“Doing exercises hasn’t slowed down the progression of the disease, but it certainly increases my strength in coping with it.”
That’s the viewpoint of Ian Kennedy, 81, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago and has been coming to the Forest Hill AgeWell Centre for the last few years.
Ian used to go to the gym at the centre and work on building up his strength – then COVID hit.
Now that lockdowns are over, he’s back at the centre and is part of the Parkinson’s Group that meets weekly for eight weeks for exercises that focus on balance, strength and mobility. After this he plans on going back to the gym to work on the strategies that he has learned.
The Camberwell resident still vividly remembers getting the diagnosis. “It was awful,” he says bluntly. “But I am determined to make the best of things.”
Ian, who retired after a lifetime of working in the wool industry, used to play a lot of sport, including golf. He still loves watching sport on TV. “I’m determined to be the best version of myself,” says Ian. “I know where the progression of the disease ultimately leads, and I want to make the most of my mobility while I still have it.”
And his wife Sue is convinced that he will. They’ve been married for 57 years and she knows how determined he is.
Physiotherapist Lilita Laurens has facilitated the group for the last eight years - with a hiatus during COVID when she donned full PPE and visited clients in their homes to do rehab with them.
And she is passionate about seeing results in action. She says the group environment builds a sense of community. “There is support in knowing you are not the only person dealing with this disease and the problems that it brings. A problem shared is a problem halved.”
Lilita says the rehab focuses on strategies with gait, balance, mobility, turning and teaching them how to cope with ‘freezing’ episodes where they feel their feet are ‘glued’ to the ground, in addition to lower-limb strengthening and endurance activities. “It’s not a one-size fits all program, as individual clients are all affected differently. “We tailor-make rehab to suit their individual needs.”
Her ultimate aim: “If we can help the client become more mobile and independent at home and in the community and manage a referral to the Seniors Gym for strengthening or any other suitable group to help reinforce strategies learned and gains maintained during the Parkinson’s group.”
The Seniors Gym has health and fitness equipment designed for older people using some equipment with air resistance and also a combination of functional exercises in a hybrid approach tailored to a person’s abilities.
There are also a number of groups to help clients with a vast array of conditions: a neurological group for those with MS, strokes and other conditions; a Bone Builders group for those with osteoarthritis; Steady Standers group to help with balance and with reducing falls; a Pilates group; and a number of exercise groups for those of varying physical capabilities; groups for general strengthening and balance, healthy circuits …
Uniting AgeWell Operations Manager Allied Health Clare Irvine says if there is a need for a group that does not yet exist, staff are keen to create it.
“What makes these groups work so well is our staff. They are passionate, dedicated and determined to bring out the best in our clients,” Clare explains. “Their commitment to enabling older people to live the best lives that they can is front and centre in everything that they do.”
Our AgeWell Centres across Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat offer a suite of restorative, wellbeing and social connection services. Services on offer range at the various sites.
Learn more about Allied Health and Therapy Programs at Uniting AgeWell