GENESIS Program at The Miriam
A unique program designed to make seniors feel more comfortable during a stay in the hospital.
GENESIS Program at The Miriam

Increasing Mobility

Often, older patients lose bone and muscle strength during their hospital stays because they spend most of the time in bed and are not walking enough. The GENESIS program incorporates activities to help patients remain as active as possible during their stay at The Miriam Hospital.
 

The consequences of bed rest include:

  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Bone loss
  • Increased risk of falls
  • Increased risk of pressure sores
  • Inability to walk
  • Need for rehabilitation
  • Constipation

What patients need during their hospital stay:

  • Footwear - shoes with laces and non-skid soles
  • Eyeglasses
  • Hearing aids - in place during daytime hours
  • Prosthetics - at their bedside
  • Assistive devices - cane, walker, brace

There are many positive effects of keeping active while in the hospital:

  • There is less risk of falling
  • It maintains muscle strength
  • It maintains bone strength
  • It maintains balance
  • Exercise helps maintain appetite
  • Exercise helps prevent constipation
  • More activity may shorten the length of the patient's stay

The GENESIS program promotes mobility by:

  • Offering assistance with walking four times each day
  • Providing the use of assistive devices such as walkers and canes for those who need them
  • Avoiding medications that increase the risk of falls, when possible

For more information about the GENESIS program, please call 401-793-3162.