What is the use of Physiotherapy in Residential Aged Care?

Physiotherapy is a form of treatment that uses physical methods, such as exercises, massage, and heat therapy, to treat diseases and injuries. Physiotherapy isn’t just for athletes; it can help people of all ages, and it’s frequently used to help older adults with mobility issues or joint pain. This falls into the specialty of Aged Care Physiotherapy. Aged Care Physiotherapy can also help residents in a residential aged care facility improve their quality of life by allowing them to remain mobile and independent, and it can even be used to treat diseases such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Physiotherapy and Its Benefits for Older Adults

Physiotherapy is beneficial for elderly adults for a number of reasons. First and foremost, physiotherapy can help improve mobility and independence. Physiotherapy can help seniors stay active and mobile, which can help prevent conditions like falls and fractures. Additionally, physiotherapy can also help improve joint pain and flexibility, both of which are common issues among the elderly. One unexpected benefit of Physiotherapy for elders is its ability to reduce the likelihood of social isolation among elderly adults.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Arthritis

Older adults are at a high risk of developing arthritis due to the natural wear and tear that occurs on joints over time. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint, which makes it difficult to move, causing pain and stiffness in the surrounding muscles. There are various types of arthritis, ranging from osteoarthritis, a degenerative form of arthritis that occurs in the knees and hips as we age, to Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease. In either case, physiotherapy can be used as a treatment for arthritis in residential aged care facilities by helping reduce pain and stiffness through movement.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterised by widespread muscle pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia has no known cause, but it is commonly treated with medication as well as physiotherapy to help reduce the severity of the pain. In addition to treating existing symptoms, physiotherapy can be used as a preventative measure to help reduce the likelihood of developing fibromyalgia.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Reduced Mobility

Physiotherapy can be used to treat reduced mobility in older adults caused by a variety of factors, including injuries and diseases such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Reduced mobility is dangerous because it can lead to social isolation, which is associated with an increased risk of depression. Physiotherapy can help improve mobility and reduce the chances of social isolation by making it easier for seniors to get out of bed, bathe, and move around their bedroom.

Physiotherapy for Falls Prevention

Aged care physiotherapy can help residents stay mobile and independent by helping them maintain their independence in the facility. It also helps to reduce the risk of falls, which is important for people who live in aged care facilities because they are at greater risk for injury from falls than other populations. Fall-related injuries are one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in the elderly. A fractured hip is a common fall-related injury that causes ongoing mobility issues. Physiotherapists can help clients reduce their risk of having a debilitating fall by increasing strength, improving balance and coordination, prescribing walking aids, and arranging for appropriate levels of care when necessary.

The Benefits of Physiotherapy in Aged Care Facilities

Physiotherapy is beneficial to both residents and nursing staff in residential aged care facilities. For starters, it assists residents in maintaining or improving their mobility and independence, which not only keeps them healthy but also makes daily tasks easier for nursing staff. Aside from assisting residents in becoming more mobile, physiotherapy can also aid in the treatment of a number of common conditions that seniors face, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. In addition to helping clients directly, physiotherapy also benefits staff by reducing the likelihood of injuries from falls and fractures.

Conclusion

The use of physiotherapy in a residential aged care facility can provide various benefits to both the residents and staff. Physiotherapy can help residents maintain or improve their mobility, independence, and health, while also aiding in the treatment of common conditions among seniors. In addition to helping clients directly, physiotherapy also benefits staff by reducing the likelihood of injuries from falls and fractures.

At Health Next Door, we provide physiotherapists to nursing homes, hostels and retirement villages. We also do home visits for the elderly population who reside in the community. Our physiotherapists are always looking for ways to improve the lives of the elderly and maximise their functional capacities. We are trained to adopt a variety of therapeutic modalities to help our patients relieve pain, enhance movement and function, and promote an improved quality of life.

If you believe you or a loved one could benefit from our Aged Care Physiotherapy Services, please contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We provide mobile services that can help you live a better life.