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Improving Wellbeing Through Hydrotherapy
General Interest
The Russley Village Ashley Care Suites has adopted a diverse and holistic approach to enhance the social, mental, and physical wellbeing of its residents. With excellent on-site aquatic facilities, the care team has integrated hydrotherapy into their regular physiotherapy programme. In New Zealand, access to aquatic therapy and hydrotherapy in an aged care setting is rare, making this initiative particularly significant.
"Hydrotherapy plays a vital role in our goal to improve the quality of life for our residents," says Ronaldo Ente, Resident Lifestyle Coordinator & Physiotherapist.
Hydrotherapy offers a safe, low-impact environment for exercise, improving mobility, cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and mental health. It also aids in maintaining gait and managing pain.
“We’ve seen remarkable results in mobility, and overall participation in activities. Most importantly, there has been a significant reduction in the number of falls reported,” Ronaldo adds.
The hydrotherapy programme has received huge support from residents, families, and the wider care team. The sessions are very popular.
"We currently have around 12 residents actively participating, which is about a third of the care centre’s total resident population," says Ronaldo. Acknowledgement of the physical therapeutic value and the joy it has brought to the resident lives is demonstrated in the family feedback.
A Family’s Story of Transformation
One family’s experience highlights the profound impact of hydrotherapy: “My mother’s physical health deteriorated toward the end of 2023 to the point where she could hardly weight-bear and required assistance with all aspects of daily life, including meals,” recalls her family. “We were concerned.” However, after starting hydrotherapy in 2024 at Ashley Suites, a remarkable transformation occurred. Initially hesitant about the pool due to her lack of swimming skills, she soon embraced the exercise.
"Since starting hydrotherapy, the improvement in mum’s physical and mental health has been significant,” says her family. “She can now move more easily with her walking frame, engage in more activities, and her mental strength has been restored. At 96, she has regained a new lease on life.”
"Even her GP was amazed by the improvement in her mobility and confidence after incorporating regular hydrotherapy," adds Ronaldo.
A Holistic Care Approach
This approach goes beyond traditional rehabilitation, recognising the vital connection between the mind and body. Through hydrotherapy, the care team fosters a sense of achievement and confidence, enhancing residents’ physical abilities while helping them regain their independence. This shift in focus from disability to ability leads to an overall improvement in quality of life.
The success seen at Ashley Suites reflects research indicating that aquatic therapy not only improves physical function and reduces pain but also enhances psychological wellbeing. Hydrotherapy, therefore, serves not just as a treatment, but as an effective preventative and rehabilitative tool that supports a holistic care model.
The holistic care model aligns with Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori health framework that incorporates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Hydrotherapy at Ashley Suites nurtures all these aspects, improving physical function, promoting mental wellbeing, fostering social inclusion, and encouraging personal empowerment. This comprehensive approach underscores the value of aquatic therapy in our care settings.
This article is from the latest issue of Sustainable Retirement Living Magazine - click here to explore the magazine.
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