Our assessment and training programs aim to improve balance and restore confidence in movement and function for elderly patients in particular.
Our Balance Assessment & Training programs are is designed to:
- Decrease incidence of falls and injury in community residents
- Increase awareness and education regarding fall prevention strategies
- Teach clients what to do if a fall is experienced
- Increase focus on functional balance training activities to reduce falls
- Provide individualised programs to improve balance, strength and fitness in a safe and encouraging environment
- Improve performance of activities in daily life
Why are assessments important?
One in three adults over 65 have a fall each year, which can lead to:
- disability
- activity restrictions
- loss of confidence
- increased dependence and
- reduced quality of life.
Initial Assessment
Patients undertake an initial consultation with an Accredited* Exercise Physiologist (AEP) who will develop a program based on their initial assessment 1-2 weeks prior to the commencement of the program.
AEPs are university trained allied health professionals who specialise in clinical exercise prescription in addition to the design and implementation of exercise and lifestyle modification programs for people at risk of, or living with chronic disease.
Accreditation is provided through Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Training sessions
Based on your initial assessment, your Physiologist will schedule the necessary sessions which generally run over a 5 week period. Session may include:
- Exercise classes
- Virtual reality balance training
- Whole body vibration training
Sessions are conducted in out Gait and Balance Gym and run for between 45 minutes and 1 hour depending on starting level of fitness and generally include:
- A 5-10 minute warm-up
- A 40 minute balance and strengthening exercise program (completed in a circuit)
- A 5-10 minute cool down
Your final assessment will occur during your last session.
Eligibility and costs
Eligibility is determined by a referring General Practitioner (GP) who for each patient will need to provide:
- Completed copies of the Department of Health’s Referral Form for Individual Allied Health Services under Medicare for patients with a chronic medical condition and complex care needs form.
Patients can attend via:
- Medicare (with referral from your GP)
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (with referral your GP)
If 3 (or more) sessions for Exercise Physiology Services are provided by a GP, the full 6-week (12 session program) will be bulk-billed with no additional payments required.