Phil's story starts here
After his GP made a referral for an Assessment through My Aged Care, Phil realised he had the opportunity to regain his usual daily activities with some supervised exercises and some equipment in his home.
Since he had a fall three months earlier, Phil was concerned he couldn’t do the things he used to around his home, like getting up from his usual chair and stepping outside to tend his veggie garden. Though a fairly private person, he noticed he was getting out of his home less often and felt isolated, as he was no longer managing his usual daily walks to the local shops where he sometimes connected with familiar faces.
During his meeting with the Assessor, Phil expressed his wish to be able to walk out in the community with confidence, and to meet up with his local neighbours at the shops. After identifying how he could reach his goal, a plan was made with Phil for an occupational therapist to review his rear access to the garden for possible equipment, and for a physiotherapist to plan and supervise a strength and balance home exercise program.
Following a few weeks of therapy at home, Phil progressed to being able to attend the local community exercise group. He has continued to complete an exercise program that is challenging but safe. Importantly, he knows where and when to ask for some help or guidance if he ever feels he needs it in the future.
General reflections on wellness and reablement from Phil's perspective
"What was extremely helpful was the nature of the exercise program, which has shown me you do not require specialist gym equipment or have to attend or belong to a gym. The program has shown and enabled me to exercise at home with a minimum amount of fuss. One of the important factors was being taught the correct way to lower yourself and get yourself out of a chair.
Also an important part of the program was the contact you have with other people. I am sure the other participants enjoy the program as they appear to look forward to the contact and participation.
I would like to think that I will continue to attend the exercise group at the local centre and to continue my home program, as it is extremely easy to fall into a situation where left to your own devices you become sedentary and put things off until tomorrow or the next day. Where knowing you have to attend the classes once a week inspires you to do some exercise at home so you can achieve a better outcome at the classes.
I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to agree to some help with my exercises."