Compare Communities - Australia’s First Choice, when comparing Retirement Villages. Compare, select and save up to $15k in your next move in life. 1300 190 547
Compare Communities - Australia’s First Choice, when comparing Retirement Villages. Compare, select and save up to $15k in your next move in life. 1300 190 547
on the Wednesday, September 6, 2017
The popular Walking with Confidence program produced by Catholic Healthcare’s Health and Wellness Unit has commenced its first pilot group session, increasing the strength, balance and mobility of Croydon’s Retirement Living Village residents.
The eight-week falls prevention program was originally designed for individuals in their home environment, the program tailored to people who experienced anxiety around falling, or those seeking rehabilitation from a recent accident. The Health and Wellness Unit saw an opportunity at The Brighton Retirement Village in Croydon to adapt the program to cater to a larger group - an initiative allowing group encouragement and overall positive energy.
Gary Kassab, Health and Wellness Coordinator and program instructor, makes a weekly visit to The Brighton, working with 13 residents over 55 years old to improve their health, as well as assisting in identifying hazards and implementing tailored strategies to avoid a fall.
“Working with an individual is great,” says Gary, “But as a group, they just respond really well to the program. You can see them laughing and encouraging one another – it’s a brilliant team effort.”
The group program is clearly showing an increased level of confidence despite early beginnings. The Health and Wellness research in the restorative programs has shown that 90% of those involved have shown improvement in level of functioning and mobility, with the majority of all clients achieving at least one of their set occupational therapy goals.
Gary says with the positive influence of a group setting and clients being around like-minded people, the projected outcome of the program is highly optimistic.
“The clients are already showing a significant response to the exercises, from their weekly involvement in the group sessions to their confidence in assessing their own strengths and weaknesses.”
The Walking with Confidence program will continue weekly sessions at The Brighton and is available for individual sessions for those utilising a home care package.
Contact Catholic Healthcare’s Community Services Program on 1800 225 474 or email healthandwellnessreferrals@chcs.com.au to learn more or sign up for a consultation.
