Health & Wellness Centres awarded for Innovation in Service

The Awards promote and recognise excellence in aged and community care services and acknowledge efforts to increase public confidence and community involvement.

Southern Cross Care actively supports healthy ageing for their customers and has been implementing Health & Wellness Centres in its residential care homes.

The gyms are coordinated by qualified fitness coordinators with the aim of improving and regaining people’s strength and fitness.

There is a focus on promoting quality of life for residents through healthy ageing interventions that support their physical health, social relationships, psychological and spiritual wellbeing, their environment and possibilities for empowerment.

According to Barbara Gutte, Lifestyle – Fitness Instructor at Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) The Pines, determination and inspiration are the driving force for those who participate.

“There are those who have set a pace and this is helping others to follow. Residents have changed. Yes, they have become stronger, but more importantly for me is they are happier.

“The holistic aspect is where I see the beauty of the centres. Self-esteem and self-worth is being built, friendships formed and previously challenging, difficult residents have soften. Yes, they still have their own uniqueness but the edges have been soften,” Ms Gutte says.

90 percent of the residents attending the Health & Wellness centres say their quality of life has improved since they started attending and 86 percent reportedly feels stronger.

Southern Cross Care chief executive officer Andrew Larpent says: “Initial results have been nothing short of outstanding and demand from residents has far surpassed our expectations.

“Once residents see the positive impact of the recovery and exercise programs on their physical and mental health, they really become engaged with the process.”

The response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive with most sites increasing their opening hours to cope with demand.

Southern Cross Care (SA & NT) is expected to open nine more Health & Wellness centres in the next twelve months.