Once synonymous with athletes and sporting stars, physiotherapy has undergone a fundamental transition in the last twenty years, and is now integral to the ongoing health, wellbeing and fitness of those enjoying their golden years.
While many might once have tolerated limited mobility and unerring aches and pains, physiotherapy can now afford an entirely new lease of life.
It is, therefore, of little surprise, that LifeCare Residences, the luxury retirement community operator with over 35 years’ experience, has unveiled a dedicated physiotherapy facility at the Albert Suites – its luxury nursing home located opposite Battersea Park.
Providing a range of services including rehabilitation, short-term convalescence and post-operative support, the physiotherapy facility is led by Francesca Sparke, an accredited member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Supported by an experienced team, the on-site physiotherapy facility is open seven days a week, providing outstanding care, delivered with a personalised touch.
The new facility has been intelligently designed to enable personalised programmes to be offered that help residents to rebuild strength, aid recovery, and galvanise wellbeing.
Equipment installed at the state-of-the-art facility includes a plinth and parallel bars, as well as MOTOMed – a cutting-edge, motorised movement therapy device that is accessible to residents with restricted mobility or who are wheelchair bound, as well as those who need less intensive support.
Francesca comments: “Each new resident at the Albert Suites receives an assessment on admission, which is continuously reviewed to cater to their needs in full consultation with them – and their next of kin if appropriate.
“Having a dedicated physiotherapy area enables us to perform a more thorough examination than would be possible if the resident were in their suite, for example, where assessment can be limited, particularly if residents have reduced mobility.
“A firm favourite with residents already, the installation of the parallel bars has enabled us to expand our offering from one-on-one sessions to group sessions.”
As well as encouraging residents to focus on their exercises, these group sessions provide a means for social interaction, which can prove to be a much-needed confidence boost for many.
“While we continue to use the primary gym on the ground floor at Battersea Place for some residents, for others standard gym equipment is simply not appropriate.
“In these cases, the MOTOMed comes into its own.
“Mitigating against risk of injury, it’s easy for residents to get on and off, and they can use it to exercise their arms and legs.”
Francesca adds: “We are already looking ahead to investing further in the facility with the addition of an Electrical Muscle Stimulator, which will help residents with the initial phase of muscle strengthening by contracting muscles via an electric current.
“It sounds simple, but it’s critical to the recovery of stroke patients, or those with muscle wastage.”
As part of a wider initiative to enhance the physiotherapy offering, the new facility complements the existing infrastructure in place to manage a breadth of complex care needs and circumstances, ranging from the neurological to the orthopaedic – including residents who are non-weight bearing.
Residents can also opt for sessions to take place in the privacy of their own suite, rather than in the dedicated physiotherapy space.
Each new resident at the Albert Suites receives an assessment on admission
Following a recent hip operation, Carolyn Eadie, a retired head-hunter, spent two weeks at the Albert Suites, making the journey from hospital to home as seamless as possible.
Carolyn explains: “I had a hip replacement at the Lister Hospital, so I was a straightforward orthopaedic rehab.
“I had to learn to walk again and I made a lot of progress in the two-weeks at the Albert Suites – it set me up to continue a successful recovery at home.
“I went through an intensive period of rehabilitation with my physiotherapist at the Albert Suites.
“What no one tells you is that when you first have your hip operation, it is painful and you’re unable to do anything fast. However, I am a very impatient person so, after three days, I was up and walking with one stick because I was determined – but also because I had the right medical support and followed sensible advice.
“We built up my exercises steadily, initially using the onsite gym and working up to walking around Battersea Park.”
Rehabilitation extends beyond basic mobility needs, and also applies to social contexts such as dining out with family, meeting friends for coffee, and even taking a stroll along the local high street.
To that end, the on-site café and restaurant and nearby Battersea Park provide a setting for residents to build up their confidence – and mobility –before their stay comes to an end.
Francesca concludes: “Physiotherapy is as much about rebuilding confidence as it is about enhancing mobility and promoting independence.
“While the physiotherapy centre is a great starting point, we maximise every facility available to us to help residents with life in the outside world and ensure that their transition out of the Albert Suites is hassle free.
“When our residents leave us, we equip them with a full programme to maintain their recovery and we are happy to recommend particular physiotherapists to aid their ongoing improvement.”
On Tuesday 3rd July, LifeCare Residences will welcome retirees and their families to an open day event at the Albert Suites.
Visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the care packages and facilities on offer, and to meet with Yvonne Mavunga, Head of Care.
For more information or to RSVP to the open day, please contact the Albert Suites team on 020 7129 7856 or visit www.albertsuites.co.uk.
