Andrews House, Vic - Stretch it out walking program - awarded 2005

Stretch It Out walking program

An innovative walking program was launched during 2004 at West Gippsland Healthcare Group's Andrews House Aged Care Residence in Trafalgar.

The Principal Carer, Libby Reeves, observed that the residents were reluctant to initiate their own exercise even though they had an individual exercise program developed in conjunction with the physiotherapist. The goal was to create and implement an innovative walking program that would improve the physical, emotional and psychological well being of the residents.

Consultation about the project was achieved through informal discussions, meetings and presentations with residents, staff, volunteers, pharmacist, naturopath, GP and physiotherapist.

Residents who wanted to take part were assessed and placed into walking groups according to ability, and a chart was developed so that each resident could record their steps. Two young volunteers from the local high school were engaged to manage the project and a staff member was designated to co-ordinate the volunteers.

The project has achieved physiological, psychological and social benefits for the participating residents. Overall depression rates have fallen by over 50%, whilst residents who previously had not walked further than from their own bed to the dining room are now able to walk outside with the help of volunteers. In fact one gentleman walked 4km up the street and now regularly visits his sister. Stretch It Out is now well known locally and has helped build up links between Andrews House and the local community, particularly with younger people.