22 November 2006

New Balmain Hospital programs keep older people well and living at home

A new Transitional Aged Care Program at Balmain Hospital is providing more beds and community care for older people, allowing them to stay in their own homes and avoid residential nursing care Minister for Health John Hatzistergos said today.

As well, a specialised gym increasing the strength, mobility and quality of life for older people has been expanded and renovated with state-of-the-art equipment.

Visiting the hospital following a NSW Government Regional Cabinet Meeting in Leichhardt on Monday, Mr Hatzistergos inspected the new aged care unit and Strength Training and Rehabilitation Outreach Needs (STRONG) Clinic.

"The new 14 bed Transitional Aged Care Unit is home-like and combines therapy, care and support for older people after their acute and sub acute care," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"The program, designed to help elderly people return to health, regain life skills and care for themselves after a stay in hospital, adds to a 35 place community care program commenced in June 2006.

"The Transitional Aged Care Program, collaboration between NSW Health and the Federal Government, offers support, low intensity occupational therapy and physiotherapy in a home-like environment within the hospital or in the community until they are ready to return home, to supported accommodation or to residential aged care.

"The program is an innovative approach to the care of older people which can prevent admission to permanent residential care.

"Outcomes indicate that more than 40 per cent of people who join a program like this after being discharged from hospital are able to return home, which is where they choose to be."

Mr Hatzistergos said the hospital's innovative STRONG Clinic had expanded to newly renovated premises.

"Between 150 to 200 people a week train at the STRONG gym which integrates exercise as a treatment into mainstream medicine for older patients," Mr Hatzistergos said.

The STRONG Clinics results show a measurable increase in strength and improved rates of sleep, endurance, balance and function with a corresponding fall in depression.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au