Media release

Australian-first research to prevent falls in middle-aged and younger-older adults is taking place in South Australia.

The study, supported by ACH Group, and led by physiotherapist Nicky Baker, is investigating the relationship between postural sway (body movement) and near falls.

Ms Baker, a PhD candidate at Flinders University, said while falls prevention is widely researched this project involves an unnoticed group of adults.

“Often research looks at diagnostic groups, for example, people living with Parkinson’s Disease or who have had a stroke, or studies compare fallers and non-fallers,” she said.

“This study involves people who have ‘near falls’ – stumbles, trips, and missteps. Near falls often precede falls but no one acknowledges them because they don’t get injured or are embarrassed about falling.

“We’re aiming to identify what postural sway looks like in people who have near falls and measuring the changes in their postural sway while they take part in concurrent mental tasks and after physical activity.”

Over 60 South Australians aged between 40 and 74 are currently taking part in the study, which involves:

• An online survey,
• An hour face-to-face balance testing, held at ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+ at Glenelg, where a sensor on the lower back is worn to track postural sway,
• Keeping a diary for three months to note any near falls or falls.

Ms Baker said after data is collected and analysed it will determine whether increased postural sway increases the chance of near falls.

“If this is the case, which we think it is, we will then be able to inform clinical practice – what personal trainers, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists do in terms of falls prevention and balance activities,” she said.

“No one thinks they will fall until they do and then it comes as a surprise. If there are flags that identify someone is at risk of falling, we can address that early and mitigate the risk through activity or exercise.”

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said as an aged care provider ACH Group is proud to support research into a serious health event that affects tens of thousands of older South Australians every year.

“Fall-related injuries can have devastating effects on people’s long-term health and their confidence,” he said.

“This research has the potential to be implemented into our service delivery, in particularly our gym and allied health services, to benefit customers and lessen the chance falls.

“This is another great example of the Flinders University and ACH Group research partnership that helps support older South Australians to live good lives.”

The study will continue until the end of September 2021. South Australians aged 40-74 who are interested in taking part in the research are asked to contact Ms Baker via [email protected]

Ms Baker’s PhD is funded by the Australian Research Council funded Digital Enhanced Living Hub of which ACH Group is also a partner. Her PhD is supervised by Sue Gordon, Professor of Healthy Ageing, who has a co-funded position between ACH Group and Flinders University.

A new health and wellness hub for people aged 50 and over will open in Adelaide’s south in September with a focus on positive ageing and supporting Home Care Package customers.

Leading aged care provider ACH Group is currently redeveloping its site in Christie Downs into a Health Studio 50+. It will be the second health and wellness hub of its kind for the not-for-profit organisation after it launched its first studio at Glenelg in 2018.

The $250,000 redevelopment at Christie Downs includes:

• A new gym with state-of-the-art HUR gym equipment (designed specifically for older people) including Australia’s first HUR Senso cognitive training platform,
• A new studio to offer a range of new health and wellness classes,
• Refurbished clinic rooms for private consultations,
• Refurbished reception and waiting room for community and health customers.

ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said research by the aged care provider found having good health is a key element older people see in contributing to a living a good life.

“Our vision at ACH Group is to support people to live good lives as they age,” he said.

“By accessing HUR gym equipment, new health and wellness classes, and our allied health professionals, customers at Health Studio 50+ at Christie Downs will be supported to stay active or regain their health.

“Everything will be in one place for them to reach their optimal state of health physically, mentally and socially.”

ACH Group Head of Health Kate Dobie said the HUR equipment utilises world-leading technology that uses air pressure to allow older people to exercise safely, efficiently and reduces the stress on their joints.

“We’re extremely excited to have secured Australia’s first HUR Senso for the Health Studio 50+ at Christie Downs. The Senso machine improves balance and is a cognitive training platform, which will be especially beneficial to our customers,” she said.

Home Care Package recipients will be eligible to use their funding to access Health Studio 50+ services. Customer funded options will also be available.

