ACTIVE AGEING PROGRAM

Transcription

1 Greater Southern Area Health Service WAGGA WAGGA Aged Care Services ACTIVE AGEING PROGRAM By Merrin Moran (Physiotherapist)

2 Greater Southern Area Health Service

3 Introduction Meet the primary objective of the Older Persons Framework to improve opportunities for all older people to remain as independent and healthy as possible and able to participate in community life Enable people to access a service that was limited to those with greatest need

4 Purpose of Program To support and empower the elderly to make informed decisions regarding: Better health Improving quality of life Reducing the risk of falls Increasing socialisation Future planning

5 Aims Continued Empower community healthy aged Improve physiotherapy service Improve OH&S and Quality Management Provide referral source Time management

6 Needs for such a program Approximately people (13%) over the age of 65 years in Wagga Wagga Limited programs available for the elderly run by skilled leaders More effective falls prevention Networking with other professionals in the area to assist in prevention

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8 Physical Component of the Program TAI CHI for ARTHRITIS LEVELS 1&2 Dr Paul Lam TAI CHI for BACK PAIN Dr Paul Lam TAI CHI for DIABETES Dr Paul Lam STRENGTHENING for over 60 s St George Hospital NO FALLS Exercise Program Aus Gov. Dept of Health and Ageing Whitehorse Division of General Practice

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10 Education Program Forward Planning including: Advanced Care Directives Managing at home and your future care and support needs Health Preventative Strategies including: Making the most of your GP visit Oral Health Diabetes Management Foot Care/ Foot Wear Anxiety and Depression Nutrition Wise use of Medications

11 Education Program A one hour session per week over a 10 week period A 50 minute presentation A 10 minute question time Attendees asked to complete a short questionnaire at the completion of each session to obtain feedback Average of 17 attendees per session Afternoon Tea provided to support socialisation

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13 Benefits of Group Programs Respond to the anticipated increase in the elderly population Provide opportunities for socialisation and support More efficient use of finite resources ie: sole therapist Meet the needs of the target group Focus on prevention and health improvement Increase awareness of the holistic needs of older people in maintaining health and well being

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15 Development 2003 Two exercise groups per week 2004 Daily exercise groups 2005 Choice of six exercise groups plus one education session per week Four Leader training workshops conducted for NoFalls Program 2006 Eight classes per week Plan to introduce programs to smaller towns in Greater Southern Area Plan to train fitness instructors to run strengthening classes in a community setting Pursue opportunities for funding Plan to incorporate classes in Transitional Care in Wagga

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17 Outcomes Average number of attendees for: Tai Chi for Arthritis attendees attendees (3 sessions run) attendees (3 sessions run) Tai Chi for Diabetes attendees Strengthening attendees attendees attendees No Falls average of 5 attendees (maximum of 6 attendees)

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19 Feedback from Exercise Programs I was taking antidepressant medication, but I don t need them now, I just practice my Tai Chi instead I travelled to Sydney by train and was able to walk up the numerous steps at Central station without struggling My blood sugar levels have stabilised at a good level, which has never happened before I am able to get down on the floor and play with my 2 year old grandson as I know I can get back up again

20 Feedback from Education Sessions I gained so much information which was so relevant to our situation (social welfare) Thank you for a good presentation, 10 weeks well worthwhile (dietitian) Didn t realise how stressed I still was I did well and am okay, however describes my husband to a tee! Will have to act on this (psychologist)

21 Where to from here? Continue NoFalls Leader Training workshops Conduct refresher NoFalls Leader training workshops Develop therapy program for transitional care clients based on the current program Establish condition/ gender specific groups Education will be made available to general aged community Research suitable evaluation database Identify opportunities to up-skill other health professionals/ workers