Changing exercise in aged care
Aged care provider, Feros Care, is sponsoring a research trial on how the right exercises can reduce falls among residents living in residential aged care.
Feros Care resident, Joan Smith (seated), with volunteer, Paulette.
The trial – Exercise For Falls Prevention In Residential Aged Care Research Trial – is being run by physiotherapist Jennie Hewitt and is now in its fourth year.
In conjunction with the research trial, National 'April Falls Day' was celebrated yesterday with the focus on exercise and reducing the number of falls among older people in the community.
April Falls Day is a play on words with a serious message of promoting greater balance and stability among seniors to reduce hospital visits and to promote better overall health.
Ms Hewitt is part of a team from the University of Sydney, and is working with the University of Queensland and the University of Technology to conduct the scientific study in 16 North Coast residential villages including Feros Villages at Wommin Bay (Kingscliff) and Byron Bay.
Residents from Feros Village Wommin Bay have signed up for the falls prevention program which started in March and concludes in September.
This scientific study is looking to change the way exercise programs and physiotherapy in the nation’s aged care facilities are funded.
Ms Hewitt says it is not practical to ask someone who has been sedentary for years to become active without addressing weakness and balance. She claims it will not solve the problem and, in fact, might even increase their risk.
“Fewer fall related hospital admissions will reduce costs to society and the health care system,” Ms Hewitt says.
“Research shows muscles retain the ability to get stronger well into our 90s. However, studies into falls prevention, show little conclusive evidence of effective ways of reducing falls in adults in residential care.
“Until now, most research in these areas has concentrated on seniors living at home however those in residential villages fall more often and tend to have more complex health issues,” she says.
The Wommin Bay participants complete two hours of balance work a week using specially designed weight bearing machines. The exercises are designed to suit the varying abilities of participants.
The Wommin Bay results will be compared with seniors taking part in normal daily activities at Feros Village Byron Bay.
To date, all Wommin Bay participants claim the program is beneficial. Les Clarke, 91 year old resident, says the program makes him feel stronger.
Also throwing her support behind the trial is 88 year old resident, Joan Smith, who has suffered several falls in the past – and after only a few sessions, she believes the program is helping her to walk.
Ms Hewitt says the anecdotal feedback from residents is very encouraging, and after yesterday’s workout, 91 year old Zita Platt says she felt exhilarated for the rest of the day.
She says there is potential for the study to have immediate and long term impacts in terms of benefits to older individuals, and decreased direct health care.
“We hope the results of the trial will challenge the policy makers to change the way exercise and physiotherapy is funded in residential aged care,” she says.
