Allied health services in residential aged care facilities

In 2021, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) commissioned a new program to deliver allied health services into residential aged care homes (RACHs). Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the program aimed to support RACHs in our region which were heavily impacted in 2020 by COVID-19 outbreaks and stay-at-home restrictions.

During this period, residents were largely restricted to their rooms. Access to the outside world and normal exercise was not possible.

Providers delivered group therapy sessions based on the Sunbeam Program, which has been proven effective in preventing falls in older adults. Group therapy sessions ran twice a week for 13 weeks, with up to 4 residents per session.

As part of the program’s evaluation, allied health providers were required to take measurements at set intervals to monitor progress.

This program aimed to improve the physical functioning of residents of RACHs in our region. This was achieved through the implementation of an intensive group therapy program delivered by allied health professionals and based on the Sunbeam Program.

There were additional outcomes for the many stakeholders involved. These were:

For RACH residents:

• increased access to allied health services
• improved overall health outcomes due to physical reconditioning
• more opportunities for social interaction and engagement.

For RACHs:

• improved health outcomes and experiences for residents
• access to group therapy for residents at no cost
• increased awareness and access to allied health services within their facility
• strengthened relationships with allied health providers.

For allied health providers:

• increased capacity to deliver evidence-based group therapy programs to older adult populations
• opportunity to lead group therapy and contribute towards better health outcomes for RACH residents
• collection and contribution of robust data that can add to the evidence base and help inform future allied health funding models
• strengthened relationships with RACHs.

Final figures

• Total RACHS involved in the program: 123 (of 128 in the NWMPHN region)
• Total residents who completed the program: 5,048

Since this program ended, some allied health providers have embedded elements of the model in their continued work with RACHs. More information and data will be available soon.

Page updated 2 April 2025