How can an Exercise Physiologist help me?
​Being active and exercising is important to keep your body and mind happy and healthy.​
​AEPs undertake specific university training, specialising in prescribing and supervising exercise for people who have complex health conditions. AEPs can design programs for participants that address critical needs, such as
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Improve cognitive function maximising attention, executive functioning and reasoning
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Improve emotional regulation and flexibility
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Improve mental health
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Support the development of social behaviours and communication skills
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Improve motor learning
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Decrease the risk of comorbid disease development
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Reduce the impact of developmental delays
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Assist in sleep regulation
Exercise Physiology and the NDIS
People living with a disability are less likely to take part in regular physical activity than people without disability, yet they have similar needs when it comes to improving their health and preventing unnecessary chronic conditions.
Disability should not exclude someone from participation in appropriate sports and physical activity. For people living with a disability, exercise or physical activity provides a wide range of benefits:
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It improves stamina and muscle strength – this may really help with some forms of disability.
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Keeping active will reduce the risk of chronic conditions (e.g., arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes).
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During exercise, the brain releases endorphins that delivers a feel-good high. This can help ease anxiety and depression, and additionally, lift your mood.
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Exercising in a group is a great way to try something different, meet new people and become part of the community. This may help reduce the negative stereotypes around people with disabilities.
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You’ll gain the ability to maintain a higher level of independence, sense of freedom and quality of life.
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Research shows that 72% of people aged 15 and over with a disability do not engage in sufficient physical activity compared to 52% of those without disabilities. Exercise physiology services are essential in addressing this gap, empowering individuals to live more active and independent lives.
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How are AEP Services Funded under the NDIS?
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) can help people living with a disability to improve daily living capabilities, improve physical and mental wellbeing, improve capacity for social engagement and independence.
Funding for EP services can come from one of two capacity building budget areas in an NDIS plan:
» Improved Daily Living
» Improved Health and Wellbeing
Exercise Physiology and Older Adults
Older adults in residential aged care facilities face unique health challenges, including higher levels of sedentary behavior and a greater incidence of comorbidities compared to older individuals in the community. Key statistics highlight the importance of addressing these issues:
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Up to 50% of older people in residential care experience falls each year, with 40% of them having recurrent falls.
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Falls are responsible for 37% of injury-related deaths and 41% of injury-related hospitalizations.
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70% of older residents are overweight or obese.
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50% of people aged over 64 live with a disability.
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80% of people aged over 64 have at least one chronic condition.
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Only 17.2% of Australians over 64 meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.
Exercise physiology services are vital in residential aged care, as they support reablement and restorative outcomes for residents. Our AEPs work alongside facility staff, contributing to quality improvements and helping residents lead more active, fulfilling lives.
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How are AEP Services Funded for Older Adults?
AEP services are available through multiple funding pathways to ensure your residents can access the care they need:
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Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan: Individual residents can claim up to five sessions through a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan. Additional sessions may be available for residents of aged care facilities until 30 June 2022.
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Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI): After individual Medicare sessions are exhausted, aged care facilities can claim residential care subsidies for each permanent resident through the ACFI.
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Direct Employment or Contracting: Facilities can employ or contract an AEP to provide ongoing services. For assistance in creating job descriptions or advertising AEP positions, please reach out to policy@essa.org.au.
At Happy Bodies Therapy Services, we are dedicated to improving the health and wellness outcomes for residents in residential aged care facilities. Let us help your facility provide comprehensive care that enhances residents' independence, mobility, and overall quality of life.
