Strong at any age
Thursday, 13 March 2025
Uniting AgeWell is thrilled to announce the opening of two new Community Hubs in Berwick and Burwood East. To celebrate, the not-for-profit aged care provider is hosting Community Open Days at the hubs on Tuesday, 18 March and Wednesday, 19 March 2025 respectively.
Investing in the Community Hubs reflects Uniting AgeWell’s commitment to create and deliver innovative, high-quality and accessible services to people through their ageing journey.
The signature hubs feature a fully accessible Wellness Centre complete with a state-of-the-art AgeWell Gym specially designed for seniors and bring together community, home care and allied health professionals under one roof to offer fully integrated services.
Uniting AgeWell Deputy CEO Fonda Voukelatos says the hub concept is designed to make it easier for people to access and transition between services, so they can maintain their independence and quality of life.
“Uniting AgeWell is offering a unique service within the aged care sector with an emphasis on preventative pathways, so people focus on their health earlier. Our multi-disciplinary team is ensuring people can regain and maintain their strength and resilience, their independence and community connection.
“It’s a holistic approach and a one stop shop for our customers. We’re encouraging people to take an active role in their own health and providing them with the support they need to be their best at any age.”
Services include fast stream rehabilitation and health maintenance programs, special focus groups and health promotion activities. Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Podiatry and Occupational Therapy are all part of the mix. The Hub provides opportunities to connect socially, including formal classes and education sessions and informal spaces to relax and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.
Customers are already experiencing the benefits of this proactive approach, with the Community Hubs now welcoming regulars to the new AgeWell Gyms who see the benefits of exercise.
Elaine Houston admits her genes have something to do with it but going to the AgeWell Gym is keeping her young. The 92-year-old says the favourite part of her fitness regime is the exercise bike and building up a rhythmic speed works wonders.
“I’ve been with Uniting AgeWell gyms for a long time. The HUR [Helsinki University Research] machines exercise every part of my body and the staff help me concentrate on what’s most important – my balance and my stamina. They really push me to make my muscles work!”
So too, 76-year-old retired truck mechanic Alex Miller who hobbled into the Uniting AgeWell Community Hub in Berwick 12 weeks ago, at the end of his tether.
With a bulging disk and arthritis in his lower back, his mobility levels were decreasing as fast as his pain levels were increasing.
“The doctor suggested I have cortisone injections, and the topic of surgery had even come up,” explains Alex. “I thought no way – there has got to be another option.”
While working with a Uniting AgeWell Home Care Advisor, the option of Alex going to the AgeWell Gym to help with his back was discussed.
Alex agreed to give it a go – and has never looked back.
Alex attributes being pain-free and mobile again to the AgeWell Gym’s allied health team. “They worked out an individual exercise program especially for me and every session I could feel myself getting stronger,” he says. “Honestly, coming here every week is the best thing I’ve done. The one-on-one sessions mean they really listen to what you need and what your goals are and then just work on making it all happen.”