Supporting independence at any age

International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on 1 October, is an opportunity to recognise the valuable contributions older people make to our communities and the support available to helps them remain active, independent and connected.

For Louise (78 years), maintaining her independence has always been important. Caring for her 97-year-old mother and running an arts program for children twice a week, Louise's days were filled with caring for others and staying active in her community, when a fall resulted in a serious wrist injury that required surgery and rehabilitation.

Louise said she was really not expecting it leading to a loss of confidence where she found herself thinking 'how could this happen?'"

Determined to regain her strength and confidence, Louise joined physiotherapy classes at Osborne Park Hospital (OPH), where she has worked closely with the rehabilitation team to improve her balance, mobility and confidence.

"The biggest improvement I've noticed is my confidence," Louise said.

"Confidence with what I'm doing, walking, getting around and feeling like I'm handling it better."

Lauren, a Physiotherapy Assistant at OPH, said helping older people maintain their independence is at the heart of rehabilitation.

"For older adults, it really is about their independence," Lauren said.

"It's important that people can continue doing the things that matter to them, whether that's getting out of bed independently, making a cup of tea, staying involved in the community or remaining in their own home for as long as possible."

Through home visits, exercise programs and group rehabilitation classes, the physiotherapy team works with patients to build strength, improve balance and maintain confidence as they recover.

Lauren said rehabilitation is about much more than recovery from an injury.

“It's so good for their mental health to be able to complete exercises, get out in the community and have fun in the meanwhile,” Lauren said.

"I think a lot of older people think that that's it, and that it's all downhill from here, but with a bit of strength, encouragement, exercise and support, people can achieve more than they think," she said.

Louise credits the OPH physiotherapy team with helping her stay focused on her recovery.

"They've given me the exercises, shown me what to do and helped me do them properly," she said.

"They're all great. Everyone has been fabulous and so caring."

Lauren said supporting older people to maintain their independence often requires support from a range of disciplines working together with physiotherapists working alongside occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians, medical teams and nurses to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

Louise's experience is a reminder that with the right support, confidence and determination, it's never too late to regain independence and keep doing the things that matter most.