EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND HOME CARE PACKAGES
SUNSHINE COAST, COOLOOLA COAST AND BRISBANE
The team at Full Circle Wellness specialise in helping senior clients maintain their health and quality of life. We understand that aches and pains can put you off moving, so we are here to support you to achieve the right amount of activity to continue to live life your way.
We are one of the only allied health service providers on the Sunshine Coast to offer exercise physiology under the Australian governments Home Care Package (HCP) initiative under My Aged Care.
Our approach to Home Care Packages is simple:
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Provide high quality services.
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Tailored to your individual needs.
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With experienced allied health professionals you can trust.
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Move freely and more confidently with the help of our exercise physiologists, who develop exercise interventions for people with chronic disease or complex medical conditions or injuries.
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We offer both in-clinic or in-home exercise support from our mobile practitioners throughout the Sunshine Coast, Tin Can Bay, Gympie and Brisbane.
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My Aged Care (MAC) is the main entry point to the aged care system in Australia. My Aged Care aims to make it easier for older people, their families, and carers to access information on ageing and aged care, have their needs assessed and be supported to find and access services.
ACCESSING MY AGED CARE SERVICES
MAC is compromised of 2 major (in-home) initiatives that encourage and provide both clinical and non-clinical services:
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Home Care Package (HCP)
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Short-term restorative care (STRC)
The goal of the aged care system is to enable individuals to remain independent and safe within the environment of their choosing, preferably at home. The system is a mixture of both clinical and non-clinical services aimed at achieving the highest quality of life and independence. These services include nursing, domestic assistance, allied health, social support, and assistive technology but also personalised services such as assistance with travel or groceries.
The team at Full Circle Wellness specialise in helping senior clients maintain their health and quality of life. We have a thorough understanding of ageing in the physiological and social setting; we provide clinical and non-clinical support to foster the founding principles of health management, independence and quality of life.
Accessing Exercise Physiology Under MAC
The MAC system can be difficult to navigate for all users. We have provided a few start-up tips to get the ball rolling. At this present moment, this is the best referral pathway to gain or determine eligibility for Aged Care Services. Follow these 3 simple steps:
STEP 1: ACCESS MY AGED CARE SERVICES
The first step is to book an appointment with your General Practitioner requesting an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) Referral. At this moment, your GP will discuss your eligibility, the only absolute prerequisite being age (65 years or older).
Although you can self-manage your ACAT process we believe the inclusion of your GP is of high importance. Alternatively, you can skip the GP involvement and follow this link to get an assessment: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment.
Once your GP has assisted you with the process, they will supply you with the steps to book your ACAT assessment.
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR PROVIDER
Once you have been notified of your package specifics (type, level, waiting period, etc) you can start to decide on your providers. Local providers are forever changing and improving, we suggest using this website to assist: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider
It is advantageous to write down your needs and associated barriers before you look for providers, as this will provide you with some clarity. Topics such as price, capacity, services provided, waitlists, and administration fees are all very important and have a huge bearing on your ultimate decision. Feel free to chat with your exercise physiologist about their local recommendations for your specific needs.
STEP 3: ACCESS EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY SERVICES
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We are one of the only allied health service providers on the Sunshine Coast to offer exercise physiology under the Australian government's Home Care Package (HCP) initiative under My Aged Care.
Unfortunately, Exercise Physiology services through the MAC portal are very minimal and terribly advertised; therefore we suggest the following pathway to deliver the most appropriate services for you, a family member or a client.
Through all 3 funding models, the utilisation of Exercise Physiology is available via your care organisation. Full Circle Wellness is an allied health company that supplies services directly to clients via their care organisations. Simply put, we can provide you with Exercise Physiology through the majority of HCP and STRC providers currently operating. Depending on the specifics of your care - package type, funding amount and care provider - FCW can assist with in-home, clinic or community-based Exercise Physiology services.
Simply put, provide your Home Care Provider details to your Exercise Physiologist and we will discuss the referral pathway with your case managers.
HOW CAN WE HELP...
Independent Living
Live with greater independence and remain in your home.
Emotional Wellbeing
We are consciously supporting mental health and community interaction.
