September 2024
Supporting Long COVID Recovery
The theme of this year’s World Physiotherapy Day (8 September) focuses on rehabilitation and Long COVID and the role of physiotherapists in the treatment and management of people affected by Long COVID.
Grace, a dedicated Physiotherapist at Healthy Connections, shares her expert insights on how Physiotherapy can aid in recovery:
What is Long COVID?
Most people with COVID-19 feel better within a few days or weeks of their first symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks. However, for some people, symptoms can last longer which is called long COVID or post COVID-19 syndrome. Long COVID is a new condition which is still being studied.
The most common symptoms of long COVID are:
n Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
n Dizziness
n Joint pain and muscle aches
n Feeling short of breath
n Problems with memory and concentration (brain fog)
n Heart palpitations
Other symptoms include chest tightness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, loss of appetite, headaches, changes to smell and taste.
What can you do if you are experiencing Long COVID symptoms?
Pacing:
Pacing is an approach to balance activities with rest to avoid exacerbation of symptoms. It includes setting realistic goals, monitoring physical, cognitive and social activities and their effects on energy levels. By pacing, it avoids the possibility of over-exertion which may worsen symptoms.
Eating a balanced diet:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and help you feel your best. This means eating a variety of foods in the right proportions.
Exercise and Physical activity: Exercise and physical activity are often recommended as public health and rehabilitation interventions to prevent, manage or improve diseases, health related challenges, disability, quality of life and well-being.
Physical activity of all forms might benefit some people living with Long COVID but could exacerbate symptoms in others. Using a cautious approach to physical
activity will likely support longer-term recovery. It can help to start small and listen to your body. An example includes taking small movement breaks every hour that you’re sitting.
Long COVID is different for everyone, and rehabilitation for Long COVID must be tailored to the individual.
Physiotherapists play a key role in delivering safe and effective rehabilitation that is fundamental to recovery after COVID-19.
Healthy Connections has a team of experienced Physiotherapists to help you with your recovery of Long COVID.
We offer health fund rebates and funding through Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Program. Our Physiotherapy services are available at our Chermside clinic and through mobile services for Brisbane’s Northside.
To book in for an assessment, call us on 3624 2185 or visit us at 60 Kuran Street, Chermside.
Staff Spotlight: Karen
Home Care Package Care Coordinator
How long have you been working at Burnie Brae? 3 years
Tell us a bit about what your job involves? As a Home Care Package Care Coordinator my job involves ensuring the needs and preferences of my clients are being met and their quality of life at home is improved. I assist clients to remain in their homes as long as possible and stay connected to the community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? I was inspired to move into the aged care industry when responding to a job advertisement in 2006 to work as a domestic assistant and have been very happy I made that choice all those years ago
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job? I love watching my clients remain independent with assistance from our support staff and having the opportunity to remain in their own homes as long as possible.
From Caregiver to Receiving Care
Thelma has dedicated her life to serving others, working as a nurse, counselor and Guide Dogs trainer. Throughout her career, she also provided loving care for her husband, who has vision impairment. Now, we’re privileged to return the support she has given to so many.
Through their Home Care Package, Thelma and her husband can continue to live independently in their cherished Taigum home. This support is crucial for maintaining their comfort and allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings.
Thelma still finds joy in her hobbies—reading, arts and crafts, connecting with friends online and traveling. Burnie Brae supports Thelma with cleaning, home maintenance and other domestic tasks, due to the arthritis in her hands.
In addition to these services, Thelma and her husband receive meal assistance through Lite n Easy, which helps them maintain a nutritious diet without the added stress of meal preparation.
This support enables Thelma and her husband to enjoy their home, their hobbies, and visits from family, making it possible for them to continue living happily and comfortably. We’re proud to be part of their journey and to support them in every way we can.
