Custom group programs make all the difference

The mental and physical benefits of keeping fit as we get older are well documented, but it can often be a challenge finding a program that is right for the individual.
 
The Villa Maria Rehabilitation Centre in Wantirna, Victoria, run by not-for-profit aged and disability service provider, Villa Maria, provides individual and group programs for older people living in Melbourne’s eastern region with a full range of allied health services.
 
For the past four years, the centre has run a Living Life program for carers or clients aged 60 plus who have reduced or stopped the amount of physical activity in their lives due to complex health issues, changes in physical function, or simply lack of confidence or motivation.
 
Group co-ordinator, Janis Brown, said the 12-week program, beginning again in March 2011, showed how small life changes could improve participant’s physical, emotional and mental health. 
 
In small groups of eight people, each week, participants complete a one-hour exercise (adapted to individual physical abilities), a 30 minute educational talk (covering falls prevention, posture, diet, stress management) and 45 minutes peer discussion time (covering positive attitude triggers, fatigue management and quality of life issues).
 
“The aim of the program is to empower participants to make healthy lifestyle choices and to increase and maintain their level of physical activity,” Ms Brown said.
 
“Importantly, the program introduces participants to a range of physical activity options to pursue once the course is completed and makes links back into your own community. The weekly participation also creates an opportunity for peer interaction and support.”
 
Wheelers Hill resident, Vicky Kaskakis, 65, participated in the program late last year as part of her recovery from a torn tendon in her shoulder.
 
“My family doctor sent me to the Rehab Centre so I could do some exercise. It was very good. The people (staff) were fantastic. I learned so many things like how to do the housework, the gardening, and other tasks by just taking my time.”
 
Without the program, Mrs Kaskakis said she would have been forced to visit the doctor more often and take more pain medication.
 
“Going to the centre doesn’t cost a lot of money and the people there really try to help you and make you more relieved of the pain.”