My First Trip to a Retirement Village

UPDATE: Our Bawlyn Physio Clinic has moved to Hawthorn

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Today, there are many options for the retired and the elderly when it comes to community care and residential homes. Personally, I’ve been to many nursing homes and elderly health care facilities, but what really caught my attention and curiosity were retirement villages. Upon visiting my friend staying in a retirement village in Balwyn, I was impressed and astonished at how different it was from centers I’ve been to before.

It was quite obvious that space was of no problem to this community. Land and greeneries sprawled the area and it was definitely a sight to see. It has a tranquil garden setting that elderly people prefer and enjoy. The variety of leisurely activities available, such as swimming pools, private gardens, and a golf course, available to the residents also added to the ambiance of the place.

After the long chat I had with my friend, it was crystal clear that she is living a comfortable life in this retirement village. Other than having her personal space, she is still allowed to have the simple pleasures she had in her previous home. The management has no restrictions in pet ownership, thus she has her dog to accompany and entertain her all throughout the day. Likewise, there is no need to ask permission if she wants to visit her neighbours or take an early morning stroll in the vicinity. Clearly, the institution wants them to make the most out of their ageing while being in control of his/her own schedules and activities.

Because this village has fitness centers, restaurants, libraries, cafes, and lounges, within and nearby, residents can easily socialize with their fellow neighbours. My friend has introduced me to her own circle of friends that she became close with, thanks to movie nights held weekly. Thanks to administration, its residents were encouraged to become socially involved and engaged as they stay here.

Another commendable attribute I found in this vicinity is its convenience. It has food stalls, mini grocery stores, clinics, a chapel and a meditation area, and salons inside. My friend mentioned that she has no problem in accessing and buying her basic needs as everything is within reach. And if a place is too far to reach on foot, she just calls for the community transport service and in an instant, she is given a ride from Point A to Point B.

As I toured around the village, it was evident that the people are well-taken care of. Since most of them have their own nutritional needs and cases, their food specialists, chefs, and doctors, who cook and manage their daily meals. They can cater to both the preferences and health requirements of each person, at the same time, provide great dining experiences in their halls and rooms coupled with a home’s ambiance. As much as possible, chefs use natural and organic produce to ensure the well-being of their friends.

Aside from the nutritious food being served in their tables, the elderly also have 24/7 access to clinics with registered nurses, doctors, and therapists. As a therapist myself, I checked if they had the needed facilities that would suit numerous possible health complications and conditions. To my surprise, they had centers for physiotherapy, podiatry, diversional therapy, and rehabilitation. Plus, there are enough medical and health staff that can assist and check on their patients. I can really say that my friend is in good hands in this retirement village.

But even if they have all these amenities and doctors, not all of the physiotherapy services are offered here.  For this reason, my friend asked me to give her hand therapy exercises and routines.  Other than these, she requested for my weekly visit so I can perform manual approach treatments for her and her friends. Patients can click here to visit my clinic.

If ever an emergency happens, each person has a list of who to call in different situations. There are emergency alert units and telephones provided in each home and there are at least two pharmacies on site. Response is quick because of the systems created by the management.

Medicational monitoring and rounds are typical in this village. Housekeepers and cleaners are also offered to all, the same goes for gym trainers and exercise instructors. And what’s more, is that they have pastors and spiritual leaders who conduct worship and meditation sessions for them. I can’t help but say that I’m more than impressed by the medical, health, and personal services offered by this institution. No wonder my friend has no complaints and regrets when she transferred here in the village.

Overall, this experience was a great exposure of how care facilities and specialists like me handle and ensure the wellbeing of the elderly. This just shows that even if they are ageing, we can still give them what they need and want to live a happy life.

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Capital Physiotherapy welcomes patients from Balwyn, a sought after suburb northeast of our Hawthorn Physio Clinic. Balwyn is popular with families bringing up children, as well as trendsetters, professionals, singles and retirees.

Eating Out After Work in Balwyn

Working as a physiotherapist at Capital Physiotherapy can mean working a bit longer than those who work the usual 8-5 jobs. This is because a typical Balwyn physio clinic is open for business until 7 pm or maybe even longer. This way, we can also accommodate clients who work full-time and are unable to make earlier appointments.

