Healthy habits in Respite Care keep clients coming back

A converted home in Mount Barker is the site of regular healthy exercise programs for Southern Cross Care Respite clients.

Willow Fern Dementia Cottage offers quality Respite Care to clients, but the services are about more than just supporting clients and carers to spend time apart.

As with all Southern Cross Care’s Dementia Respite Cottages, the healthy ageing approach is about engaging clients in activities that are designed to support their health and well-being goals, including providing access to gym equipment.

Clients are supported by a qualified health professional to exercise in the Cottage’s gym or through other fun exercise programs that support their independence.

For clients like Bill and Margaret, the exercises are a key part of their enjoyment of Respite Care and also contribute to their overall well-being.

Bill enjoys staying active and participating in daily exercise programs, which are tailored to his individual goals.

Our qualified health professionals work with clients like Bill to monitor their physical mobility and provide individualised support to help them stay active - and Bill has recently made great progress towards his goals.

Margaret is another client who maintains consistent health and mobility.

She enjoys the exercises at the Cottage, but also exercises at home.

“I’ve always exercised, I’ve always known it was important,” Margaret said.

“I just enjoy doing all that I can do to keep me going.”

The home-style environment at Willow Fern encourages clients to participate in other activities that “keep them going” too, such as helping out in the kitchen, spending time in the garden and socialising with others.

Willow Fern also holds carers’ forums and themed events to bring their community together.

The events are a popular way to support carers, and give clients meaningful tasks to contribute to, while making it fun for everyone.

For more information about Willow Fern Cottage click here.