Dance showcase sparkles at Parafield Gardens – Helping Hand

Dance showcase sparkles at Parafield Gardens


Allied Health incorporates a range of accredited health professionals who use evidence-based practices to support client’s health. Helping Hand has many allied health professionals who can visit clients at home or see them in a clinic for physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, nutrition and dietetics, speech pathology, exercise physiology, and therapy groups.

Thien Le is one of our caring physiotherapists. He’s based at our Parafield Gardens residential care home four days a week and spends Monday working with home care clients. This includes a Dance for Balance class that he’s very passionate about. Thien says dancing has a raft of health benefits. There’s evidence to suggest that it assists muscle tone and balance as well as improving memory and reducing stress. Plus, there’s the bonus of social connections.

Recently, Thien and a group of dancers performed at Parafield Gardens residential care home. The showcase sparkled – literally and figuratively. Thien’s silver shoes nearly stole the show, but their shine was matched by the shimmery tops and smiles of his pupils, Rose, Gaynor and Judith.

Dance performance participants, L-R Rose, Gaynor, Thien, Judith
Dance showcase participants, L-R Rose, Gaynor, Thien, Judith

 

The trio met through Helping Hand and have solidified their friendships on the dance floor. Each came to dance for different reasons. Rose was regaining balance after a nasty bout of sepsis, Gaynor had taken a few falls, and Judith was suffering from vertigo. Not only has the dancing helped with their physical conditioning, but they’re convinced that it has been keeping their minds from slowing down by ‘keeping things rattling up there.’ They love it so much they admit to lying in bed at night thinking through the steps.

While they claim to have had nerves about performing, you wouldn’t have known. Swept away by the fun nature of the salsa-like bachata they were at one with the moment. The crowd of nearly 30 was appreciative and some volunteers were even lured onto the floor.

Classes run every Monday at 2pm in Parafield Gardens. Openings are available for more to join the class, please talk to our Home Care Services team on 1300 444 663 if you would like more information about joining.

Dance showcase participants Gaynor and Rose
Dance showcase participants Gaynor and Rose

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