Despite the long hours, I love working as a physiotherapist, because it allows me to help people through their problems with body pain, injury or even issues with their weight. I sincerely believe in promoting good health and exercise to the people in my community, which is why I entered this field as well.

However, as a young married woman, I am also not tied down to my career only. Part of what I promote is having a balanced life. That means, career, exercise and good social connections are key to making people healthy and happy. It is important for me to have time as well for myself to relax after work, and spend quality time with my husband. Indeed I am fortunate because working in the trendy and lively Balwyn makes this easy.

Not only is going out important to wind down after a long day of work and to catch up with the important people in my life but having access to great food that is also nutritious is vital. As a physiotherapist, I try to keep myself in shape and in perfect health as an example to my clients. Thankfully, just outside my office are lots of great choices of places to eat. In fact, finding the best restaurant in Balwyn can be tricky, as there are easily quite a few options out there.

Being one of Melbourne’s most exclusive areas, it has one of the best atmospheres for dining out, with the lush greens and beautiful architecture all around. For couples like me and my husband, it can be a romantic and relaxing environment for a date. The highlight for me, to be honest, is that some of them are just steps away from the clinic. Meaning, even if I have clients until closing time, I just need a few minutes to prepare myself and I am ready for a date close by. Now that’s work-life balance!

The variety of restaurants will have to be the second best point about Balwyn. Here you can find places that offer more nutritious options than a fast food restaurant. Therefore, finding delicious but also healthy food is easy. At the same time, many different cuisines are available for those who like to try new things. From authentic Asian food (Thai, Malaysian or Chinese, among others), there are some traditional Italian places for some comfort food as well.

From exotic dishes with different herbs and spices to more familiar pasta and pizza, Balwyn offers them. Each of these cuisines has healthier options for those who are watching their intake, and meet everybody’s taste or preference. In my time working at the physio clinic, I have never run out of new restaurants to try out with my husband. Having so many options does not just make it less boring for my palate, but it gives me a very good variety of food in my diet.

The next great point has to be the liveliness of the area. In fact, some restaurants do tend to get full on certain days, so getting a reservation is always a great idea. Many other people also flock to Balwyn to eat out so it can be busy, but in a good way, very full of life as well. As a young married woman, this is the perfect scene after a long day’s work. Meeting friends and catching up on each other’s lives is fun in Balwyn, relieving you of any stress from the office.

All of these points are important for me when deciding where to go out for dinner. Because of my line of work, my work hours are not the same as others’. However, this does not stop me from enjoying my personal time.

By having these restaurants just outside my office, I get to continue to do two things I enjoy the most. Conducting my physio sessions, helping clients recover from injuries or simply introducing exercise into their routine, is my life’s career. I sincerely derive joy helping them achieve their fitness goals. Therefore I cannot imagine leaving my job just because it hinders me from having a more active social life. Thankfully, Balwyn offers me, and at the same time, our clients, a way to go out afterward. It is just a matter of setting your priorities and managing your time Intelligently.

Capital Physiotherapy welcomes patients from Balwyn, a sought after suburb northeast of our Hawthorn Physio Clinic. Balwyn is popular with families bringing up children, as well as trendsetters, professionals, singles and retirees.

Going to a Winter Concert at Balwyn High School

UPDATE: Our Bawlyn Physio Clinic has moved to Hawthorn

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Winter is coming. Winter is usually associated with long nights of isolation and bouts of weariness. I am happy to say though that Melbourne sure has its ways of having fun this winter season. In particular, the awaited Balwyn High School Winter Concert is going to heat up the town with refreshing music, hearty food, and warm laughters. Anyone who is ready to groove, no matter what age, is welcomed. Teens, young twenties, mid-twenties, or even the forties will surely have room for this event. I, for one, am excited for the said winter concert. It’s going to be a long night of raw, undiluted merriment with a friend whose kid will be performing on stage. How cool can that be?

