As a national allied healthcare provider, Vivir Healthcare has supported over 500 residential aged care facilities bring care to their aged residents since beginning our operations almost 25 years ago. With the introduction of the Aged Care Quality Indicators in 2019, our Physiotherapists , Occupational Therapists , Speech Pathologists , and Dietitians are committed to working with our Residential Aged Care Facility Clients based all over Australia, and the older people they care for continuously improve their quality of service. What are Aged Care Quality Indicators? The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care introduced the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program , also known as the QI Program, for the purpose of collecting valuable data on key areas of care that impact the health and well-being of older adults. Commonwealth-subsidised residential aged care services are currently required to report their performance across 11 quality indicators every 3 months. The 11 quality indicators are: Pressure injuries Physical restraint Unplanned weight loss Falls and major injury Medication management Activities of daily living Incontinence care Hospitalisation Workforce Consumer experience Quality of life. Why do Allied Healthcare workers play an important role in helping Aged Care Providers meet their QI milestones? Allied healthcare clinicians, including our Vivir Healthcare Physiotherapists , Occupational Therapists , Speech Pathologists , and Dietitians , are essential in helping aged care providers meet their Quality Indicator (QI) milestones. These allied healthcare professionals contribute to the overall well-being of aged care residents by addressing physical, cognitive, and nutritional needs, which directly impacts key QI areas like pressure injuries, falls prevention, activities of daily living, and quality of life. Their expertise in creating personalised care plans ensures that each older person receives tailored care sessions that are designed to promote better health outcomes and enhancing quality of life. By delivering evidence-based practices, our clinicians, who are based all over Australia , help aged care providers improve their QI scores, ultimately leading to higher standards of care and satisfaction for both aged care residents and their families. What we do at Vivir Healthcare to ensure our clinicians are supporting residential aged care facilities meet their QI milestones There are many ways our Vivir Healthcare clinicians support residential aged care facilities meet their QI milestones. Taking a multidisciplinary approach through regular personal development sessions, our Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Dietitians understand the signs to look out for and when to refer clients to their fellow clinicians who can best support them to reach positive health outcomes. The result of this approach is that it helps the aged care facility maintain high standards of care, reduce the risk of undesirable health impacts to their aged care residents, and ensure continuous improvement in line with QI benchmarks. Here some examples of how our clinicians work with aged care facilities in line with the quality indicators: Our Physiotherapists will review and update mobility status of aged residents to prevent falls and related injuries. Our Dietitians will then make nutritional recommendations to compliment physical activity to promote optimal muscle mass to support strength and conditioning of skeletal muscle. Our Physiotherapists will advise a variety of products for aged care residents who are experiencing frequent falls such as hip protectors, head gears, lo lo beds, and crash mats to help avoid serious injuries that can be caused by a serious fall. Our Physiotherapists will recommend different types of mattresses or cushions to immobile/sedentary residents to avoid pressure related injuries. In addition our Dietitians will focus on ensuring residents receive adequate protein, energy, micronutrients such as vitamin C, E and minerals zinc and iron as these nutrients are equally important in the management of established pressure injuries. Our Occupational Therapists will support aged care residents with their activities of daily living and in addition improve their quality of life by firstly assessing how they perform their daily activities and then suggest different types of gears or assistive aids that will help improve how they go about their day. This may include suggesting the use of a shower chair, a mobility scooter, or even modified cutlery for residents experiencing arthritic changes in hands. If you are interested in learning more about how our Vivir Healthcare clinicians can best support your aged care facility in meeting your 11 Quality Indicators, please contact us today for a confidential discussion.

For many people, maintaining our mobility is not just about getting from point A to point B – it is about the ability to perform daily activities with independence and confidence. However, as we age or face health challenges, maintaining mobility can become challenging. This is where mobility aids come in handy. Among the various types of mobility aids is the rollator – more commonly known among aged care residents and older people as a mobility walker. Used by seniors or those with a disability, the mobility walker / rollator certainly stands out as a useful and effective piece of equipment and are highly recommended by our Vivir Healthcare physiotherapists. How Mobility Walkers/ Rollators Enhance Mobility and Independence One of the primary reasons why physiotherapists recommend the use of a mobility walker to their clients after a mobility aid assessment is to enhance their mobility and independence. Designed to provide greater stability and support, the mobility walker makes it easier for individuals to move around safely within their home and in the community. Not to be mistaken to a walking frame, a mobility walker will include wheels (3, or 4 depending on the design), brakes and a cushioned seat. They are also designed to be pushed and allow the user to still move at their regular pace. In addition, unlike traditional walking sticks, which offer minimal support, the mobility walker provides a broader base of support as well as even weight distribution. Physiotherapists will recommend a mobility walker / rollator when the user is seeking some more stability when walking. They are the best and most practical option over a walking frame when the user’s balance is not so much of an issue, or when they do not have the upper arm strength to lift a walking frame. The inclusion of hand brakes also allows users to control their pace and stop securely, reducing the risk of falls. This added safety feature makes rollators an ideal choice for those who may feel unsteady on their feet. However before recommending, physiotherapists will consider and assess if the user can properly steer the rollator and use the brakes. Why Mobility Walkers / Rollators Encourage Physical Activity By enhancing mobility, the mobility walker encourages more physical activity. Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for physical and mental health, particularly as we get older. But when mobility becomes a challenge, many seniors are hesitant to engage in physical activity, fearing they may not be able to keep up or may even injure themselves. This can lead to an inactive lifestyle, which in turn can exacerbate other health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and depression. By making walking easier and more achievable, the mobility walker / rollator allows users to walk longer distances more quickly, participate in social activities, and enjoy outdoor spaces with greater confidence. This not only helps maintain physical health but also improves mood and overall mental well-being . Indeed, the mobility walker / rollator is more than just a piece of equipment for getting around – it is a ticket to freedom that offers independence and extra support when mobility becomes a challenge. If you or someone you know requires assessment for a mobility aid, our Vivir Healthcare Physiotherapists can help. Get in touch by making a referral today .