Healthy ageing service now in the HAART of Moreton Bay

A unique new service to support older persons addressing aged-related medical conditions and improving personal capabilities is seeing great results for Moreton Bay residents.

Andy Byrne, a Kallangur resident, has benefited from the new Healthy Ageing Assessment and Rehabilitation Team (HAART) service at the Kallangur Satellite Hospital.

“It has made a big difference. I feel like a different bloke,” Andy said. “In 2023, I underwent surgery at the Prince Charles Hospital to obtain a pacemaker as I was experiencing a very low pulse and low blood pressure.

“Following the heart surgery, I needed help to improve my breathing, energy levels and fitness.

“I attended the open day at the Kallangur Satellite Hospital and found out about the rehabilitation service which supported patients 65 years and over.

“I received a referral from my GP and was the first person to access the rehabilitation service.”
Community and Oral Health Allied Health Team Leader Leanne Carroll said the 85-year-old accessed a dietitian, physiotherapist and social worker, and his physical health, wellbeing and capabilities were assessed.

“Andy started a personal tailored eight-week program of rehabilitation which included using weights, walking machines, bikes, step machines and exercise ball work,” Leanne said.

“The HAART service aims to support the aging population in the region, but also take pressure off our health system and give older persons another choice to access high quality care closer to home.

“The service provides rehabilitation care for patients 65-years and older (or older than 50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) with rapid assessment, care pathway planning and rehabilitation.

“The service is for older people experiencing an aged-related health condition who would benefit from reconditioning or rehabilitation.

“The service delivers one-on-one appointments and group therapy to promote healthy ageing, falls prevention, lifestyle improvements and pain management.”

HAART is open to older Australian residents in Bray Park, Brendale, Cashmere, Dakabin, Dayboro, Eatons Hill, Griffin, Kallangur, Kobble Creek, Lacey’s Creek, Lawnton, Mount Samson, Murrumba Downs, Petrie, Samson Vale, and Strathpine. Patients require a GP referral.

“Our service is designed to help older persons in the region avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and support them to live independently in the community,” Leanne said.

“The older persons service is driven by a multidisciplinary team which includes clinicians with a special interest in rehabilitation and the health of older people.

“The team includes a rehabilitation medical specialist and a range of allied health professions including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, social work, psychology, pharmacy and dietetics.”

HAART can be accessed by a referral via GPs or a hospital, phone 3285 0066 (7 days a week) to speak to an intake clinician who can assist with organising an assessment.

HAART is delivered at the Kallangur Satellite Hospital and has its own rehabilitation gym.