B.Fit! Day Program Expands

By Florence Rawls
August 11th, 2009

While known for specialized, long-term care of residents, The Boston Home has reached out to meet community needs through B.Fit!, our outpatient program. The on-site wellness and socialization day program continues to grow, being offered to adults with conditions similar to our residents Mondays, Wednesdays (9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and Fridays (9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.).

Coordinated by Glory Wideman-Hughes, the goal of B.Fit! is to offer our participants a safe leisure experience in a socially enriching environment. Glory had extensive experience working with elders in nursing homes. As she noticed a growing population of younger adults with disabilities in these facilities, she became interested in how to best meet their needs. She came to TBH enthused about expanding our outpatient program. B.Fit! participants not only find a welcoming community of outpatients and residents--they also find a champion in Glory.

“I’m passionate about my work—it’s very rewarding to help this group of courageous, resilient people to feel less isolated and more empowered,” says Glory. “We have fun. There’s lots of laughter.”

Being Fit, Being Responsive

In addition to expanding the hours of B.Fit!, Glory has expanded expectations. She encourages everyone to get involved in planning and customize the program.

Together, they plan safe, structured, creative activities and identify topics to explore. They learn how to be their own best advocates, finding enrichment from each other as well as from speakers and staff. Participants also gain knowledge about best practices for MS care and often tap into the resources at TBH, such as on-site wheelchair assessments and adjustments. The result is a newfound sense of confidence and community.

Outpatients come from metro Boston and as far as Duxbury, Framingham, and Lynn. They travel by personal vans or the MBTA’s The Ride, accompanied by their caregivers.

Programs highlights include:

Wellness: Includes a physical exercise program, games for cognitive function, and nutritional information. Participants learn relaxation techniques to maintain comfort.
Socialization: Relaxed conversation during activities and lunches and shared experiences in a comfortable environment. Outpatients learn from each other and TBH residents. They are now involved in writing projects using computers in our Cyber Café.
Outings: Participants get monthly calendars of accessible events in the community or at TBH. Events have included monthly boat cruises, Harbor Fest, and Night at the Pops.
TBH Resources: Participants enjoy our accessible garden and Koi pond and computer lab. They can arrange to use other resources at TBH, including our wheelchair assessment and physical therapy programs.

A great reward is a change in the relationship between caregiver and outpatients. “They learn from each other and become more comfortable in their role,” says Glory. “It empowers caregivers when they learn new ways they can help, and they, too, feel less isolated in their work.”

New outpatients are welcome to B.Fit! on a space-available basis. The cost is on a sliding scale, and so far no one has been turned away due to financial limitations.

Indeed, Glory sees no limit to new opportunities for B.Fit! She is encouraged by the program’s success and hopes it will expand to a full week in the future.

For more information, please contact Glory Wideman-Hughes: 617.326.4300 or gwideman@thebostonhome.org.