Spinal Cord Resource Centre

Promoting health for people growing older with a spinal cord injury

Sandra Mills TRI Lyndhurst CentreJenny Doyle CPA Ontario

Spinal Cord Connections Resource CentreFICDDAT June 8, 2011Growing older with a disability doesnt need to subscribe to the social construct of ageing. The topics / issues although compounded due to SCI, education can help people gain information and knowledge on their body learn about what is possible and what to be aware of.Peter A I am dealing with aging issues that I shouldnt be for another ten years1Admission Stats at Lyndhurst Centre

Fiscal yearAverage age - males Average age - females2010-1153552009 -105155For 2009-10 fiscal year (this is the last full fiscal year currently available from CIHI): Breakdown of type of injury (source: NRS eReports, CIHI 2009-10, Accessed May 19, 2011)40% traumatic SCI 54% non-traumatic SCI 6% neurological illness For fiscal years 2005-06 to 2009-10 (i.e., these five years lumped together) Breakdown of type of injury (source: NRS eReports, CIHI 2005-06 to 2009-10, Accessed Oct. 15, 2010)41% traumatic SCI 53% non-traumatic SCI 6% neurological illness

2SCRP Admission Breakdown2009 - 10 Fiscal Year3Workshop Participants

Slide 5: Chart indicates a large portion of our participants have been living with a Spinal Cord Injury for at least 10 years. It is important to recognize that this shows that our participants are dealing with many challenges (change language?) related to growing older with a Spinal Cord Injury, but does not necessarily mean that they are beyond 60, 50 or even 40.

4 Education Needs for People with SCI living in the communityParticipant requirements most commonly noted in the areas of aging (73%), research (72%), financial aid, (66%), and education (63%). (Gontkovsky, T. et al 2006)Race/ethnicity was found to predict perceived information needs, with nonwhite participants endorsing a significantly greater degree of needs than white participants in 11 of 23 (48%) domains. (Gontkovsky, T. et al 2006)SCC RC research body functioning, community services and resources, general health and wellness (2007)

Wellness trends across the research and from our own anedotal information as wellTop topics include: skin, bone, heart, medication management, respiratory function and physical activity5Addressing the NeedCanadian Paraplegic Association Ontario (CPA Ontario) and Toronto Rehab the Spinal Cord Rehab Program developed a physical and virtual (website) Spinal Cord Connections Resource Centre (RC). Goal provide innovative model for adult learning combining professional expertise with practical experience.Resources available in variety of formatsSCI peers volunteering in the RC provide customized information Monthly workshops designed to meet the needs of consumers in the community with SCI, family and supports

The goal of the centre was to provide information and resources that enable independence, self-reliance and full community participation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Individually, neither organization had the reach nor the capacity to address the educational barriers; however, in partnership, the organizations share values and information to enable effective education across the continuum.

Resources books, dvds, magnifying glass available, on line

We have attempted to provide an educational environment that enables people through information to adapt to stresses of their life and disability. We are helping people move towards maximal health and wellness. 6 Addressing the Needwww.spinalcordconnections.ca - web based resources and information related to SCI for people with SCI, family, friends and professionals seeking information.SCI U an interactive web based course that introduces the basics of SCI in the area of you and your SCI, bowel, bladder, skin and nutritionPhase 2pain, using and maintaining a wheelchair, Intimacy, relationships and sexualityFertility, pregnancy and parenting

These tools address the educational needs of people with SCI across the rehab continuum from acute care through to living long term in the community. We have ensured the use of plain language to ensure universal accessibility and use of all resources.

Diversity of health education needs in the populationWe stress that health and disability are not at opposing ends of a continuum a person can be healthy living with a disability through education, heightened awareness and self reflection7 Education Workshops

The ideal workshop environmentWorkshop guidelines created for each of the facilitator roles, given to workshop presenters in advance. Lays out roles, responsibilities and expectations of all parties.8

Our workshops and educational resources speak to reducing secondary conditions associated with SCI to enhance overall quality of life.Looking at how best to include self management model of practice into all education initiatives in the RC and beyond.9

Contact us

Jenny Doyle CPA Ontario416-422-5644 ext. 254Jenny.doyle@cpaont.org

Sandra Mills TRI - Spinal Cord Rehab Program416-597-3422 ext. 6144Mills.sandra@torontorehab.on.ca

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