Reduce Falls Risk
Reduce frailty and falls risk as your mobility naturally declines.
Support Your Loved Ones
We offer the right care for your loved ones for greater peace of mind.
Physical Health
Prevent and manage chronic health conditions for greater quality of life.
Health Education
Educating clients to make better choices. Explore our Wellness Hub articles.
OTHER WAYS TO ACCESS OUR SERVICES
If you are aged over 65 but not eligible for a Home Care Package (HCP), there are other ways to access our allied health services, including:
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Medicare Rebate - you may be eligible for a referral under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP). Speak to your GP.
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Referral under a Coordinated Veterans Care Program (CVC).
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Aged care service improvement and healthy ageing grants (ACSIHAG).
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Future incorporation into the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI).
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Private Health Funds - contact your provider.
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Private consultation - we believe every senior citizen should have access to our services, so contact at us if you are not otherwise eligible and ask how we can help.
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In addition to Exercise Physiology we also offer ​dietetics for dietary support and guidance.​
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Please send a message or call 07 5456 1599 for more information on how we can help you live your best retirement.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR SENIORS
The population of Australians aged over 85 years is expected to double over the next 20 years. While great opportunities exist for older Australians to contribute their wealth of knowledge and expertise to the continued growth of the nation, many have complex health care needs, some of which require residential care. Over 1 million adults receive government aged care support. The popularity of these services is expected to continue to increase in the future with the push to maintain independent home living becoming more of a priority.
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A primary factor contributing to the demand for residential aged care services is the age-associated loss of physical health, muscle mass, muscle function and general wellbeing. More than three-quarters of Australians aged over 65 have at least one chronic condition, with more than 70% of those aged 85 years and over having five or more chronic conditions.
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Recent research has shown that the current and future aged care programs will focus on:
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Maximising and supporting independence.
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Delaying or completely preventing admission into residential care.
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Supporting the current carers infrastructure and communication.
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Shifting to inject reablement, restorative and wellness throughout all programs.
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Consumer directed care.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN AGED CARE AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Exercise physiology for seniors involves the implementation of exercise, education, attitude change and lifestyle modification. Our goal is to maintain or improve your quality of life and functional capacity.
As exercise physiologists we are experts in chronic disease management - we provide appropriate and research based interventions to assist in the management of chronic conditions. Areas of focus include:
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Physiological conditions, including cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
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Metabolic issues, including diabetes and obesity.
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Pulmonary health, including asthma and emphysema.
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Musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis and hip replacements.
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Neuromuscular conditions, including dementia and Parkinson's Disease.
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Psychological conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders.
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Falls prevention and gait retraining.
These are just some of the many conditions our experienced exercise physiology can assist with. Our gentle and personalised approach will help you gain mobility and strength, so you feel steady on your feet and more confident in everyday tasks.
Australia is in the midst of significant aged care reforms that aim to "create a flexible and seamless system that provides older Australians with more choice, control and easier access to a full range of services, where they want it and when they need it." The leading principle underpinning the reforms is consumer choice and control - exemplified by the integration of consumer-directed care within home care packages and the continual involvement of allied health.
- ESSA Policy Statement
READ OUR RECENT AGED CARE ARTICLES
OUR REFERRAL PARTNERS
HOME CARE FOR SENIORS
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We recommend Home Care Assistance as our preferred home care provider on the Sunshine Coast. Servicing Redcliffe to Gympie, Home Care Assistance gives seniors an alternative to leaving their home by providing top quality community care and in-home care.
Are you looking to received exercise physiology or dietetics through your home care package? Full Circle Wellness is able to include these and other services within eligible packages. Speak to Home Care Assistance on 07 5491 6888 and find out how they can help you or your loved one.
YOUR LOCAL GP IN GYMPIE
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We are often asked if we know any good doctors and we highly recommend the caring practitioners at Medical on Mary. We sometimes work within their premises and see how thorough and professional they are in their care.
Medical on Mary offer a special health assessment for over 75's and understand the importance of exercise physiology and dietetics. Speak to them about getting a referral to one of our allied health professionals.
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