Innovative FRIEND Program Benefits Aged Care Home Residents
As testament to our commitment to care excellence, The Good Shepherd Aged Care Home is delighted to be taking part in the innovative FRIEND Program, which stands for Frailty Reduction, Implementation of Exercise, Nutrition and De-prescribing.
Led by researchers from the University of Sydney and James Cook University, the project uses a three-pronged intervention approach – exercise, enhanced nutrition and optimised medication – to improve mobility, increase independence and promote a higher quality of life for older people, both inside and outside of aged care homes.
Benefits to aged care home residents
Reduce the debilitating symptoms of frailty including regaining mobility and function leading to improved independence and quality of life.
- Increase muscle function
- Increase balance
- Reduce falls risk
- Reduce dependence
- Improve quality of sleep
- Reduce cognitive impairment
- Reduce risk of malnutrition
- Reduce the number of prescribed medications including antipsychotics
The FRIEND Program’s recommendations are expected to become a permanent part of life at our residential aged care home. On completion, the research findings will be published and made available to other aged care facilities at no cost with the aim of introducing similar programs in Homes throughout Australia.
