as walking short distances from their seat to the restroom or refrigerator. Larson explained that she was not shocked at these findings because assisted living facilities are set up so that residents do not need to perform household activities; therefore, the opportunity for daily movement is limited. Additionally, the author mentioned that residents, who experienced low levels of daily movement, were more tired and used walkers or canes compared to residents that lived less sedentary lifestyles.
Overall, this study indicated that daily physical activity is essential for the health and well-being of residents. Assisted living facility staff should take this study’s findings into consideration when making decisions regarding the number of times residents are in sedentary positions as well as work to improve the daily exercise routines of residents.
Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
Daily movement in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is crucial to prevent loss of mobility which can potentially lead to painful ulcers. When choosing a nursing home or assisted living facility, please do your research. Also, it is so important to check in with your friends and loved ones to make sure they are satisfied with the care they are receiving. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse and/or neglect, please contact our experienced team of lawyers at Dougherty Leventhal & Price, L.L.P. Remember: Injury? Call DLP! (570) C-A-L-L-D-L-P.
Works Cited
Lasek, Alicia. “Startling lack of physical activity found in the assisted living pilot study.” McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, 16 June 2022, https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/startling-lack-of-physical-activity-found-in-assisted-living-pilot-study/.
