Three new gyms are empowering aged care residents

High-tech gyms are gifted by Guide Healthcare to aged care homes in two states

Written by Jodie Wolf

View original article here.

Guide Healthcare has donated three state-of-the-art HUR gyms to aged care homes across New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

In a valiant move to support active ageing, the three gyms that were installed between the 11th and 12th of September,2024 are now liberating residents at Warrigal Goulburn and Bundanoon in NSW, and Goodwin Aged Care Services Farrer in ACT, enabling them to stay active, engaged and healthy.

When speaking with Australian Ageing Agenda Simon Kerrigan, Managing Director and Physiotherapist at Guide Healthcare said that his mission to provide aged care residents with state-of-the-art gym equipment to “support their physiotherapy goals” came in 2019 after witnessing their “engagement and enjoyment” during exercise classes conducted in local gyms.

“We were inspired by the extraordinary efforts of the residents we support and the dedication of our clinicians,” Mr Kerrigan said.

“Our goal is to create opportunities for residents to achieve great outcomes through socially driven initiatives such as equipment donations and events, coupled with the exceptional support from our team.”

With the establishment of an annual gym fund in 2019 the project has finally come to fruition through a considered partnership with HUR Australia and the support of Warrigal Bundanoon, and Goodwin.

“Warrigal Bundanoon and Goulburn were our first two partner homes, which made these two homes the obvious choice for our first two gyms,” said Mr Kerrigan.

“Goodwin has also been one of our longest-standing clients, providing physiotherapy and occupational therapy for their aged care residents and home care clients.”

Adding, “We’re extremely proud to be able to make these donations, and we’re incredibly excited to see the positive outcomes that will be achieved.”

By bringing gym facilities directly into aged care homes, this trailblazing offering has the potential to change what aged care providers expect from their allied health service providers.

Goodwin Allied Health Manager, Brayden Murphy told AAA that they are “incredibly grateful” to Guide Healthcare for their “generous” donation of their equipment.

“This state-of-the-art technology will be a valuable asset to our Wellness Centres, allowing our residents to engage in safe and effective exercise programs that can improve their strength, balance, and overall well-being,” said Mr Murphy.

“Usage of the equipment is beneficial for all seniors seeking to maintain or improve their physical fitness and independence,” he said.

Goodwin CEO Stephen Holmes and Simon Kerrigan

Adding: “In terms of rehabilitation; individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries and those with chronic conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis will also benefit hugely from this state-of-the-art facility. Our residents at George Sautelle House in Farrer will find it especially helpful having convenient onsite access.”

Mr Murphy said that the new gym is also open to the public, allowing seniors in the local community to participate in safe and effective supervised exercise programs.

Chief Operating Officer at Warrigal, Craig Smith told AAA that the long-standing partnership with Guide has been a welcome support to their home and greatly appreciated by the team.

“The donation of the gym equipment for the Care Homes at Bundanoon and Goulburn, is testament to the strength of this relationship and the collective focus on improving the lifestyle and wellbeing for the residents at these homes,” said Mr Smith.

“The residents at Bundanoon and Goulburn have recently participated in physical exercises and activities to celebrate the Olympics, and they are excited that they can continue this journey with the equipment that has been purchased.”

The new gyms were created with community in mind and aim to benefit not only aged care residents but staff, home care clients, and independent living unit (ILU) residents.

Featuring equipment that caters to a variety of fitness levels, functional goals and mobility needs, they are installed with a pneumatic operating system, making them accessible for almost all older adults.

Mr Kerrigan told AAA that the aim for the future is to equip each of their partner homes with “high-quality” gym equipment to support aged care’s “shift towards wellness” and reablement.

“While we have set a budget for 2025, our long-term vision is to ensure all residents and clinicians have access to these resources,” he said.