The innovative Southern Plus Health and Wellness Centre in East Fremantle was officially opened on 19th November by the Hon Steve Irons MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister.

 

The first of its kind in Western Australia, the Health and Wellness centre’s focus is for seniors to remain healthy, fit and independent and to help seniors who may have had a fall or illness to improve their condition so they can return to independent living.

The centre is co-located with the recently opened Southern Plus East Fremantle residential aged care home.

 

The health and wellness services on offer have been developed with partner Edith Cowan University’s Vario Health Clinic and Kaleeya Health to support seniors achieve a better way to age.

 

The integrated care site uses technology to capture health information creating an interdisciplinary health care team for seniors all on one site and improving the quality of collaboration between health professionals and aged care services.

 

The purpose designed facilities at the Southern Plus Health and Wellness centre include an exercise clinic with modern gym equipment, outdoor exercise area and hydrotherapy pool. Services include onsite GP’s with experience in treating seniors’ health issues and exercise programs developed with the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University to support senior’s rehabilitation following illness, injury or joint replacement surgery.

 

According to Southern Cross Care (WA) CEO, Mr Errol Turner, the centre is committed to helping seniors remain independent for as long as possible, so they may stay out of residential care and achieve the best possible quality of life.

 

Prof Rob Newton, Associate Dean, Medical and Exercise Sciences, Edith Cowan University says that “research shows that exercise as a therapy in conjunction with medical programs advised by GPs and medical specialists helps improve rehabilitation and overall health and wellness of individuals. Coupled with the therapeutic benefits of improved social contact, the outcomes for seniors is a much better quality of life.”

 

Services can be accessed by contacting Southern Plus on 1300 000 161.