Since 2021, Plena Healthcare has been working with the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) to bring an exercise-based strength and balance program to residents of aged care homes within the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.
At the program’s core is a modified version of the Sunbeam Program, which has been proven effective in preventing falls in older adults.
- Over 60% of homes recorded a decrease in resident falls
- Over 92% of homes recorded an increase in resident strength and balance
- Over 80% of homes recorded a decrease in fear of falling among residents who participated.
Sunbeam was commissioned by NWMPHN in 2021 as a Covid-19 initiative to improve resident strength and mobility post lockdown, with Plena clinicians leading small groups of residents through 13 weeks of bi-weekly exercise sessions. The aim was to focus on on some of the areas that contribute to falls risk in older people by improving mobility, spatial awareness and core strength.
As part of the program’s evaluation, the Plena team monitors progress by taking measurements at set intervals.
Following the program’s success after pandemic lockdowns, 2024 has seen 53 aged care homes participate in the program, with about 1400 residents taking part.
The ongoing nature of Sunbeam has seen a strong relationship develop between NWMPHN and Plena Healthcare, fostering collaboration and enabling continuous improvement through the sharing of insights regarding benefits and outcomes of the program.
Plena also operates Sunbeam as an added initiative inside aged care homes we already provide services in, funded by NWMPHN. Providers appreciate Plena bringing additional funded services to their homes, delivering benefits to their residents and further strengthening these relationships.
Due to the ongoing success of Sunbeam, other primary health networks (PHNs) and aged care providers across Australia have also joined the program, offering improvements in balance, mobility and strength for even more aged care residents.
In combination with the Plena Care Pathway (Plena’s AN-ACC approved evidence-based program), Sunbeam offers the opportunity for Plena to provide even more valued allied healthcare services within residential aged care homes, and more time to provide care to residents.
For our clinicians, the opportunity to deliver a range of evidence-based programs to ageing adults provides variety in their work, and inspiration to improve the lives of those living in aged care.
In conjunction with NWMPHN and the care staff at each home, Plena Healthcare is exceptionally proud of what it has accomplished for resident mobility, strength and falls prevention through the SUNBEAM program.
If you’d like to know how Plena Healthcare can help reduce resident falls via evidence-based allied healthcare, get in touch today.
