Last week, we ran this story about a new Government-funded $29.2 million ‘reablement’ trial that aims to improve mobility and independence for older Australians in their own homes.
We received quite a few responses and we feel that one in particular from a reader whose parents are both in aged care is worth sharing.
Here’s what she had to say:
“Reablement also needs to be in residential facilities. If this is where people are spending their last years, shouldn’t it be in the best way possible?”
“Exercise is encouraged but most of it is in a chair – of very little value, especially for balance and falls prevention.”
“If you enable a client to be stronger, move more, engage more it gives a better quality of life to the resident, means that staff are freed up as they no longer have to dress, toilet or administer medication, and gives some meaning to the residents longevity. If you then throw in some children from the schools, pets to visit, and regular outings away from the home, some sort of peace is reached.”
“As a daughter who was forced to put parents into a facility due to dementia and a broken hip, and even though I know that they are much safer there than at home, to see them gainfully “employed” and not just sitting in their room, would validate the decision.”
“Managers and CEO’s need to get away from the model of sickness and risk aversion and adopt a wellness approach. When those at the top have this outlook, it is passed down to all staff.”
“Finally, we are letting our kids do nature play, sometimes fall over, but having a ball – what a shame we can’t let our older people do the same.”
Some great points – the Government’s trial is for people still living at home to try to delay their move into an aged care home.
But what about people who are already in aged care?
The fact is many residents have physical and medical issues that mean they can no longer live independently.
But having worked as an aged care physiotherapist for many years, I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of getting someone up and moving and engaging them in activities – physical and social – within their home.
These can include exercise programs, exercise physiologists, onsite gymnasiums, music and art therapies, gardening and cooking programs, and pet therapies.
Many aged care homes already run programs that offer these services. But we agree with our reader that a larger-scale program is needed to ensure all residents can have access to these kinds of programs.
Of course, the risk of encouraging people to be more active needs to be balanced with duty of care.
Things like extra time required by staff to assist in resident’s reablement will also need to be considered.
However, anything that ensures our mums and dads have a sense of purpose – and dignity – as they age has got to be worth pursuing.
