• Strength, balance and better health at Resthaven Port Elliot

    Strength, balance and better health at Resthaven Port Elliot

    Resthaven Port Elliot residents are embracing new opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing with a dedicated gym onsite and a 12-week Strength and Balance program – and the results are impressive.

    Resident, Mr Hans Lotze, 91, is a regular user of the facilities and says he enjoys all the equipment.

    ‘I like to keep fit,’ Hans says. ‘I still do 60 push-ups each day and enjoy going for a walk, but this equipment gives me more options. It helps me keep my health, including my diabetes, in check.’

    The gym is run by Resthaven physiotherapist Michele Kelsey and was made possible by funding from Country SA PHN (Primary Health Network). The funding enabled the purchase of equipment, including parallel bars for balance training, a MOTOmed rehabilitation machine that automatically adjusts resistance to match the user’s strength, a recumbent exercise bike, a stepper and an arm crank. Resistance bands, ankle weights and chi balls are also available.

    Resthaven Port Elliot resident, Hans Lotze with Michele Kelsey physiotherapist thumbnail image‘There is something to suit everyone,’ Michele says.

    Before starting the 12-week Strength and Balance program, residents are individually assessed to ensure suitability and to tailor activities to their specific needs. The program has already delivered strong outcomes. At the completion of the first 12-week program, participants showed a 70 per cent reduction in falls, along with significant improvements in strength and balance. A second 12-week program has recently concluded, with similarly positive engagement from residents.

    ‘It has been excellent to see the physical improvement in residents who have taken part,’ Michele says. ‘People are lining up to be involved in the next programs. It’s really wonderful!’

    There are some criteria involved in the selection of residents who take part in the program, but people of all abilities, including those living with cognitive decline, can take part, with activities adapted accordingly.

    In addition to running the program, Michele also supports residents through acute physiotherapy referrals when changes in mobility occur.

    ‘If there has been a change in mobility, a resident may be referred to me so we can work out what might be going on and provide the right support,’ Michele says. ‘We support people in rehabilitation, as well as improving movement.’

    With strong participation and measurable health benefits, the Strength and Balance program is proving to be a valuable addition to life at Resthaven Port Elliot – and even more so, it’s helping residents like Hans to stay active, confident and independent for longer.