Keep on moving! Exercise program helps people in aged care stay active during COVID lockdowns
Older people living in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) were hugely impacted by COVID-19 and lockdowns. One silver lining was an exercise program that helped residents keep active in 33 RACFs across south east Melbourne.
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The allied health group therapy program was based on the SUNBEAM exercise program, which has proven effective in preventing falls in older people. As well as lessening deconditioning (due to lockdowns) and helping to prevent falls, the program greatly improved the physical functioning of older people – and lifted their spirits too.
Over a six month period, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and occupational therapists ran twice weekly group therapy sessions, with resistance training and balance work activities gradually increasing in difficulty. Residents’ baseline abilities in mobility, strength and balance were measured, their progress reviewed weekly, and scores collected at the middle and end of the program as well.
Physiotherapy Team Leader at Estia Keysborough, Maithilee, said residents were keen to participate and really enjoyed it once they got started. Some who were initially reluctant joined after seeing the benefits and fun other residents were having.
Maithilee said Isobel, 95 years, was a perfect example of how the Sunbeam program benefited residents both physically and socially.
"Isobel had a history of chronic pain from arthritis and shortness of breath which affected her walking ability and balance," she explained.
"As a result of being a consistent participant over six months, she demonstrated excellent improvements, especially in the areas of walking and balance, along with improved quality of movement and confidence."
Isobel also loved the social aspect of the group sessions.
“There has been a noticeable increase in Isobel’s confidence and she is very encouraging of others to attend. Isobel has really enjoyed chatting, music, dancing and having a laugh with the other participants.”
Importantly, Isobel notices and feels the physical changes in herself.
“She doesn’t want to lose her strength and will be continuing with some gentle exercises, the morning lounge room exercises with other residents and an after-dinner walk, which is a wonderful outcome and very inspiring to hear,” Maithilee said.
“It’s been a pleasure guiding Isobel through the Sunbeam program, and so rewarding to watch her improvements both physically and socially over the past 6 months.”
Collaboration with the five other Victorian PHNs and Tasmania PHN was an excellent additional outcome of this program. Strong and supportive relationships were formed and resulted in a consistent approach across Victoria and Tasmania.
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