Exercise physiologist, James Buick is helping seniors stay strong and steady at home

November is Falls Prevention Month, an opportunity to focus on simple steps that help people stay healthy and independent as they age.  

If someone is living with frailty, they are less able to recover from illness, making them more vulnerable to health problems. It can cause muscle weakness, slower movement, poor balance and a higher risk of falls. The good news is regular exercise can slow, and sometimes even reverse, frailty and lower the risk of falls.

James Buick is helping older adults (65-years and older) do just that at both the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney and in the community. As a clinical exercise physiologist (CSEP-CEP) with the Seniors’ Care Team, he works with people to improve their strength, balance and mobility so they can continue living independently and confidently at home.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of frailty and falls and maintain independence. “The benefits of exercise can help anybody,” he said. “The only limitation is your imagination in terms of how accessible you can make that exercise.”

Introduced as a pilot program at four regional hospitals, including Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the Seniors’ Care Team supports adults aged 65 and older to prevent unnecessary hospital admission by helping them access care, services, equipment and community supports. Team members may include nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, recreation therapists, social workers, care co-ordinators and clinical exercise physiologists.

“Staying active is one of the best ways to stay mobile, strong and healthy into old age,” said Buick. “It’s never too late to start.”

Buick specializes in helping people move in ways that work for them. The exercises he suggests are often easy to follow but can make a big difference in a person's strength, balance and overall well-being.  

“Exercise starts with basic movements, such as standing up from a chair, sitting back down or raising your heels off the floor,” said Buick. “While these activities may seem small, they can have a big impact on a person’s strength, balance and overall health.”

That was the case for a recent patient who had been discharged from the Cape Breton Regional Hospital emergency department after being assessed by the Seniors’ Care Team. After assessing her strength, mobility and balance at her home, Buick created a personalized exercise plan that matched her abilities. Although the exercises were simple, they helped her move from being less active to becoming more independent in her daily activities.

“It’s nice to see how we can really help a person remain at home,” said Buick. “We’re able to help people not only stay at home but truly thrive.”

Helping people recover or remain at home reflects Nova Scotia Health’s “Home First” approach, ensuring individuals receive the care they need in the comfort of the place they call home whenever possible. Recovering at home, surrounded by familiar routines, family and community supports can help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.

This Falls Prevention Month, Buick hopes more people will remember that staying strong does not require complicated equipment or intense workouts. Often, the first step is to just get moving.

“Exercise can be adapted for almost anyone,” he said. “Building strength and confidence today can help prevent frailty and falls tomorrow.” 

Photo of James Buick.