Burwood aged care residents taking a dip for better health

Bolton Clarke Highwood Court aged care residents have introduced a new exercise activity into their positive ageing regime, hitting the pool for regular hydrotherapy sessions.

A trial of the activity had an overwhelming response from residents and the home has now arranged for more regular sessions to meet demand and help people stay active.

Resident Alan grew up and lived on St Kilda beach and has always enjoyed being in and around water.

“It’s been a terrific experience so far! I used to do hydrotherapy for about six years,” he said.

“I have had a ball getting in the water and it helps with my knee joints in particular, bringing back that movement.

“I try and keep active by walking when I can, but the physical benefits of hydrotherapy are fantastic and bloody important!”

Highwood Court Lifestyle Coordinator Melody said hydrotherapy is an accessible and low risk exercise for older people and a great way to increase physical activity, improve muscle strength and increase mobility.  

She said the hugely successful first session meant getting in the pool would now be a regular part of the home’s activities calendar.

“Our hydrotherapy will be one of our regular activities from now on as our residents love participating,” she said.

“We went out for the first time in September and went again in October and no one wanted to get out of the pool! We’ve now added it to the calendar as a regular event.”