Aged Care

Physiotherapy is the largest allied health profession in residential aged care – 21% of allied health workers in aged care are physiotherapists.

 

Falls prevention programs run by physiotherapists have been found to reduce the number of falls in residents by 55%, including those living with dementia.

Up to $3.9 billion of health spending could be saved annually, if physiotherapy-led falls prevention programs were implemented across residential aged care facilities.

Residents of aged care facilities have less access to primary care services, including Medicare-funded physiotherapy, than those living in the community.

The APA has developed an approachable consumer campaign to encourage Australians to seek help for the health issues they face; some of which are hard to talk about. Our message is 'Choose Physio - a pathway to better health'. 

The three topics that are highlighted as part of the aged care campaign include:

  • Falls prevention;
  • Dementia; and 
  • Incontinence.
CAMPAIGN RESOURCES

Spread the word about the value of physiotherapy in aged care:

  • Familiarise yourself with the ‘members’ only’ toolkit
  • Share the social tiles on your own channels – Facebook and Instagram
  • Share the factsheets with your patients, display them in your waiting rooms
  • Talk to your patients about chronic conditions and how physiotherapy can help them
  • Don’t forget to use the hashtags - #ChoosePhysio

Get your toolkit

To assist you in spreading the word we have developed the following:

  • Facebook and Instagram social tiles
  • Factsheets on the topics
  • Media release

All of these are available for you to download and use in your practice, on your website and through your social channels. 

How will the campaign be promoted?

The campaign will run from May to July through a range of channels including:

  • Facebook and Instagram
  • Google AdWords
  • Radio.

We will also be working with our partners to spread the word wide and loud.

 

Thank you to our campaign contributors for their support and assistance in developing the content:

Gerontology: APA Gerontology group National Chair Joanna Tan APAM

Neurology: APA Neurology group National Chair Natalie Fini MACP

Women's, Men's and Pelvic Health: Vanessa Wilmot APAM, APA Women's, Men's and Pelvic Health group National Chair Jason Crow APAM

Access your member materials below: