Home exercise program supports residents through COVID-19 restrictions

Published on 19 May 2020

Council’s Aged and Disability Services team has introduced a new one-on-one home exercise program to support existing clients unable to participate in the Planned Activity Group Program due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The one-on-one exercise program is part of an ongoing effort to help clients maintain their independence and reduce social isolation, and takes the place of the regular Planned Activity Group Program, which is suspended due to the pandemic.

Qualified Community Support Workers deliver the one-on-one service at times that suit clients throughout the week, tailoring the program to meet clients’ specific needs and ability.

This includes providing equipment such as hand weights that suit each client.

As part of the program, Community Support Workers conduct risk assessments in clients’ homes to ensure their safety, as well as practicing appropriate social distancing, hand hygiene and cleaning of exercise equipment with sanitisers, in line with COVID-19 safety measures.

The new-look program started this week and will remain in place until the Planned Activity Group Program resumes.

Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Gavin Sedgmen said the one-on-one exercise program was aimed at ensuring people 65 and over are able to maintain their independence and reduce feelings of social isolation.

Cr Sedgmen said it was also designed to provide personalised care and support for clients in an effort to reduce the impacts of social distancing measures on their health and well-being.

For more information about the program residents can contact Council’s Aged and Disability Services on (03) 5018 8234.

Media enquiries  Ben Piscioneri p) (03) 5018 8689  e) [email protected]