Catholic Healthcare Allied Health Specialist, Erin Stubbs, is supporting Home Care clients in their homes with virtual programs to maintain their physical and mental health needs.
“I’m a great believer in the old adage ‘use it or lose it’,” says Erin, pictured above. “Changes to our way of living have caused many of us to become quite sedentary, even more so for those who have been self-isolating. This can all have a detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing.
“Physical activity and exercise as people age is just as important as when you are younger. I work with clients to ensure they maintain or improve their fitness, helping them stay healthy, feel more energetic and keep them living independently at home for longer.
“There are many exercises you can do at home which get the heart rate up, and also help your strength and balance. Aim to build 30 minutes of activity into your day. It is never too late, and you are never too old.”
Erin’s tips for remaining active at home:
- Go for a daily walk around the block. If you are not feeling confident to go by yourself, speak to your Care Advisor to see if your Community Worker can accompany you as part of your regular service.
- Set yourself some daily cleaning/household tasks to do each day to get you up and moving. Ask your Community Worker to help with tasks that you find too difficult.
- Ask your Care Advisor about access to Allied Health support to develop plans to participate in exercise programs such as the Walking with Confidence Program, Seated Exercise Program, and physiotherapy assessments to help improve strength and balance.
- Keep the mind active by reading a book, do a word search, or Sudoku (find a puzzle book or search online). Watch quiz-based TV shows or go online to take virtual tours of museums and art galleries.
- Check out the NSW Health Active and Healthy website at www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au to find out about exercise options available. This website can help you find an exercise program in your area and provides tools to assist you increase your physical activity.
New Home Care programs designed with you in mind:
Seated Exercise Program
A new program which teaches low intensity exercises designed to help improve core strength, mobility, body control and sleep quality. It is done while seated and can help improve the ability to perform daily activities such as getting out of chairs, reaching for things and body stability. A great introductory exercise program to build ability and confidence to pursue further exercise programs in the future.
New Companionship Service
Are you feeling alone or could do with some company? Not being able to see family and friends can result in feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Our new Companionship Service allows clients to spend additional quality time with their Care Worker engaging in an activity like going for a walk, having a cup of tea and a chat, or going for a drive to your favourite place.
If you are interested in our new programs, speak to your Care Advisor or call 1800 225 474.