Hydrotherapy is a Hit at RSL Care

Residents and staff alike are seeing the benefits of staying healthy in the water with new hydrotherapy programs introduced at RSL Care Carrington and Darlington residential aged care communities in south-east Queensland.

Implemented by Residential Managers, clinical teams, allied health professionals and Diversional Therapists, the programs aim to improve resident fitness and mobility, reduce joint pain, improve mental health issues including PTSD, anxiety and depression, increase resident motivation to participate in activities, foster friendships and increase staff involvement in activities.

RSL Care Carrington physiotherapist Francis Maker worked closely with the clinical team and residents to select those who would benefit most for the initial hydrotherapy program.

“The residents selected were affected by a range of different conditions including one in a wheelchair, one with osteoarthritis, one with behavioural problems attributed to disability and another Veteran suffering PTSD and chronic pain,” he said.

“As the exercise programs were tailored to each resident’s individual needs no two sessions were the same. We used a range of techniques, devices and exercises to benefit each resident and help them reach their individual health and fitness goals.”

The program at Carrington had positive results over the summer period from October 2016 till March 2017, reaching all the goals the team set out to achieve and other benefits they did not expect.

“A resident who needed a wheelchair at all times and at the start of the program could not float unassisted is now able to walk laps of the pool. She was so proud of her progress she insisted we hold her birthday party at the pool so she could invite her grandchildren and play with them in the pool,” Francis said.

At Darlington, in Banora Point, Physiotherapist Kirsten Farrow also reported impressive results.

“We do comparative testing before and after the program, and we do basic fitness tests to assess people’s fitness and range of movement. While in the pool, the residents do a range of exercises from walking to basic aerobic activity, and step-ups,” she said.

“At this stage with our residents we are really trying to maintain their level of fitness and flexibility. We have seen reduction in falls, improved balance and increased mobility, plus improved behaviour and better sleep.”

Both sites are keen for summer to start again so they can jump back in the pool. And staff are also reaping the benefits – one team member noted that since working in the pool with residents she has lost seven kilograms and taken significant pressure off her knees.

Find out more about RSL Care.