Barossa Valley 48

As we age changes occur to our muscles and sensorimotor systems which can decrease mobility, lead to pain or stiffness and negatively affect balance and posture. These changes can lead to older people becoming more prone to falls and injury which can affect their ability and confidence to exercise or even engage in daily movement activities like walking the dog, for example. Additionally other health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, depression or dementia which become more prevalent with age may also factor into a decrease in mobility and overall wellbeing. Although this may sound alarming, the good news is that there is a plethora of research which demonstrates the efficacy of hydrotherapy in increasing function, strength and range of movement while decreasing pain and swelling. It has also been shown to improve mood, cognitive function and overall fitness and wellbeing. Hydrotherapy, which may also be called aquatic therapy, water therapy or hydropathy, is essentially strength and conditioning based exercises performed in warm water usually not much deeper than chest height. “Hydrotherapy is ideal for older people as the water provides a low risk exercise environment. The warm water often reduces pain and allows for a freedom of movement that a person may not otherwise achieve on land,” explains Barossa Village Physiotherapist Emily Davenport. “Within group classes the program of exercises can generally be easily modified to suit individuals within the group, whether this is to provide more or less of a challenge, or to accommodate for specific ailments. Plus, no swimming ability is required to be able to participate!” Barossa Village is the only aged care provider in the region to have a dedicated on-site hydrotherapy pool. The facility, which opened in late 2020, boasts a comfortable water temperature of 33 degrees and an ambient air temperature of 32 degrees year round, with a maximum water depth of 1.5 meters and hand rails on three sides. The facility also contains a fully accessible bathroom built to Changing Places specifications which can enable direct access from the bathroom to the pool via mechanical lifter. Barossa Village offers group hydrotherapy classes which eligible individuals may be able to utilise their Home Care Package (HCP) or Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funds to cover out of pocket expenses, plus provides self-guided community access Monday to Friday from 6am to 9am with access passes starting at just $50 for ten visits.

barossavillage.org

For decades group travel has been one of the most popular forms of travel available for like minded friends. For more than 20 years, Groups Tasmania has been providing Clubs and groups from all over the world the opportunity to explore our wonderful State without the pressure of having to plan an itinerary or book everything themselves. Group touring is about being shown around by locals and really capturing the essence of the destination. It means seeing the famous attractions but also wandering off the tourist trail. So much more than just a coach tour, you’ll experience the culture, meet the locals and savour the wonderful food.

Our well-balanced tailor made itineraries are designed with the traveller in mind. We put great effort into getting the right balance between organised touring and free time, after all it is a holiday! We include all the essential sights that others consider “optional extras”, while providing plenty of time for you to explore & discover.

• COACH TOURS

The best way to see the spectacular island state of Tasmania is on board a well appointed coach, with different sizes available depending on the number in your group. Let your experienced and knowledgeable coach captains do the driving while you relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

• CAR CLUBS

Tasmanian roads are renowned for their appeal to car and motorcycle enthusiasts, with its natural topography allowing for long sweeping roads through undulating hills and magnificent scenery.

• EDUCATIONAL TOURS

Tasmania is a popular destination for educational tours with its history, scenery and perceived isolation from the rest of Australia playing a major role in drawing schools to Tasmania for a memorable life experience.

Opening in February 2000, Groups Tasmania was established as a Nationally Accredited Tourism Operator by David Luttrell with a vision to provide excellent service in the expanding market of coach touring. Tasmanian owned and operated, Groups Tasmania offers comprehensive knowledge and experience of holidaying in your Natural State. David and Brett are true Tasmanian’s with both having in excess of 25 years specifically selling Tasmania as a holiday destination and we would love you to benefit from our knowledge and to share our passion for Tasmania.

We specialise in itinerary planning for every kind of group from schools to car clubs through to senior community groups and everything in between! We can arrange your travel arrangements including flights, Spirit of Tasmania, accommodation, meals and attractions in Tasmania. If your organisation is looking at Tasmania as a destination for its next conference we can also assist with day tours and pre or post conference tours. Basically if you have a group that is looking to travel to Tasmania then Groups Tasmania can be your one stop shop and most importantly help you put together a memorable trip.

12 Nichols Street, Kings Meadows Tasmania 7249 Phone: 0409 857892 (David) Email: david@groupstasmania.com.au Website: www.groupstasmania.com.au