What is the Still Standing Program?
The Still Standing Program is a light exercise program to help reduce the risk of falling over. Falling can be very dangerous as we get older, and the Still Standing Program aims to reduce the risk of falling and associated hospitalisation. This program helps you complete low intensity (light) exercise whilst under the supervision of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. The exercises completed during the classes include: •Exercises to build leg strength, which are completed in a seated position and safe. •Balance exercises to improve balance (chairs and support are provided to reduce risk of falling). •Mobility exercises to improve how you move (chairs and supports are provided to reduce falling). •Reflex exercises help sharpen the mind. Participants meet weekly for an hour of exercise and there is plenty of chat, which also means completing the Still Standing Program is also a nice way to meet new people and possibly make new friends. The program has been running for the past 4 years and produced the following results: •Average leg strength improved 42% •Average balance improved 46% •Average mobility improved 21% •Average functionality improved 20% •The number of patients classified as low risk of falling improved from 15% to 62%.
What are the costs involved?
The Still Standing program is funded by the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (Wentwest). That means the complete program is free for participants.
What is involved in the Still Standing Program?
The program includes: •Initial assessment with Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) plus home exercise program designed by AEP with free exercise bands. •12-week supervised group exercise program with AEP to be completed over maximum 16 weeks. •Tea and coffee provided after each class (depending on COVID restrictions) •Final assessment with AEP after completion of the program.
Who is eligible to attend the Still Standing Program?
The eligibility is: •Aged 65+ or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50+ •Reside in Western Sydney (Blacktown, Parramatta, Castle Hill, and Cumberland LGAs) •Medically stable and at risk of falling or having experienced a fall. •Not in aged residential care. •Not due to travel lasting more than one week within 4 months of starting. •Not due to have any major elective medical procedure within 4 months of starting. •Not completed the Still Standing Program in the past 2 years, unless recurrent falling and new referral from your GP, specialist or allied health professional.
Where is the Still Standing Program currently run?
Castle Hill/Kellyville – Wrights Road Community Centre, Wrights Road, Castle Hill – Room 2 Day: Mondays Class 1: 9.30am Class 2: 11.00am Assessments available at 9am and 10.30am, by appointment only. Dundas Valley – Dundas Park Meeting room – Yates Avenue, Dundas Valley Day: Wednesday Class 1: 9.30am Class 2: 11.30am Assessments available at 9am and 11am, by appointment only. Wentworthville – Karabi Community and Development Services Inc. – Cnr Darcy Road & Fyall Avenue, Wentworthville Assessment day: Friday the 19th of April 2024 Assessments available on this day: 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm. Classes begin: Friday the 26th of April 2024 Class 1: 9.30am Class 2: 11.00am Assessments available at 9am and 10.30am, by appointment only from the 26th of April 2024. Doonside – Doonside Senior Citizens Club – 35 Graham Street, Doonside Day: Thursdays Class 1: 9.15am Class 2: 10.30am *Class 2 is currently full, please contact us to see if places become available, or to be placed on a waiting list for this class. Assessments available at 8.45am, by appointment only. Mount Druitt – Mount Druitt Hub, Ayres Grove, Mount Druitt – Room 2 Day: Fridays Class 1: 9.30am Class 2: 11.00am Assessments available at 9.00am and 10.30am, by appointment only. Toongabbie – Toongabbie Community Centre – 244 Targo Rd, Toongabbie NSW 2146 Day: Thursdays Class 1: 9.30am Class 2: 11.00am *Class 2 will only go ahead if we have too many participants in the first class Assessments available at 9am and 10.30am, by appointment only. Merrylands – Norrie Marie Kiosk at Central Gardens Nature Reserve – Cumberland Hwy & Merrylands Road, Merrylands West NSW 2160 Assessment day: Tuesday the 23rd of April 2024 Assessments available on this day: 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm Classes begin: Tuesday the 30th of April 2024 Class 1: 9.30am Class 2: 11.00am Assessments available at 9am and 10.30am, by appointment only from the 30th of April 2024. *Currently awaiting venue confirmation from Cumberland Council
How do I start the Still Standing Program?
To start the program you need to: •Complete the prescreening form (given at the initial assessment) •Be assessed before starting the classes. Please contact us to organise your assessment before starting the classes. Bring your exercise bands with you to each class, given free at the assessment. Replacement exercise band packages can be bought for $15. Before starting the classes, you need to complete an assessment. Please contact us for an appointment to complete your assessment. For the assessment, please bring with you a health summary, care plan or GP referral which outlines your health history to get a better understanding of your health needs. This program is funded and as part of the funding arrangement we need to assess your balance, strength and mobility before and after the program. It is also beneficial to see your improvement as well.
Frequently asked questions
To see answers to frequently asked questions, please click on the link below.
Do you have the above information in a printable format?
If you wish to print this information for someone or share it via email, please download the PDF in the links below.