A Wholistic Foot Care

Program

An over view on the Strengths Opportunities,

Weaknesses and Threats to a preventative foot care

program

Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes

Initiative since 1997

MISSION

“Eradicate the devastating effects of Diabetes, Aboriginal Peoples will once

again enjoy the good health of our ancestors.”

VISION

To support Aboriginal communities working to decrease the high incidence of

Diabetes and its complications through prevention, intervention and

management activities.

VALUES

Autonomy and diversity;

Community-based, responsive services;

Wholistic wellness (i.e. physical, spiritual, mental and emotional balance);

A spirit of sharing and cooperation;

Personal choice;

And the right to privacy.

Prevalence of Diabetes in

Aboriginal Communities

In the last 50 years, diabetes has become a significant health

concern for Aboriginal people in Canada. The prevalence rates of

diabetes are now 3-5 times higher among Aboriginal people than

in the general Canadian population. Communications Benchmark Study: Awareness and Knowledge Levels of Type 2 Diabetes Among Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, Ipsos-Reid - January 2002. Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI), Health Canada.

Assembly of First Nations (AFN) reports that Diabetes is three to

five times higher among First Nations people. A First Nations Diabetes

Report Card: Part 1; Making a Path to Community Wellness. Assembly of First Nations, June 2006.

Diabetes is a significant concern in Aboriginal communities for a

variety of reasons other than high rates of disease, including

earlier onset, greater severity at diagnosis, high rates of

complications, lack of accessible services, increasing trends, and

the increased prevalence of risk factors for a population already

at risk.

Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI), www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/activit/marketsoc/camp/adiida_e.html

The SOADI Wholistic Foot Care Model

Since 2007

“Our wholistic model supports a continuum of seamless

foot care services based on education, screening, care,

treatment, support and data collection. This strengthens

local community collaboration.”

Our Purpose:

To provide foot care services to Aboriginal people that are

affected by or at risk of diabetes and its complications. We

strive to empower individuals through education, self-care

resources, professional assessment and referrals.

Our slogan:

Healthy Feet are Happy Feet

The 4 Components to SOADI’s Wholistic

Foot Care Model

1. Wholistic Foot Care Events

Outreach services with education, training, self-management workshops and screening Focus

2. Sustainable Foot Care Locations Ongoing local services with education, preventativ treatment and

referrals

3. Individual Foot Care Subsidies Access to include; Home Visits, foot care office sites, and

preventative foot device support *Do not qualify for other funding sources

4. Self Care and Prevention Resources Self Care DVD, Mirror, Soap, lotion, first aid kit, foot file, footsie

brush, magnet educational handouts including a healthy feet checklist and Diabetic Socks

Photo by Jeremy Bouchard

“Traditional healing is an integrated, wholistic

approach to health. The body, mind, spirit and

emotions of the individual are all viewed as

equally important.” Jan Kaheti:io Longboat

Traditional Wellness

National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO), Summer 2002 edition,

page 5.

“We have all the tools that we need to have

that good life, and to stay in balance and

harmony. It’s up to us as people to look after

ourselves in a good way. It’s our responsibility,

to take back that good life and make it our

own.” Jan Kaheti:io Longboat

In the Spirit of Healing and Wellness, Vol 6, Number 1, Winter/Spring

2005. P 12.

Jan Kahehti:io Longboat is a Mohawk herbalist, healer and Elder. Her expertise is

recognized by Indigenous communities across Turtle Island as well as in universities and

colleges, among them Mohawk College, McMaster University and the University of Toronto,

where she has taught Indigenous healing practices and Indigenous healing and wellness.

Jan is presently the keeper of the Earth Healing Herb Gardens and Retreat Centre at Six

Nations of the Grand River. Presently Jan is focused on the I da wa da di Project which

helps victims of residential schools.

Jan Kaheti:io Longboat

Reflexology What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a focused pressure

technique, directed at the feet. It is

based on the premise that there are

zones and reflexes on different parts

of the body. which corresponds to

and relate to our body parts, glands

and organs.

There are approximately 7200 nerve

endings on the feet, and these

relate to various organs and glands

within the body. A mirror image of

the body has been mapped on the

feet and pressure applied on

specific reflex points on the feet can

affect the corresponding part of the

body.

Our ancestors used reflexology as a part of their healing, and we continue in

their footsteps.

S W O T Analysis on

Preventative foot care

programs

Strengths:

• Interprofessional and local coordinated approach (partners)

• Education and empowerment training to encourage self-

management (outreach and resources)

• Early detection and intervention (outreach and ongoing)

• Greater access to care through local collaboration

(outreach)

• The Program is developed and coordinated with an

Aboriginal cultural focus

S W O T Analysis on

Preventative foot care

programs

Weaknesses:

• Limited funding, lack of prevention dollars

• Lack of education for front line workers ie: PSW

• Lack of coverage for preventative devices ie: orthotics,

shoes, off loading boots, braces and socks

• Confusion with clients on the different foot care specialists

and centres for service

• Client adherence with treatment program

S W O T Analysis on

Preventative foot care

programs

Opportunities:

• Ability to expand preventative services both provincially and

nationally

• Technology improvements to reach isolated communities

with different types of service ie: webinars, training and

treatment support

• Data Collection to have evidence based programs and

services

• System change to support organization and program

structure change to allow a multi-faceted interwoven

preventative model

S W O T Analysis on

Preventative foot care

programs

Threats:

• Tracking progress of prevention-how do you measure a

negative?

• Changing and dissolving programs that leave gaps of service

• Limitations on wound care access and support

• Minimal support for prevention programs and services

• Lack of information regarding other programs and services

for referrals

• Not including the client as the key piece in a prevention

program

In Summary

What has the SWOT taught us?

• National policies need to reflect a prevention focus in order to

prevent the high cost of ulcers and amputations

• Prevention Programs that are inclusive to the target clientelle

are successful in allowing knowledge increase and pro-active

clients

• System changes that allow better awareness and referrals to

diabetes and prevention programs will create rapid access to

care

• Optimal foot care and prevention of ulcers and amputations

rely on: education and services for at risk and newly

diagnosed clients, greater support for prevention and

intervention devices, resources, training tools, and creating a

platform that supports all professionals involved with

diabetes and foot care

Chi Miigwetch, Nya:weh & Thank you!

For more information please visit our website:

www.soadi.ca

www.soadifootcare.ca

1-888-514-1370