Pool therapy helps mobility and mindset of geriatrics
Therapist David Worthington works with 85 year old Donna Chadburn at the Marshall White Center pool in Ogden on February 20, 2015. Donna has made huge improvements in her health by working with David at her weekly swim classes.
Therapist David Worthington provides one on one personal training instruction for seniors at the Marshall White Center pool in Ogden on February 20, 2015.
Weight loss success Tom Hooker works out with water dumbbells at the Marshall White Center pool Friday in Ogden on February 20, 2015. He has lost over 285 lbs doing water workouts.
Swim class attendees Kari Peterson (left) and LaRaee Sheridan take time Friday morning to get a swimming work out at the Marshall White Center pool in Ogden on February 20, 2015. They cant help but notice the new trainer David Worthington who is helping out a fellow swim class mate Donna Chadburn. LaRaee remarked that "the trainer is pretty buff” as she works out.
Therapist David Worthington works with Donna Chadburn, 85, at the Marshall White Center pool in Ogden on February 20, 2015. Donna has made huge improvements in her health by working with David at her weekly swim classes.
Therapist David Worthington provides one on one personal training instruction for seniors at the Marshall White Center pool. In Ogden on February 20, 2015
Therapist David Worthington provides one on one personal training instruction for seniors at the Marshall White Center pool in Ogden on February 20, 2015.
Dennis Greene swims laps at the Marshall White Center pool. His wife Ilene says he helps keep 85 year old Donna Chadburn in shape by leaving the door open at home. Donna is a stickler of open doors, so she will get up and close it. It has almost become a game they play at the Greene household.
Therapist David Worthington works with 85 year old Donna Chadburn at the Marshall White Center pool in Ogden on February 20, 2015. Donna has made huge improvements in her health by working with David at her weekly swim classes.
Ilene Greene, right, and Therapist David Worthington, left, help 85 year old Donna Chadburn into the Marshall White Center pool for some one on one personal training In Ogden on February 20, 2015. Donna has made big strides in improving her health.
This February 20, 2015 photo shows seniors participating in water aerobics at the Marshall White Center pool, one of several recreational opportunities offered at affordable prices.
Therapist David Worthington provides one on one personal training instruction for seniors at the Marshall White Center pool. In Ogden on February 20, 2015
Therapist David Worthington provides one on one personal training instruction for seniors at the Marshall White Center pool. In Ogden on February 20, 2015
Therapist David Worthington provides one on one personal training instruction for seniors at the Marshall White Center pool. In Ogden on February 20, 2015
Therapist David Worthington provides one on one personal training instruction for seniors at the Marshall White Center pool. In Ogden on February 20, 2015
OGDEN — It’s been only three weeks since 85-year-old Donna Chadburn was released from hospice care without a bright prognosis. Friday morning, she walked with assistance across the pool at the Marshall White Center. Things are looking a lot better for Chadburn now, and her daughter, Ilene Greene, gives the credit to the pool and her physical therapist, David Worthington.
Worthington, a therapist assistant at Burchcreek Homecare, started working with Chadburn because of her agreement with hospice. Greene said in order for hospice to release her she had to agree to at least three days of physical therapy. Chadburn suffers from dementia, a prognosis she has dealt with for five or six years. Greene said she and other family members have learned that keeping their mom moving is the best medicine — and moving in the pool has proved to be priceless for her. The added bonus of a “hunky” physical therapist helps too, Greene said.
When Worthington started helping Chadburn, the other water aerobics class attendees swooned a bit over Worthington and commented that his presence is what got Chadburn moving.
“The ladies said they would be moving faster too if he was helping them,” Greene said with a laugh.
“How do I sign up for physical therapy with him?” asked Kristan Kap, a member of the water aerobics class.
But many of the 40 to 60 who attend water aerobics classes at the center through the course of the day have watched Greene and Chadburn together for quite some time and say it is special to watch.
“They are so cute and so sweet,” said Sue Turley, manager at the Marshall White Center.
Kap agreed. “They are so dedicated. They came every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is really a beautiful thing,” Kap said of how Greene helps her mom.
Water aerobics instructor Julia Aldrich said she has been watching Greene bring Chadburn to the pool for about a year and it has been touching to watch the mother and daughter. They have seen when the older woman has struggled, but also seen her triumphs as well.
“She walks much better and moves much faster now,” Aldrich said.
But Aldrich said Chadburn isn’t the only one who has seen a life improvement since coming to the pool. She pointed to several around the pool who have had life changes. She motioned to Tom Hooker, who has lost 128 pounds since coming to the pool. He was working out on Friday in the pool with some light barbells. He said he loves coming to the center and even brought some donations for youth swimmers that morning.
Paul and Cameron Stephens are also regular attendees at the pool. Paul’s son was in an accident that left him with severe brain damage, and pool therapy helps him make it through the day, Aldrich said.
“We really just all get along and really love to see each other succeed,” Aldrich said.
Worthington noticed that too.
“They are all really sweet to each other,” Worthington said.
He has noticed how they cheer Chadburn on with her successes and make a fuss of her.
“It is really fun and rewarding to work with geriatrics and do physical therapy with them,” he said.
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