A new multi-purpose space will be built at ACH Group’s West Park residential care home at Goolwa as part of an upgrade of the site.

Work on the $500,000 project is set to commence in July and will include the construction of the standalone activity room with kitchenette, toilet and covered alfresco area.

West Park Manager Lynn Coleshill says the space will be a welcome addition at West Park, where residents enjoy a balance of private and communal living.

“This will be a place where people can maintain and improve their health and wellbeing, as well as provide opportunities for social connection through a range of activities including our art classes, Sunday café and birthday celebrations,” she says. “It will be a warm and inviting place to bring the West Park community together.”

Leading South Australian architect Walter Brooke, whose portfolio includes the Adelaide Oval redevelopment, Australian Federal Police headquarters, and ACH Group’s ViTA facility, was engaged to design the contemporary, multipurpose space.

Ms Coleshill says the upgrades are in line with ACH Group’s Healthy Ageing approach which aims to make it as easy as possible for residents to remain physically, mentally and socially active.

“We want to ensure that our residential care offerings continue to offer innovative models of care and the best in modern facilities to support people to live well as they age,” Ms Coleshill says.

The project will be carefully staged to minimise disruption to residents, staff and volunteers during the construction phase, expected to occur between July and October.

Anthony Balsamo, Director from Walter Brooke Architects, describes the design vision for the upgrade as having a strong focus on improving the health and wellbeing of all residents. “The new facility will be purpose built for residents and include protected and shady outdoor spaces, fresh contemporary finishes, and all within a flexible multipurpose space that seeks to encourage an active lifestyle,” says Mr Balsamo.

Schiavello Construction (SA) will undertake the building works which is expected to have a direct local community benefit; both through the construction phase and ongoing.  As well as being leaders in construction in the health and aged care sector, Schiavello Construction (SA) was recently appointed to deliver the upgrade to Goolwa High School.

A not-for-profit organisation established since 1952, ACH Group operates eight fully accredited residential care homes across Adelaide and the Fleurieu each with their own signature features and strong links with the community.

Established in 1989, with 10 new rooms added in 2001, West Park is a lively and bustling home, comprising a range of self-contained cottages and private single room residential care units.

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge.

With National Volunteer Week held from 17–23 May 2021, ACH Group will celebrate the significant contributions its volunteers make.

There are 250 volunteers across ACH Group, including Susan Field and Sue Morris, who give their free time to support a broad range of social experiences, group activities, and specialist programs.

For Susan volunteering at ACH Group’s Yankalilla Centre residential care home was a natural choice, as her career was dedicated to the aged care sector.

“I worked in aged care for 26 years in various residential care homes in Adelaide. When I moved to Normanville, I knew I wanted to find somewhere in the area where I could continue to contribute,” she said.

Susan believes having the experience in aged care only meant she was passionate about supporting older people.

“I came in with a broad range of experience, but you do not need a skillset or previous experience in aged care to volunteer here; you need empathy and kindness,” she said.

Amongst Susan’s activities as a volunteer is supporting the ‘My Reflection Group’ where residents can share life memories with each other weekly.

“This is a great way for residents to connect with each other on a personal level – like getting to know your neighbour’s life story and realising you have more in common than you thought,” Susan said.

Sue volunteers weekly at ACH Group West Park residential care home in Goolwa and is known by all residents on site for her positive outlook on life. Sue provides support for residents in each of the 10 cottages at West Park.

“We run weekly get togethers, at times we do craft or just sit and chat about general topics. Recently we were talking about going to Mars and what has been in the news; the conversation led to us thinking about what we would pack for an intergalactic trip”, she laughed.

ACH Group’s Volunteer Manager, Tay Parker, thanked the organisation’s volunteers.

“ACH Group is extremely fortunate to have a large group of passionate volunteers, dedicated to supporting good lives for older people,” she said.

“Volunteering benefits both the volunteer, and residents and customers.

