Community hubs keep older people fit, mobile

Uniting Agewell has opened two new community hubs in Berwick and Burwood East in Melbourne this month, and to celebrate, the Victoria and Tasmania based not-for-profit held two community open days at the centres.

Another centre is due to open in Rosny Park, Tasmania in a few weeks.

The hubs feature a fully accessible wellness centre with a state-of-the-art gym designed specifically for seniors – bringing together community, home care and allied health professionals to provide fully integrated services.

Uniting AgeWell deputy chief executive officer Fonda Voukelatos said the hub concept was designed to make it easier for people to access and transition between services, so they could maintain their independence and quality of life.

“Uniting AgeWell is offering a unique service within the aged care sector with an emphasis on preventative pathways, so people focus on their health earlier. Our multidisciplinary team is ensuring people can regain and maintain their strength and resilience, their independence and community connection,” he said.

“It’s a holistic approach and a one-stop shop for our customers. We’re encouraging people to take an active role in their own health and providing them with the support they need to be their best at any age.”

Services include fast stream rehabilitation and health maintenance programs, special focus groups and health promotion activities. Physiotherapy, exercise physiology, podiatry and occupational therapy are all part of the mix. The hub provides opportunities to connect socially, including formal classes and education sessions and informal spaces to relax and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Alex Miller, a 76-year-old retired truck mechanic, credits living pain-free and mobile to the allied health teams at the Berwick community hub who helped him deal with decreasing mobility and increasing levels of pain from a bulging disk and arthritis.

“The doctor suggested I have cortisone injections, and the topic of surgery had even come up,” Alex said. “I thought no way – there has got to be another option.”

While working with a Uniting AgeWell home care advisor, Alex agreed to give the AgeWell gym a try to help with his back.

“They worked out an individual exercise program especially for me and every session I could feel myself getting stronger,” he said. “Honestly, coming here every week is the best thing I’ve done. The one-on-one sessions mean they really listen to what you need and what your goals are and then just work on making it all happen.”

Similarly, 92-year-old Elaine Houston also enjoys her fitness routine, particularly the exercise bike.

“I’ve been with Uniting AgeWell gyms for a long time. The HUR [Helsinki University Research] machines exercise every part of my body and the staff help me concentrate on what’s most important – my balance and my stamina. They really push me to make my muscles work!” she said.

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