What is available?
Primary Health Tasmania has co-designed and commissioned the Exercise Treatment Program (ETP) which provides individually tailored exercise programs with the aims to:
- promote awareness of physical health
- prevent frailty and inappropriate hospitalisations
- address social isolation, and
- improve health outcomes of ageing community members by supporting the prevention and management of chronic health conditions.
It runs for 14 weeks and includes 12 weeks of supervised exercise and education sessions that are delivered by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)-accredited exercise physiologists/scientists, as well as a comprehensive health assessment at the start and end of the program. The program also supports participants to connect with appropriate exercise options with which to continue their success after the program finishes.
Who is eligible?
The program is for people who are experiencing social isolation, are at risk of either developing or deteriorating health related to chronic conditions, and are:
- aged 55 and over, or
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 45 and over.
The program includes two exercise options that ensure people with varying physical capabilities and frailty can be accommodated. Carers of people who meet the above criteria may also attend the program to provide support.
Where is it available?
The Exercise Treatment Program is available to people living in the following Tasmanian local government areas:
North
- Launceston
- Meander Valley
- Northern Midlands
- West Tamar.
North west
- Burnie
- Central Coast
- Circular Head
- Devonport
- Kentish
- Latrobe
- Waratah-Wynyard.
South
- Brighton
- Clarence
- Hobart
- Kingborough
- Sorell
- West Coast.
Programs are held in various locations within the communities such as local gyms and community sports facilities.
Who can make a referral?
Referrals can be made by individuals (self-referral), GPs, community services or allied health professionals.
The referral form is located here.
How much does it cost?
This service is free to eligible people where service capacity exists.