To find out more about Burnie Brae’s Home Care Packages, contact us on 3624 2121 or visit burniebrae.org.au/homecare
Thelma with Home Care Package Care Coordinator, Karen
Aged Care Award for Respite
What better way to celebrate Aged Care Employee Day than with an ACCPA Excellence Award (Aged & Community Care Providers Association)! Our Respite team received this prestigious accolade from Ian Poalses, ACCPA State Manager. This award highlights their exceptional dedication, innovative approaches in aged and community care, and the success of our intergenerational pen pal program last year.
“A fantastic result for Burnie Brae! It was a pleasure to witness the interaction between our team and the kids. A massive thank you to everyone involved in our program with Craigslea High School, especially teacher Peter Blakelock.”
— Nick, Respite Team Manager
Burnie Brae Centre Carpark
The Burnie Brae Centre car park entry at Kingsmill Street, outside Healthy Connections and Project Pantry will be upgraded shortly to improve safety.
The area will be a designated shared zone for pedestrians and cars. Please note that the speed limit is 5km/per hour. The drop-off zone will be moved so that no vehicle can pass during drop-off. To avoid having to wait during drop-offs, please enter via Kuran Street.
Do you know the symptoms of sepsis?
World Sepsis Day (13 September), is dedicated to raising awareness about sepsis—a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to infection. Early recognition is vital to save lives. Know the symptoms: fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and severe pain. Spread awareness to help prevent and treat sepsis effectively.
Reminder- don’t forget to nominate a Burnie Brae Member who has shown outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to our community, for our Life Membership!
Submissions close Monday 16 September – nominate online at burniebrae.org.au/lifemember or at Reception.
Choir Group
Our first choir group was lots of fun, singing our hearts out with professional singer Christie Dawkins and connecting with like-minded birds.
Tuesdays, 12pm – 1pm, Members $12.50
Music, movement and magic
Our Bollywood Dance group performed at the Annual Bollywood Showcase last month, alongside 200+ dancers from all age ranges. Thursdays, 9:30am - 10:30am, Members $15
Knitting for a Cause
Our knitting and crochet group, led by teacher Sarah have been busy crafting items for Australian Foundation for Children with AIDS fundraising stall. Tuesdays 9:30am – 11am (beginners arrive at 9:30am), Members $10
Activity Updates
Older Women’s Network
Connect, share ideas and stay informed with a welcoming and supportive community of older women from diverse backgrounds. Explore different cultures and gain new perspectives— all while fostering health and building lasting friendships. 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, 9:30am – 11am, Members $5.
Beginner and Chair Yoga updated time: 11:45 am – 12:45pm. Men’s Yoga on Tuesdays now 3pm – 4pm Aqua Aerobics slight price increase to $11.00 Thursday Bollywood class - beginners are welcome
Activities are held in the Burnie Brae Hall, 60 Kuran Street, Chermside.
To book, call 3624 2110 or visit Reception at 60 Kuran St, Chermside.
Magnificent Bubble Show
Release your inner child and get set for an incredi-bubble time at Redcliffe Entertainment Centre! Experience the magic of bubbles, from miniscule specs to gigantic orbs that could swallow you whole.
Tuesday 17 September, 9am – 1pm
$38.00 including transport and show ticket (cafe open for purchases)
Attracting Butterflies to your Garden
Discover how to create a vibrant, butterflyfriendly garden with Donna, a certified horticulturist with a passion for gardening.
Wednesday 25 September, 10am – 11:30am
$5.00 for Associate Members & FREE for MemberPlus Members
Dying with Dignity
Join us to learn about Voluntary Assisted Dying and the support available. Our session covers the process for terminally ill Australians, with insights from Lynn Robson, an experienced former Lifeline Crisis Counsellor.
Wednesday 18 September, 10am – 11:30am
$5.00 for Associate Members & FREE for MemberPlus Members
Parliament House High Tea
Explore Queensland’s history with a tour of Parliament House and a special High Tea at the elegant Strangers’ Restaurant for classic and unique pastries crafted by skilled pastry chefs.
