Day Therapy Centre
As part of our commitment to providing for the needs of the community, Royal Freemasons Day Therapy Centre offers therapy, rehabilitation and allied health services to elderly Victorians. Based at our Coppin Community Hostel facility, the focus of the centre is on restoring independence and improving the general health and well being of clients in a setting that is stimulating, supportive, challenging and fun.
Following an injury, stay in hospital, or exacerbation of an existing condition, it is important to receive the right rehabilitation to ensure a speedy recovery. Before entry to the program, the Day Therapy Centre assesses each client and develops a treatment program according to his or her individual needs. We offer a comprehensive core service of programs from mobility sessions to falls and balance interventions, physiotherapy to podiatry, all designed to improve quality of life and promote confidence and self-esteem. Other benefits of the service include, promoting access to the local community, improving pain management and decreasing the risk of falls.
The short-term programs run for 3-4 months, after which a review of the client's progress will determine if the client is to be discharged, receives further treatment or joins specialized group sessions at the Centre, which support an ongoing health and fitness regime.
The philosophy of the Day Therapy Centre is to keep the programs interesting and engaging. As well as the high level of core services (including mobility, endurance and strengthening regimes), we also offer a number of new and innovative initiatives. One such program is 'Conductorcise' where clients are encouraged to perform rhythmic movements to music - improving co-ordination, balance and timing. This can be done in either a sitting or standing position.
We also offer 'Physio Chi' to decrease falls risks and improve balance while providing clients with another treatment philosophy. The Day Therapy Centre also includes dance and movement classes catering to all levels of ability. There are also more competitive group sessions such as chair soccer, volleyball, tennis and cricket. These programs are an excellent way of promoting cognitive stimulation and are thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.
As well as the benefits of therapy and rehabilitation, the centre also provides the opportunity for much needed social interaction. The clients enjoy spending time with others their own age and many strong friendships are formed.
As with all of Royal Freemasons' facilities and services, the Day Therapy Centre is operated by a team of highly skilled, professional staff. There is always a dynamic mix of vibrant, enthusiastic staff ranging from new graduates to those with many years of experience in aged care, delivering this specialist treatment.
Admission and Fees
The Day Therapy Centre is open to residents at Coppin Community Hostel, clients who receive one of the Royal Freemasons Outreach Community Care programs and elderly members of the general public. A referral from your local GP or health practitioner to the manager of the Day Therapy Centre is recommended, but not essential, in order to access the services. The manager will then contact you to arrange an appointment for your initial assessment.
The cost of assessment is $10 (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy & podiatry); ongoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy sessions are $7.50 per session; ongoing podiatry treatment is $10 per session; and foot-care treatment is $6.50 per session. Clients who cannot afford these fees will not be refused treatment. Additional costs such as meals, transport and hiring of equipment are not calculated in the scheduled fees.
Day Therapy Services
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Podiatry
- Speech Pathology
- Optometry (visiting private practitioner)
- Audiology (available through Australian Hearing Services)
- General Practice (for clients who do not have a general practitioner)
- Ophthalmology (on referral from optometrist)
Royal Freemasons wishes to acknowledge the Commonwealth Government's contribution to this service.