But of course, winter is still winter, a period where temperature hits really low that our bodies are not accustomed to. Albeit all the wonderful possibilities the winter concert may bring, I firmly believe that we all need to exercise precautionary measures. Much so, if we have youngsters and elderly companions en route to the concert or to any other winter event.

There are possibilities of getting auto immune diseases such as colds, and possibilities of getting injured. Reason why, being a physio in Balwyn myself, I shared some tips to my friend to safeguard our interests. Here are some of them:

First, we need to check the weather reports in advance. Get to know the temperature and the relative humidity. If it rains hails, then better just postpone any event. However if getting outside home cannot be helped, then the least that you can do is to take some safeguarding measures.

Always wear the appropriate clothes. Of course, this seems like an automatic response to winter. Nevertheless, I reiterate this for the sake of those who seem to overlook the simple task of putting on layers during winter. Frost bites are always a possibility under extremely cold conditions. So better cocoon your youngsters and elderly companions from head to foot with garments, gloves, mittens, boots, and any other protective piece you can find. More is always better when it comes to protection.

Bring hot liquids with you. A thermos of hot chocolate or water can bring comfort to your already trembling body. It adds extra warmth to your declining temperature.

Keep your skin moisturized. Winter makes your skin super dry because there is less humidity in the atmosphere. Reduce your shower time to keep you just clean enough without dehydrating your skin. Drinking plenty of water also helps, but definitely not cold water.

For those with existing medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes, you need to take extra care of your health. Asthma attacks will likely to be frequent due to the relatively dry air during winter. Diabetic people will also need to watch their food intake since the body finds it difficult to control glucose during winter season.

Winter also affects your psychological health. We all know the occurrence of seasonal affective disorder or SAD which causes our moods to be slightly down without any justifiable reason. It’s just the winter season, really. It causes a significant drop of serotonin in your body, hence you feel sad or lethargic.

Being a physiotherapist myself, I further reminded my friend to take extra care of her migraine too. Cold temperatures can cause a significant drop in the barometric pressure which consequently heads to headaches. Of course, drinking plenty of liquids and taking medicine can provide relief. But as a physio, I also recommend massaging the right pressure points in your temples, jawlines or necks. Through this, you are able to increase circulation around the areas that directly cause your headache. Little did you know that headaches have different sources and types. There’s tension headache, neck headache, and the medically-diagnosed migraine. Your physio can help you with the assessment of your headache, and can provide you with natural remedy.

Another thing you need to watch out for is the fact that low temperatures can also cause swelling in your joints and limbs. So, I advise those who suffer from arthritis to avoid being outdoors if possible. Or, consult your physio beforehand, because your activities may have to be limited. The winter concert may not be ideal for you at all. There’s also a better way to manage your joint and muscle pain without compromising enjoyment. How? How else, but by attending regular sessions with your physio.

People should now be informed that physiotherapy is not just a corrective therapy. It can very well be used as preventive maintenance for those with muscle and joint problems. Physiotherapists in Balwyn are even more capable to treating winter-related arthritis incidents because they know the adverse consequences of living in temperate zones. Consult your own physio so you know what pain relief methods suit you and what exercises you can undertake to manage your arthritis and other health condition.

Lastly and definitely the most important consideration when going out this winter, is to drive safely. Road accidents may be possible for several reasons: the roads are way too slippery; your knuckles may be painful or difficult to mobilize; and your vision may be blurred due to dry eyes (again as a result of dry winter air). If the worst thing happens, always consult a good physio after an injury, provided of course that your physician approved.

Even if it’s just a minor slip on the floor or a fall down the stairs, you will find that physiotherapy will always come handy, winter or not.

As for me and my friend, we’re more than ready to watch the concert where her child is performing. We’ve taken all the necessary precautions. We only have a slight problem though. Unfortunately, we’ve put on a little “winter weight” due to seasonal cravings and indulgences. Blame the temperature and the metabolism.

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Capital Physiotherapy welcomes patients from Balwyn, a sought after suburb northeast of our Hawthorn Physio Clinic. Balwyn is popular with families bringing up children, as well as trendsetters, professionals, singles and retirees.