It is always exciting to meet new clients – to hear their stories and learn about their vision for their health and wellness space. What are they hoping to achieve, who are their users? How can we best help them to achieve their goals?
Many might see this as a simple question, but this is the beginning of a journey where we work together with the client, from the initial conversations to the ongoing support to the site. By having a detailed conversation about the space, users, their abilities and goals for the site, we can help the client create a space that matches their vision, but more importantly, allow us to support the client throughout the journey.
Every site is different. Our clients cover hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, 50+ wellness centres, sports clubs, university health clinics, retirement villages and residential care homes. Some clients have allied health staff, others have external service providers, some sites want to remain independent, without allied health support – we will make our services match the clients’ vision.
It is always wonderful to visit our clients face to face. When the gym has been installed the journey really begins. We train the staff and offer support in educating the residents. We give presentations to the residents and can also support the site via collaborating with other companies, such as service platform providers. In an earlier article we talked about collaboration with Pluss Communities where the residents can easily access information about the equipment and health benefits of exercise via the Buddy App.
In the recent months it has been such a joy to visit and train staff members at some new sites around Australia.
In January this year Infinite Care opened their new facility in Knoxfield, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, supporting older people and families across Knoxfield and surrounding areas. The site is the first Victorian aged care home for Infinite Care, setting the foundation for the future presence in the state. HUR equipment sets have been fitted at other sites and we are so excited to be included at this new site as well.
A few days ago, Infinite Care published a report on the outcome after residents in their 70s, 80s and 90s took part in reablement and rehabilitation programs at 17 sites. The results tell the story.
- 97% reduced or well‑managed pain
- 89% maintained or improved mobility
- 100% reported improved wellbeing
Since meeting the staff for the first time, I have always been welcomed to the site with the biggest smiles. The initial training is done and journey for better health to all has begun!
In January I also travelled to Adelaide to visit the new Wellness Centre for Police Home Care services that wants to support older adults to build strength, confidence and independence through safe, evidence-based exercise.
The site expanded their existing services to better support healthy ageing. Their Gyrotonic offering was expanded to include a gym for the 60+ cohort. The training programs are based on the Muscling Up Against Disability (MUAD) protocol, combining progressive resistance training with tailored movement approaches to help you stay active, mobile and connected to the life you want to live.
Such a fantastic site in the heart of Adelaide, ready to support everyone on their path to the best health and wellness.
While visiting Perth I visited Rossmoyne Waters by Adventist Care. The gym has seen the progress of their residents’ health, supported by a local allied health provider, Valetudo. Over the years, Village manager Daniel and Exercise Physiologist Mitch have seen the many benefits strength training brings to the residents. During the many visits I have done to the site, I have only seen smiling faces!
Last week Dorothy and I travelled together to Sydney to the ANHF Bernard Chan Nursing Home where CEO Ada Cheng has set up a wellness gym. Working together with Aspire 55’s Janice Chia, Ada has set up a perfect location for residents and day therapy participants.
Meeting a room full of people enthusiastic about learning how to best support every participant brings a smile to everyone’s face. We had a great day training and getting ready to welcome all the users very soon!
Our web site has a lot of information to be shared. We have information sites about seniors exercise, and rehabilitation, we have a training page with explanatory videos. You can find all our webinar recordings and information, you can find information about research and current topics via our blog. We publish our Newsletters and share stories from our clients, but also have other publications, eg column series in the Ageing Australia Newsletter. With all the new research being published and new sites being developed, there are many stories to be told!
If you would like to stay up to date with HUR Australia subscribe to our eNews -newsletter here.
Best wishes,
Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman
Physiotherapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSAM), PhD (Biomechanics)
Research Lead, Area Account Manager (Vic, Tas, SA, NT, WA, ACT)
