Eight residents from Lithgow Aged Care took to the JM Robson Aquatic Centre's indoor pool on Thursday, March 6 as part of the new inaugural swimming program.
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Lithgow Aged Care diversional therapist Jenny Douglas said it was an initiative to get the residents smiling and enjoying the freedom of movement.
"This is the first day of the program and so far everyone looks to be enjoying it, to see the smiles on their faces just warms my heart," she said.
She also said it would become a common outing for the residents and hoped it would grow with the help of staff.
"It is a huge undergoing of staff both from Lithgow Aged Care and the pool to get this going, but we have great management and fantastic assistance to help get this off the ground," she said.
Lithgow Aged Care physiotherapist Luke Haylen said the swimming program allowed the residents to do a lot more in the water.
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"They can do different exercises with the buoyancy of the water, it allows for freedom of movement which they don't get while on land.
"The wheelchairs get put away and the pool noodles come out," he said.
Mr Haylen also said it was awesome to see the residents enjoying the water.
"In the first ten minutes of them getting into the water I could see them enjoying it, and to see the smiles on their faces, it's great," he said.
The program is set to run monthly and rotate with different residents throughout the sessions.
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