Physiotherapy for Dementia Adelaide
At Thrive Health Therapies, we provide experienced physiotherapy services for people with dementia in Adelaide. Our dedicated team specialises in supporting individuals living with dementia to preserve their physical abilities, promoting independence, safety, and a high quality of life for as long as possible.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single condition but an umbrella term for disorders affecting brain function. It impacts memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities. According to recent statistics, over 472,000 Australians live with dementia, making it the third leading cause of disease burden in the country.
Common Types of Dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common form, caused by nerve cell death and brain shrinkage.
Vascular Dementia: Resulting from reduced blood flow to the brain, often linked to strokes or bleeding.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Caused by abnormal protein deposits in brain cells.
Frontotemporal Dementia: Affects the frontal and temporal lobes, leading to personality and behavioural changes.
Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more types.
Symptoms vary between individuals and stages, making tailored, person-centered care essential.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Dementia Care
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in supporting individuals with dementia by maintaining physical function, promoting mobility, and enhancing overall well-being. Physiotherapists use tailored approaches to address the specific challenges associated with dementia at each stage, helping individuals remain active, safe, and engaged in daily life.
1. Maintaining Physical Function and Mobility
Physiotherapists work to preserve strength, balance, and coordination, which are essential for everyday movements and activities. Key interventions include:
Exercise Programs: Customised routines designed to maintain or improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Mobility Aids: Recommending and teaching the use of devices like walkers or walking sticks for safe movement.
Balance Training: Exercises to reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence in mobility.
2. Enhancing Safety and Preventing Falls
Dementia increases the risk of falls due to changes in balance, perception, and coordination. Physiotherapists focus on:
Home Assessments: Identifying hazards and recommending modifications such as handrails or non-slip mats.
Education: Teaching individuals and caregivers strategies to prevent falls and respond to balance issues.
Posture and Gait Training: Addressing movement patterns to improve stability and reduce fall risk.
3. Supporting Independence in Daily Activities
Physiotherapists aim to help individuals retain their ability to perform daily tasks by:
Functional Movement Training: Strengthening the muscles needed for activities like sitting, standing, and walking.
Task-Specific Exercises: Practicing movements required for dressing, bathing, or other self-care tasks.
Caregiver Guidance: Providing tips for assisting with physical tasks while encouraging independence.
4. Managing Pain and Discomfort
Pain from conditions like arthritis or joint stiffness can further limit mobility in individuals with dementia. Physiotherapists help by:
Manual Therapy: Techniques to relieve pain and improve joint mobility.
Exercise Prescription: Gentle exercises to reduce stiffness and enhance range of motion.
Postural Advice: Strategies to alleviate discomfort caused by prolonged sitting or lying down.
5. Encouraging Participation in Physical Activities
Engaging in regular physical activity is important for physical and mental health. Physiotherapists support this by:
Adapting Activities: Modifying exercises to suit the individual’s abilities and interests.
Promoting Enjoyable Movement: Incorporating hobbies like walking, dancing, or gardening into therapy.
Building Confidence: Encouraging consistent movement to boost self-esteem and reduce anxiety.
6. Supporting Respiratory Health
In advanced stages of dementia, respiratory issues may arise due to decreased physical activity or mobility. Physiotherapists address this through:
Breathing Exercises: Techniques to improve lung function and oxygen intake.
Chest Physiotherapy: Assisting with clearing airways if respiratory complications develop.
7. Supporting Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia can be physically demanding. Physiotherapists provide:
Caregiver Training: Techniques to safely assist with transfers, mobility, and positioning.
Preventing Caregiver Strain: Strategies to protect caregivers from injury during physical tasks.
How We Deliver Physiotherapy for Dementia at Thrive Health Therapies
At Thrive Health Therapies, we provide personalised physiotherapy in Adelaide through a range of services tailored to your needs.
Community-Based Services: We bring physiotherapy for clients with dementia to your home, providing personalised care in a familiar and convenient setting.
Clinic-based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations & disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for Dementia Physiotherapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making physiotherapy for people with dementia accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Learn more about the funding options we accept.
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Dementia Physiotherapy in Adelaide?
At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care that makes a difference. Here’s why we’re a trusted provider of physiotherapy in Adelaide:
No wait time: We can start working with clients straight away!
Expert team: Our physiotherapists are experienced senior clinicians with extensive experience managing clients with dementia.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing physiotherapy across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at their home, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic and gym in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations & disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Funding Sources: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people.
FAQs About Physiotherapy for Dementia
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of progressive brain conditions that impair memory, thinking, behaviour, and physical abilities. Common challenges include forgetfulness, difficulty completing daily tasks, communication problems, and reduced mobility. The impact varies depending on the type and stage of dementia.
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Physiotherapy helps individuals with dementia maintain their physical function, mobility, and overall well-being. Physiotherapists address physical challenges, prevent falls, and support daily activities, allowing individuals to remain active and independent for as long as possible.
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Physiotherapy provides multiple benefits, including:
Maintaining strength, balance, and coordination.
Reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Supporting independence in daily activities like walking, dressing, and bathing.
Managing pain and stiffness associated with other health conditions.
Encouraging participation in physical activities to boost mood and mental health.
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Physiotherapy cannot stop or slow the progression of dementia itself but can help manage its physical symptoms. By maintaining physical activity and addressing mobility issues, physiotherapy can improve quality of life and delay the need for higher levels of care.
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Physiotherapists tailor exercises to the individual’s abilities and needs, which may include:
Strength training: To maintain muscle tone for daily tasks.
Balance exercises: To reduce the risk of falls.
Gentle stretching: To relieve stiffness and improve flexibility.
Walking programs: To promote cardiovascular health and mobility.
Fun activities: Dancing, gardening, or light yoga to encourage engagement.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your loved one directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide
As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
Ready to get started? It’s easy!
Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
