It’s a far cry from providing physiotherapy to miners in northern Queensland; however resident physiotherapist, Victor Lenskyj rates his job with TriCare Cypress Gardens Aged Care Residence allied health program as one of the most rewarding of his career.
Physiotherapy is one of the many allied health services available at TriCare Cypress Gardens Aged Care. The Residence has regular visits from various therapy services including a podiatrist, dietician and a speech pathologist. This is in addition to visiting medical officers, with a doctor on site most days.
Mr Lenskyj says the two main areas of focus for the physiotherapy program is chronic pain management and balance and strength.
“We take into consideration limb mobility, walking ability, level of assistance and requirement of transfers – whether a resident can walk unaided or with the assistance of others.
“An individual physio plan is developed in consultation with the resident, and often their family, to support them moving forward,” said Mr Lenskyj.
While some physio services are managed on an individual basis such as pain management, many of the supporting activities developed by Mr Lenskyj and his team are held in groups.
This not only helps patients physically, it also contributes to their social and emotional wellbeing.
“Socially, it’s a great way for residents to catch up – it’s more fun exercising together.
“It’s also good for them to see that they aren’t the only ones struggling with strength or balance issues. Unfortunately lack of mobility is a big part of ageing,” said Mr Lenskyj.
Adjacent to the TriCare Cypress Gardens Retirement Community, TriCare will shortly unveil 73 new state-of-the-art private aged care suites at its Cypress Gardens Aged Care Residence.
Expressions of interest and private tours can be arranged by calling the free, no obligation Care Placement Service on (07) 5554 7383.