“For residents and customers engaging with volunteers expands their social network and connects them to new experiences depending on the skills and background of each volunteer.

“The benefits for volunteers include staying in touch with your community, making connections, enhancing life experiences, making friends and keeping you healthy mentally and physically,” she said.

ACH Group is currently seeking volunteers in a wide range of roles.

After 2020 which saw everyone stay at home, this year there has been a huge appetite for South Australians to discover their own state highlighted by the growing popularity of ACH Group’s Social Links program and new getaways being added.

Carer Getaways, retreats for people aged 65 and over and their carers, are a key feature of the Social Links program. Trips that took place in summer along the Murray River and Kangaroo Island sold out quickly.

ACH Group Manager of Social Links, Katey Elding, said the retreats offer respite for carers, the opportunity for them and the people they care for to socialise and engage with like-minded people, knowing there are qualified staff to provide support, while discovering some of the state’s most popular destinations.

“The feedback from our summer 2021 Carer Getaways was incredibly positive,” she said.

“Carers loved the opportunity to relax and connect with other carers, while everyone remarked the food and accommodation was excellent, and they thoroughly enjoyed visiting parts of South Australia they hadn’t explored in years.

“The upcoming getaways in May and June will again be along the River and to stunning Kangaroo Island.”

With inquiries increasing about getaways, from May 2021 ACH Group will launch trips available for South Australians aged over 65 who are either supported with relevant government funding including the Commonwealth Home Support and Home Care Package programmes, accessed through My Aged Care. Getaways can also be privately funded.

These getaways will be two- and three-night experiences, accompanied by qualified staff, exploring South Australian wine regions, the Flinders Ranges and Murray River.

“The feedback we have received is that older South Australians are really looking for organised trips where they can discover their own state, in a safe and relaxed supported environment, and meet new people,” Ms Elding said.

In addition to the getaways, ACH Group’s Social Links program includes art and choir classes led by professional artists and choir directors, concert series, Friday nights out over dinner, social footy and much more.

To learn more about the program and possible experiences visit achgroup.org.au/discover-and-explore/

All experiences and getaways follow COVID-19 safe protocols.

An intergenerational program aiming to create meaningful relationships and real experiences for aged care residents has been trialled.
The pilot of ‘Child Care in Aged Care’, a first of its kind in South Australia, took place at ACH Group’s Milpara residential care home from March to April, and brought residents, children at a child care centre, and university Occupational Therapy students together virtually.
The program supported by Office for Ageing Well, SA Health forms part of South Australia’s Plan for Ageing Well 2020-2025, and is inspired by the popular ABC TV show ‘Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds’.
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said the five-week pilot program was very successful with the creation of new, meaningful relationships one of the many benefits experienced by residents.
“The relationships and social connections created through chatting, singing and participating in activities with the children can be beneficial to residents’ social and emotional wellbeing,” he said.
“There was also the opportunity for residents to pass on their knowledge and revisit past hobbies by taking part in activities within the program, which included potting plants and cake decoration.
“On many occasions after the session ended residents were already planning what they could share with the children next time.”
Milpara resident Bessie Dickins said she really enjoyed the sessions.
“It gives us a chance to understand how children are growing up, which is so different to the way we grew up and it’s really, really interesting to see how things are evolving,” she said.
“My favourite part is being involved with the children. I’ve also enjoyed the art activities because I am really interested in art. I have dabbled in art for many years, and it gives me purpose.
“I would like to see more programs like this, I think it helps us to relax a little bit and remember what we used to be able to do – we can tend to forget sometimes.”
While inspired by the popular ABC TV show, the program is a first in South Australia as it was co-designed, held virtually and based on contemporary best-practices around intergenerational connections.

Occupational Therapy students from UniSA co-designed the weekly sessions, with input sought from Milpara’s staff and residents, and staff and children from the TafeSA City West Child Care Centre on what they would like to do in the sessions.

