Over the years we have talked about the Sunbeam protocol, a progressive strength and balance program for residential aged care, designed by Dr Jennie Hewitt and Dr Tim Henwood. The results of the study clearly state the efficiency of progressive strength and balance exercises:
- 55% reduction in falls rate ( Hewitt J et al. (2018) J Am Med Dir Assoc. Apr;19(4):361-369)
- a potential cost saving of up to $670 per fall with an estimated $120 million cost saving for Australian healthcare economy for the first year due to the short- and long-term benefits, if the program is rolled out nationally (Hewitt J et al. (2019).Clin Rehabil. Mar;33(3):524-534)
- 50% reduction in falls rate for individuals with cognitive decline (Mak A et al. (2022).J Am Med Dir Assoc. May;23(5):743-749)
The Sunbeam protocol, providing evidence based best exercise practice for falls prevention, has now been rolled out in hundreds of residential care facilities around Australia.
Based on the research protocol, and clinical experience, Dr Jennie Hewitt has designed a clinical training program, Exercise4Life – Sunbeam and Beyond. This four-hour interactive practical and clinical workshop focuses on assessment and prescription of exercise for:
* Falls Prevention * Pain Management * Frailty *Bone health * Multi-morbidities *
Clinical skills training will cover running group and individual exercises using HUR Equipment or portable resistance bands and free weights, with the principles transferrable across different aged care settings. The course will also cover specific advice on the transition of allied health funding from ACFI to AN-ACC in residential care.
The first training was held in Melbourne in December, at Europa on Alma, Bolton Clarke. The sold-out course gathered 20 enthusiastic allied health practitioners, some of whom had already used Sunbeam principles in clinical practice. From assessment to exercise prescription, the contents of the course included flexible and functional options suitable to all sites, also including case studies discussing variations that allow the individualisation of the exercises, yet fulfilling the goals required.
The time went fast with such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenter whose passion and determination has led to evidence based clinical and practical guidelines that can be applied to all.
The feedback from the participants has been very positive, also including positive comments from the participants’ clients after the implementation of the new approach. After the slow covid years, especially in Melbourne, the positive and innovative approach with practical clinical skills has also been a motivator:
“That was a fantastic workshop – after so long feeling flat and disillusioned I’m actually looking forward to going to work and implementing a whole new approach, thank you.”
We are happy to announce that the course is now being rolled out throughout Australia. The courses that are currently open for bookings are:
Sydney, 4/2 at Bankstown City Aged Care
Book at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/484055923297
Brisbane , 25/2, Alzheimer's Queensland
Book at: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/511136050687
Courses for Perth and Adelaide will be announced soon!
We are happy to support Jennie in this roll out to deliver the best evidence-based exercise prescription practices to allied health clinicians throughout Australia.
Best wishes, on behalf of HUR Australia,
Dr Tuire Karaharju-Huisman
Physiotherapist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSAM), PhD (Biomechanics)
Research Lead, Area Account Manager (Vic, Tas, SA)
For further information on Sunbeam and the course, please visit the following sites:
Australian Ageing Agenda, https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/clinical/health-medical/providers-encouraged-to-back-goal-based-exercise-programs/
Melbourne training at Europe on Alma, Bolton Clarke https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7005335459463647232
