Darlene’s ongoing one-on-one sessions with Damian include brief, supported corridor walks, sit-to-stands, and using exercise equipment like the bike and NuStep machine a few times per week. Additionally, Darlene attends daily group fitness classes that assist her with building stamina, improving posture and energy.

Darlene’s Story

A Unique Fitness Program Restored Darlene’s Mobility


Thanks to daily fitness classes and one-onone personal training, Darlene* is on the road to increased mobility after a stroke worsened symptoms of her Multiple Sclerosis. She was unable to walk for many months leading to her seeking care at Brookmeadow at Cobb Corner. Many believed Darlene would require the assistance of a motorized wheelchair indefinitely, but Brookmeadow’s Fitness Specialist, Damian Beckford, saw something else. He tuned into what her body was still able to do, focusing on what body parts were responsive and ready to adapt.


A Unique Fitness Program for Assisted Living Residents

Brookmeadow at Cobb Corner is pioneering a new approach to prioritizing movement among its residents through its in-house Fitness Specialist. They offer group fitness classes five days a week, designed for all fitness levels and abilities. These may include strength training, cardio, and breathing exercises. More specialized group exercise, providing additional necessary movement modifications, is offered to individuals with chronic conditions to help lower inflammation and reduce pain. Additionally, the Fitness Specialist offers one-on-one sessions to help residents work on their individual wellness goals. If they experienced a recent injury or medical setback associated with a physical condition, they can work with the Fitness Specialist to regain mobility and improve range of motion. Working with Damian is highly recommended after a hospital or rehab stay. Regular physical activity becomes increasingly important as we age, so having an in-house comprehensive fitness program is a real benefit to seniors after moving to an assisted living community. 

Benefits of an in-house fitness specialist

  • Included in your monthly rate (no additional Medicare Part B costs)
  • Convenient in-house location and scheduling
  • Customized one-on-one programs devoted to meeting personal wellness goals
  • Receive supportive fitness instruction from a qualified, trained fitness professional

Personalized Support Helped Restore Darlene’s Mobility 

In Darlene’s case, Damian worked to develop a personalized care plan with the goal of restoring her ability to walk. Her ongoing one-on-one sessions with Damian include brief, supported corridor walks, sit-to-stands, and using exercise equipment like the bike and NuStep machine a few times per week. Additionally, Darlene attends daily group fitness classes that assist her with building stamina, improving posture and energy. She’s responding positively because because Damian believed in “what she could become if someone held space for her growth”. Darlene has made significant progress thanks to her work with Damian. She is known to walk more between sessions. She has met and exceeded the goals she established with Damian, which include rebuilding strength, gradually improving stamina, and practicing daily movement. David, Executive Director, states, “Darlene is walking again because Damian never accepted limitations that others assumed were permanent. His ability to see beyond the surface and bring out the best in people is the foundation of her remarkable transformation.” Darlene hopes to work toward a longer-range goal of walking longer distances over time. She would really love to walk from her apartment to the dining room. With continued engagement with Damian, this is well within her reach. As Damian says, “My role is simply to see beyond the moment, to listen to her body’s quiet signals, and to motivate her toward the version of herself that was waiting to reappear.”. 

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