Each session was then purposely planned and structured by the university students with children and residents engaging in virtual activities including sharing stories, singing, and playing games. Every week there was a different theme such as the garden, cooking, drama, and sport.
Findings from the trial will contribute to the current body of knowledge on how aged care providers and other organisations can promote meaningful intergenerational connections, and how these can bring important benefits to people of all ages.
The trial is made possible thanks to a strong partnership between ACH Group, the Office for Ageing Well, SA Health, TAFE SA’s City West Child Care Centre, and the University of South Australia.
It was initially planned to run in face-to-face sessions, however due to COVID-19 the trial is taking place virtually.

In the week leading up to Neighbour Day, residents in five ACH Group retirement living villages celebrated their local community. Hundreds of residents including Rita Gullick and Gill Cibich, enjoyed a chat over lunch and even tested their skills on video games.
In the four years Rita has lived in one of ACH Group’s retirement living communities in Magill, she’s realised the benefits of having neighbours nearby.
Rita is particularly close with her neighbour Gill and in an emergency, she learnt the importance of their friendship.
“One day Gill called an ambulance for herself. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, she sent me a text message about what was happening,” Rita said.
“I was over at her house in no time at all. I waited with her until the ambulance arrived and then kept her keys so I could pass them onto her grandchildren.”
In more light-hearted moments at the ACH Group village, Rita said everyone knows that fellow neighbour George makes the best coffees with his coffee machine and Jill once offered to alter Rita’s grandson’s school uniform pants because they were too long.
Rita, who lives with her husband, describes the retirement community setting as friendly, happy, and quiet.
“It’s a great community, everyone looks after each other and you can socialise together, but you still feel like you have your own privacy,” Rita said.
Wendy Dalling has lived in an ACH Group retirement living unit in Christies Beach for two years.
“I moved to Adelaide from the country where there was a strong feeling you were part of a community and this has always been important to me,” Wendy said.
“When I first moved to the city I rented privately and felt nowhere near as comfortable as I do now.
“In our street I am close with three ladies. We have drinks together and chat about our families, what movies are worth seeing.”
ACH Group’s Head of Retirement Living Teresa Yeing said Neighbour Day, officially held on 28 March, saw events held across the nation to encourage people to connect with their neighbours, while celebrating the importance of community connections.

“Connecting with your neighbours can go a long way in creating a sense of belonging and can tackle loneliness,” Ms Yeing said.
“Sometimes people find it difficult to make new social connections and therefore may feel isolated and lonely. Retirement living communities offer common spaces, activities, and events, like Neighbour Day lunches, for people to meet and feel part of a caring community.
“Every day in retirement living communities there are opportunities for social interaction such as a chat by the letter box, a cup of tea, or a wave as you take the bin out.”
Over 900 people call ACH Group Retirement Living units home across Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula, and eastern Melbourne.

Older South Australians are invited to register for a new online video gaming challenge which will provide them an opportunity for physical activity and social connection, while being in the running to win a host of prizes.
The ‘Stay in the Game’ six-week challenge, the first of its kind in South Australia, is run by leading aged care provider ACH Group.
The challenge, which is free to participate in, is held from 19 April – 28 May 2021 and open to South Australians aged 65 and over.
ACH Group CEO Frank Weits said there are many health and social benefits that can be experienced by participating in online gaming and the Stay in the Game Challenge.
“Modern online gaming offers everything from dancing to boxing and scrabble, meaning it can be an exciting addition in keeping your brain and body active,” he said.
“The challenge also inspires community wellbeing and social connection as participants are encouraged to play with friends and family. We are especially looking forward to hearing stories of grandparents and their grandchildren participating in the challenge together.”
In addition to playing with friends and family, challenge participants can meet via an online portal and there will be a series of face-to-face ‘Arcade’ sessions across metropolitan Adelaide.

