Multidisciplinary allied health team approach best for seniors: expert

While many community care providers broker allied health services or employ individual physiotherapists or exercise physiologists, seniors benefit the most from programs delivered by multidisciplinary teams.

AUDIO: While many aged and community care providers broker allied health services or employ individual physiotherapists or exercise physiologists, seniors benefit the most from programs delivered by multidisciplinary teams.

Dr Tim Henwood
Dr Tim Henwood

Dr Tim Henwood, principal at AgeFIT Solutions and honorary senior reseach Fellow at the University of Queensland, said that allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and exercise physiologists all played individual roles, and the best outcomes for seniors were seen when these professionals worked in multidisciplinary teams.

Dr Henwood has recently been awarded a government grant where over the next 18 months he will partner with the Burnie Brae Community Centre, HUR Australia and St Vincent’s Health Australia to develop and deliver exercise programs for people who receive home support.

At the Active Ageing Conference 2015 last week, Dr Henwood said that the evidence had shown that exercise programs improved clients’ physical performance and activity in their homes and social environments.

Speaking to AAA’s Natasha Egan, Dr Henwood said that having a good allied health team could identify any risks for clients and prevent them from happening:  

The Active Ageing Conference 2015, hosted by Australian Ageing Agenda and Community Care Review, brought together researchers, providers and allied health professionals to discuss the wellness approaches now expected in both home support and home care since 1 July.

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Tags: active ageing conference 2015, allied-health, exercise, physiotherapist, tim-henwood,

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