The Sunbeam Program’s Game-Changing Results You Can’t Ignore
The Sunbeam program, inspired by the groundbreaking research of Hewitt et al. (2018), represents a paradigm shift in falls prevention strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of exercise in promoting balance, strength, and mobility among older adults. Bodyright Healthcare has been working with the local Public Healthcare Networks to ensure the successful delivery of this program to residents in aged care facilities.
The aim of running this evidence based program is to reduce falls and improve overall quality of life for those residing in these facilities. Recognizing the diverse needs of participants, Bodyright Healthcare ensured that practitioners were suitably equipped to tailor the exercises to individuals of varying abilities and fitness levels. This commitment to excellence in program delivery has been instrumental in achieving positive outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of participants.
In the year 2023, Bodyright Healthcare embarked on a mission to bring the benefits of the Sunbeam program to residents in three residential aged care facilities. As guided by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Networks, three key outcomes were used to measure the effectiveness of the intervention:
- the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); which assesses lower extremity function, balance and mobility
- the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I); which gauges participants’ confidence in avoiding falls during daily activities
- recording the number of falls over set periods of time pre- and post intervention
Overall the results of the intervention were extremely positive. In one aged care facility, the implementation of the Sunbeam program yielded remarkable results, as evidenced by the data collected. Participants experienced a significant improvement in their Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores, with a remarkable 32% increase in lower extremity function, balance, and mobility.
Moreover, the impact of the Sunbeam program on falls prevention was profound, with a staggering 64% reduction in the number of falls recorded during the intervention period. This translates to 32 fewer falls among participants, underscoring the program’s ability to mitigate falls risk and enhance safety within the aged care facility. Additionally, these participants reported a notable improvement in their confidence levels, as reflected by a 6.5% increase in scores on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). While the improvement in fear of falling may appear modest compared to other outcomes, it nonetheless underscores the positive psychological impact of the Sunbeam program on participants’ overall well-being and quality of life.
A second group of participants at a different residential facility showed similarly positive outcomes. Participants demonstrated a significant improvement in their SPPB scores, with a commendable 30.23% increase in lower extremity function and mobility. Furthermore, the Sunbeam program contributed to a notable reduction in falls within this facility, with a 31.82% decrease in the number of falls recorded during the intervention period.
This translates to 14 fewer falls among participants, highlighting the program’s efficacy in preventing falls and promoting safety within the facility. Moreover, these participants reported a substantial improvement in their confidence levels, as evidenced by a 16.1% increase in scores on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). This significant improvement reflects the program’s positive impact on participants’ confidence in performing daily activities without fear of falling, thereby enhancing their overall sense of independence and well-being.
In the third and final facility we worked with in 2023, the participants also experienced an improvement in their SPPB scores, with an 8.07% increase in lower extremity function and mobility. The Sunbeam program led to a remarkable 64.5% reduction in falls, resulting in 20 fewer falls recorded during the intervention period. This substantial decrease underscores the program’s effectiveness in reducing falls risk and enhancing safety within the aged care facility.
However, these residents did not exhibit a significant improvement in their confidence levels, as reflected by no change in scores on the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). While this outcome may seem less favorable compared to other facilities, it highlights the complex nature of falls prevention and the need for tailored interventions to address individual needs and preferences.
In conclusion, the Sunbeam program, rooted in evidence-based research and delivered with expertise and dedication by Bodyright Healthcare, has demonstrated the importance of focusing on exercise-led interventions tailored to individual needs. This program not only improves physical function and confidence but also enhances the overall quality of life for participants in aged care facilities. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of an aging population, initiatives like the Sunbeam program offer a promising path forward in promoting healthy aging and reducing the burden of falls-related injuries and hospitalizations.
These findings reaffirm the importance of evidence-based falls prevention programs and highlight the invaluable role of organizations like Bodyright Healthcare in promoting the health and well-being of older adults in residential aged care facilities and those living within the community.
For more information about The Sunbeam Program in your facility or for a Community consumer, call BodyRight Healthcare on 03 9558 9111 or Send a Referral.
