Ageing in Place: A student-led aged care initiative in rural WA – Partyline

Authors: Amelia Speer and Sakura Morley (Curtin University Occupational Therapy students) on placement with the UDRH South West under the supervision of Cathy Phillips (UDRH SW Discipline Advisor). University Department of Rural Health South West

The Article appears in Partyline- Issue 91 

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Walking into Northcliffe Family and Community Centre for the first time, two occupational therapy students and their supervisor are met with warm smiles and welcoming words. The town is surrounded by beautiful scenery, is rich in art and culture and is situated within a forest of karri trees, four hours from Perth.

Under the guidance of experienced supervisors (Cathy Phillips and Ben Avery), Amelia Speer and Sakura Morley have recently begun the BASIS program to support older adults to live at home safely and reduce their risk of falls. BASIS stands for Balance, Ability, Strength, Independence, and Support. The program’s aim is to service the over 65 population in Manjimup and Northcliffe and provide an excellent student placement opportunity for occupational therapy and exercise physiology students. The program is supported by the University Department of Rural Health South West, which facilitates clinical placements across the region.

According to the 2021 Census, Australia’s median age is 38. In Manjimup the median age is 47 and in Northcliffe is 50. This ageing population face unique challenges to accessing healthcare. The local GP visits Northcliffe only once a week and residents often have to travel up to 2 hours to neighbouring towns to see specialists. Cozy rural homes are not built for the ageing body with their steep stairs, narrow bathrooms, dim lighting and slippery tiling. The frequent power outages and lack of reception prove another challenge to accessing health information and staying safe in isolated areas.

The program offers two free services in both towns: home visiting and group exercise programs. The occupational therapy students are able to meet residents in their homes to assess their environments and recommend modifications or equipment. A simple rail in the right place or an electric jar opener can be the difference that means an older adult can safely do the everyday activities they need to do to remain independent at home.

The group exercise sessions are run using the Lifestyle Integrated Functional Exercise program which has been shown to reduce the risk of falls. Falls can have devastating effects including injuries, loss of confidence, weakening of muscles and hospital-acquired infections. For older adults living rurally, isolation and delayed emergency response can result in the person lying on the floor for hours or even days. The group sessions allow for older adults to build up their balance and learn the best ways of keeping themselves safe and active. By addressing physical home safety, promoting strength and balance, and building trusting relationships, BASIS mitigates the challenges that can otherwise limit older adults’ ability to age in place.

For the students, they hope to have made a difference, however small, for the residents of these rural towns. And equally they recognise that this opportunity is one of learning; about the country way of living, managing a new caseload, and being resourceful. They have certainly been shown the meaning of country hospitality, from good morning greetings from the locals, to the capsicums, mandarins and apples they have received from grateful clients. With a growing need for rural health professionals and limited services in remote areas, student-led programs like BASIS can bridge critical gaps while preparing the future workforce to serve Australia’s rural communities. This success story can be used as a model for future student-led initiatives striving towards closing the gap for rural healthcare.

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