Tuesday 24 September, 10:30am – 2:30pm
$87.00 including transport, guided tour & high tea
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Experience the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers with a tour of the The Chronicle Competition Gardens, DownsSteam Railway. Enjoy stops at Cobb & Co Museum for morning tea and Danish Flower Art Gourmet Café for lunch.
Thursday 26 September , 7am – 4:30pm
$103.00 incl. transport, tour, morning tea & lunch
Club Respite
Whether you need support in your caring role or a friendly space for yourself, our day respite centre offers a welcoming and supportive community environment.
Every Friday, our men’s group enjoys fun activities, like our recent trip to explore model railways.
Our craft group just finished a flower project using toilet paper rolls and is now starting on pen holders made from Pringles containers.
We had a blast celebrating the Ekka with dagwood dogs, strawberry ice creams and festive outfits!
Showing our Aussie pride during the Olympics!
Supported outings
We offer specialised support for individuals with higher needs, ensuring an enjoyable day out with transport included. This month’s highlights include a CityCat cruise, shopping adventures, Lord Mayor’s Concerts, movies and a walking excursion to Lake Eden.
For more details, visit burniebrae.org.au/respite or call 3624 2121 (funding available).
New Physiotherapist, Emily
We’re excited to welcome Emily, our newest Physiotherapist. With a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in a variety of specialised areas. Her primary focus is on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, treating conditions related to the neck, lower back, shoulders, knees and ankles.
She has a keen interest in balance and falls prevention, matwork and reformer Pilates and running injuries. Emily has completed professional development in areas such as Lyn Watson Shoulder Rehabilitation, clinical matwork and equipment Pilates instruction and motivational interviewing. For those dealing with running injuries, Emily offers tailored rehabilitation plans to ensure a safe and effective recovery.
To book in with Emily, contact Healthy Connections on 3624 2185 or visit us at 60 Kuran St, Chermside.
Improve your Balance, Strength & Confidence Exercise Program
Our popular ‘Balance with Confidence’ exercise program is back! Enjoy engaging educational sessions and balance exercises designed to help reduce your risk of age-related falls.
Each week, you'll learn valuable fall-prevention tips and participate in fun, challenging exercises to improve your stability and strength. Sessions are run by our Accredited Exercise Physiologists, who will also provide you with a personalised home exercise plan to keep up your progress!
6-week program: 16 September to 25 October
For more details or to register your interest for future programs, give us a call at 3624 2185.
Why Women’s Fitness Matters
Exercise is crucial for women’s health, supporting everything from hormonal balance and bone density to mental wellbeing and cardiovascular health. This Women's Health Week is the perfect time to prioritise your wellbeing and integrate exercise into your daily routine.
Our Starter's Pack offer is designed to kickstart your fitness journey with a comprehensive approach:
n Initial Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your current fitness level and health status.
n Customised Exercise Program: A tailored fitness plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
n One-on-One Session with Our Exercise Physiologist: Personalised guidance to ensure you get the most out of your program and stay motivated.
To book your assessment, call us at 3624 2185 or visit us at 60 Kuran Street, Chermside.
Saturday, 16 November 2024, 8am – 1pm
Are you a local artisan, food vendor or small business selling handmade or locally sourced products, including skincare, fashion, homewares, toys and more?
Apply for a stall at our upcoming Christmas Market, either online at burniebrae. org.au/marketstall or visit reception.
Explore Nathon’s serene seafront, view Halong Bay’s dramatic islets and visit Ho Chi Minh City’s historic sites on a roundtrip from Singapore with overnights near Bangkok and Hue on this holiday sailing.
Nursery Donations Wanted
We're on the lookout for some plant donations to help our community nursery grow. If you have any established flowers, shrubs, herbs, succulents, or veggies you'd like to share, we'd love to have them!
Our nursery is located at the Burnie Brae Centre (next to Reception) and is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to midday. Thank you for your support!
Lord Mayor’s Seniors Christmas Parties
Inviting Brisbane seniors to celebrate the festive season at Brisbane City Hall. This much-loved event features a new line-up every year with a range of entertainers performing traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. Tickets on sale from 2 October.
