Alfred Health News

A stimulating program to promote healthy living and independence has been introduced at Sandringham Hospital to minimise functional decline in older patients.

The introduction of the Functional Conditioning Program to the Hospital's general medical ward (F2) follows the successful implementation of this program at Caulfield Hospital in early 2009.

Project Coordinator Annett Kretzschmar says the program aims to maintain strength and functional independence, and to reduce the decline often associated with hospitalisation.

"Studies have shown functional decline can occur as early as day two of hospitalisation and up to 50 per cent of elderly patients are affected," Annett says.

"Functional decline can lead to longer hospital stays, greater demand for rehabilitation beds, an increased likelihood of discharge to residential care rather than home, and a general increased demand on family, carer and community resources."

One of the features of the program is the ‘Super Seniors Exercise Class' run by allied health assistants Sue Priestley and Christine Meier.

At present the exercise and activity group is held weekly, with the allied health assistants leading patients through physical and mental stimulation exercises.

"The response from the participants has been great, they have enjoyed the physical and mental stimulation and the memory games," Annett says.

Nurse unit manager, Robyn Warry says staff are looking forward to their patients reaping the benefits from this program

"90 per cent of ward staff attended the introductory workshops and are positive about the anticipated improvements in patient care."

The workshops were a chance for staff to become familiar with the program, as well as giving them an opportunity to offer ideas on how functional decline can be minimised.

While the program isn't in full swing at Sandy yet, it isn't far away, with a space within the hospital already allocated for the program to get up and running.

The program is funded through the Commonwealth Health Department's Council of Australian Governments Long Stay Older Patients initiative.