“Hold onto the chair in front of you, lift your heels, hold, hold and relax. Now grab your weights and check your posture, let’s work on your core.” The friendly instructions from fitness professional Janice fill the space at Casula’s newest Wellness Centre.
Local seniors are attending Catholic Healthcare’s Walking with Confidence program, designed to help improve balance and strength in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The Wellness Centre, based at the newly opened Holy Spirit Residential Aged Care in Casula, is running Walking with Confidence, as well as the Feel Fit exercise program. It’s also a great place to meet other seniors in the local community, build friendships and share information.
Most of the seniors who attend the Wellness Centre are accessing Commonwealth Home Support Programme services or Home Care Packages designed to support them on their wellness journey and help them to continue living independently at home.
Like 93 year old Molly (pictured below with instructor Janice) who is enjoying the Walking with Confidence program and has already noticed improvements in her core strength and balance.
“I was beginning to get into some bad habits because of a fear of falling,” says Molly. “I was leaving the lights on at home all night and wasn’t using my walker the way I should. These exercises have increased strength in my legs and I feel more confident walking outside and at home. It has been really good to follow the exercises and meet other people from the area. I feel stronger and I can walk further than I have for a long time.”
Qualified physiotherapists and fitness professionals are running the exercise programs.
“Falls can have a dramatic impact on our wellbeing and independence,” says Sarah Fragiacomo, Catholic Healthcare Health and Wellness Coordinator and Physiotherapist. “One in three people over the age of 65 have a fall each year and if you fall once, you are 2-3 times more likely to fall again that year.
“The Walking with Confidence program is a 10-week, two hour course where clients can learn how to identify their own falls risk and learn lifestyle tips to stay active and independent.
"The specific exercises improve balance and strength and get clients 'walking confidently'. The first half of the program focuses on a different educational topic each week such as recommended footwear, home hazards and managing medication. The second half of the course focuses on the physical component practising strength and balance exercises that research tells us can reduce your falls risk by up to 30%.
“Regardless of your age, it is important to maintain your functional independence. The key motivator to maintain independence in older people is so they can live in their own homes and community for longer.”
Feel Fit is another Wellness program run by Catholic Healthcare. It is a fun 10-week program focusing on body resistance, flexibility, maintaining muscle strength, balance and endurance. Learn lifestyle tips to help improve common conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and diabetes. Getting fit is a great way to get that 'zing' back in life.
Once clients have completed both courses, they can maintain their new fitness with a Continuers exercise class funded through their Government support package.
The next Walking with Confidence program starts in Casula on:
Tuesday, 15 July – 16 September 2021
10:00am – 12:00pm
Wellness Centre Casula, 76 Marsh Parade, Casula
For further information visit catholichealthcare.com.au/homecare/health-wellness or call 1800 225 474.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND
With a focus on balance, strength and general fitness, Catholic Healthcare’s Health and Wellness Programs cater for all levels from gentle, low impact activity classes to active and agile fitness classes.
You can take your pick from the popular Walking with Confidence and Feel Fit programs to Stand Tall, Active and Agile, and Seated Exercise courses either at-home or in group settings.
Sarah Fragiacomo has been working with the Catholic Healthcare team to develop and implement programs which help keep senior Australians healthy, active and living at home longer.
“These programs give clients the tools to keep them doing what they love,” says Sarah. “I love seeing someone get fitter and stronger, being able to achieve their goals and enjoy their life.”
Catholic Healthcare has expanded its Health and Wellness team with new Business Managers for the Northern Sydney, Central Coast and Far West regions. Contact us today to see how we can support your health and fitness goals.
Please speak to your Care Advisor or call 1800 225 474.