Participants are also encouraged to set and track their goals, which could include how many friends and family they will play online with a week, or how long they’d like to exercise every day using online gaming.
At the end of the challenge participants will be asked to submit their stories to be in the running to win four major prizes including ‘South Australian Gamer of the Year’.
Research shows gaming is no longer just a young person’s hobby, with the Interactive Game and Entertainment Association finding that more than 40 per cent of Australians aged 65 and over regularly play some form of video game. It is easy to get involved in the challenge even if people haven’t engaged with online gaming before.
All that is needed to participate in the challenge is a smartphone, computer, or your favourite gaming device (Facebook Portal Plus, PlayStation, Nintendo) and internet. ACH Group has also published a list of games curated for fitness and social play in-mind.

“If they are new to online gaming, our advice is to play a traditional game online they’re already familiar with such as scrabble or chess,” Mr Weits said.
“Then when they feel confident playing those familiar games, they can take up the challenge of learning a new game.
“This also highlights the opportunity for older people to learn new skills through gaming.”
Registrations open on Monday 15 March via Stayinthegame.achgroup.org.au
The Stay in the Game project is funded under the South Australian Government Statewide Wellbeing Strategy, led by Wellbeing SA. This project is proudly supported by partners Game On and Flinders University.

At a time when staying connected with your local community is more important than ever, ACH Group is relaunching its social experiences program in a bid to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older South Australians.
ACH Group’s Social Links program provides opportunities for people over the age of 65 years old to keep doing what they love or take up something new. Across its wide range of programs there are opportunities to make new friends and connect over common interests – all in a COVID-safe way.
The Australian Loneliness Report (https://psychweek.org.au/loneliness-study/) found one in four people feel lonely and people with higher levels of loneliness reported more physical health symptoms including colds and infections, headaches, sleeping difficulties and stomach complaints.
ACH Group’s CEO, Frank Weits said loneliness among older people was emerging as a global epidemic of our times due to the way we live and the growing ageing population.
Mr Weits said the problem had been heightened this year due to periods of self isolation as a measure to stay safe from COVID-19.
“Loneliness has the same effect on health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and directly impacts our wellbeing and longevity. It is about the quality of our social bonds rather than the number of acquaintances we have and is 100 per cent preventable by staying connected, having good friendships and keeping valued roles in life. Maintaining good relationships, making a difference, and belonging to community are core to living a good life” he said.
ACH Group also encourages people to engage in active roles in the wider community such as volunteering their skills and life experience in areas of their expertise. As part of its connected communities purpose, this is a way of bringing people together while promoting social connection and wellbeing.
To mark Social Inclusion Week (November 21 to 29), ACH Group will host a series of free come and try sessions to encourage South Australians to connect and try something new.
Sessions will be drawn from ACH Group’s Social Links program, run for people aged 65 and over across South Australia. Sessions are varied and include Sing for Joy choirs, Art in Focus classes, as well as Showtime Movies and more.
Find out more here: https://achgroup.org.au/group-social-experiences/

Respected community-based organisation ACH Group has renewed its naming rights of Glenelg Oval for another two years.
Since 2019, the multi-use sports complex has been known as ACH Group Stadium, and will now continue until the end of 2022.
ACH Group Chief Executive Officer Frank Weits said as a progressive and innovative provider of services and a strong advocate for older people, ACH Group is always looking at new ways to provide opportunities to connect people with their local communities in new and interesting ways.
“The multi-use sports complex and ACH Group share many common values, including recognising the importance of an active lifestyle, a sense of community and regular social connection to our overall health,” Mr Weits said.
Glenelg Oval is home to the Glenelg Football Club and Glenelg Cricket Club, and hosts many community events and local, state and international sporting events across the year.
As the Glenelg Football Club enters its Centenary year in 2021, CEO Justin Scripps is thrilled to maintain its strong partnership with ACH Group.
“It is an exciting time at ACH Group Stadium, with two Sheffield Shield games taking place in October and November. The iconic Bay Sheffield will also be hosted here for the first time in December,” Mr Scripps said.
The partnership is a natural extension of the relationship between the two organisations following the opening of ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+ at the site in February 2019.