Are the years slowing you down? Well, they don’t have to write your story.
It’s what you do with them that matters most. Aging gracefully is possible if you make the right moves: taking personal responsibility for your health and seeking the right care when the going gets tough.
A substantial proportion of the elderly continues to struggle with a wide range of chronic conditions associated with ageing, i.e., Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure and Arthritis. Recent figures show that 80% of Australians at +65 yrs struggle with at least one chronic condition, while 28% have at least 3.
The elderly population has its own unique needs and challenges, which necessitate specialised care. Geriatric physiotherapy specialises in providing physiotherapy services to the elderly, as part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on addressing their unique needs. As Healthy Movements Physiotherapy, we are here to be part of the noble cause. We believe that our seniors have a special place in our hearts and society and deserve the best care possible.
Treatment and Rehabilitation of common conditions
Ageing comes with a high risk of chronic conditions. Aged care physio offers direct interventions and rehabilitation protocols to enhance recovery and restore optimal physical function. For instance, research has shown beyond all reasonable doubt that exercise therapy should be a key part of Diabetes management due to its high potency in improving blood sugar levels. In addition to non-communicable diseases, Physiotherapy interventions are indispensable in managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as Arthritis. To illustrate this, let’s take a look at a quick case study:
A few months ago, we were honoured to be part of Randy’s (pseudonym) incredible recovery journey. He was an 85-year-old, recently diagnosed with Dementia. He was a Stroke survivor (6 months post-stroke), and a Diabetic for over 20 years. He was rolled into our clinic in a wheelchair, visibly frail. Upon assessment, he had several key issues affecting several facets of his well-being:
- Profound muscle weakness in the right side of the body.
- Poor physical endurance.
- Cognitive issues; Memory problems, difficulty carrying out familiar tasks.
We teamed up with other professionals (a psychiatrist and an occupational therapist) to design a comprehensive program aimed at addressing all his issues. This involved Exercise therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, occupational therapy, and medication.
In 4 weeks, he was able to sit up, stand, and walk with a cane without any support. As of now, he is able to go for his early morning walks in the park and garden. His blood sugar is consistently within safe limits, and he’s better able to navigate through life despite minor memory issues. He is a happier person and a vibrant member of the family and beyond, attesting to the immense value of holistic care in managing seniors with multiple health conditions.
Prevention
Beyond treatment and rehabilitation, our aged care physiotherapy plays a crucial role in preventing a wide range of chronic conditions and injuries. Its positive impact on falls in the elderly is evident.
Falls are a leading driver of healthcare spending, responsible for a huge portion of total healthcare costs. For instance, a 2022 study conducted by the University of Queensland found that falls accounted for at least 20% of costs associated with aged care.
Falls prevention programs are a crucial part of efforts aimed at reducing these numbers. Thanks to recent research, there is data to prove their usefulness: Large-scale studies conducted over the 3 decades show that fall prevention programs are effective in reducing fall rates by 9-10%.
Apart from falls, Physiotherapists play a key role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly. Exercise programs aimed at promoting sound cardiovascular health can be a game-changer when it comes to reducing the risk of well-known culprits like Heart Disease and high blood pressure. In fact, regular physical activity is associated with a 27% lower rate of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases.
Optimising function
Aging comes with varying degrees of frailty, a state where various body systems decline in terms of structure and function. This affects overall physical function, making various physical tasks increasingly difficult. Physical exercise is one of the most effective tools physiotherapists use to maximise mobility and independence in the elderly.
In fact, there is a lot of research in support of its usage to minimise frailty and optimise function. A 2017 research review analysed a number of studies on the effect of physical exercise on frail older persons. According to the results, exercise significantly improves various parameters of frailty, including physical function, psychological well-being, and cognition.
Mental Health challenges
Dementia and Depression are the most common mental health conditions in the elderly. The World Health Organisation says it affects around 5-7% of people over 65. Research shows that resistance and aerobic exercises have a significant positive impact on cognitive dysfunction in the elderly with Dementia. Physiotherapists help with assessing and designing appropriate exercise programs for optimal efficacy.
We provide aged care physiotherapy services within the clinic and at aged care facilities. The choice depends on various factors such as the severity of the condition and logistical feasibility.
If services are most feasible for you in your aged care home, give us a call, and we’re ready to pay a visit in the Western Sydney areas.
Expect holistic, patient-centred care with years of experience and training to back it up. At Healthy Movements Physiotherapy, we are committed to helping you make meaningful gains that help you get back to the things that matter to you.
Sounds like something that would work for you or someone you know?
Check out the top right corner and hit the “make an appointment” button, or give us a call today on 0416 369 294.
Aged-care physiotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of conditions affecting the elderly. These span from musculoskeletal to mental health conditions:
Musculoskeletal Conditions: Physiotherapists help with optimizing the quality through various treatment methods in aptients with acute and chronic conditions like Arthritis, Chronic pain syndromes, fractures, strains amd sprains.
Mental Health Conditions: Dementia, Azheimers Disease, Depression.
Metabolic and cardiovascular Diseases: Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease.
Definitely! We are open for home-based care to our seniors who find it difficult to come for physiotherapy at the clinic. Just give us a call if you’re based in Western Sydney.
Yes of course. Physiotherapists are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments and formulate the most appropriate treatment plans based on the patient’s presentation and coexisting conditions. All the precautions are considered before any treatment methods are deployed and implemented. In fact, there is a wide range of research showing physiotherapy as a potent intervention for seniors with multiple chronic conditions like Diabetes, Stroke, and Hypertension.