Participants in a south-eastern suburbs elderly health program said they were shocked and dismayed to hear the federal government cut funding for their sessions.
The Heartbeat and Active Measures fitness programs were run in Bentley, Cannington, Kelmscott, Gosnells and Southern River and helped improve fitness for people with heart conditions or who were obese who had been referred by a GP or hospital.
The sessions consisted of simple exercises such as squats and motor skill and coordination training like catching a ball in a cup and cost about six dollars a session.
They were held several times a week.
In February participants found out the programs Heartbeat and Healthy Living would be cut and classes would cease by the end of March.
Diana Adler walked with a crutch and said she had attended for two years.
The 72-year-old participant said she was disappointed the program was being defunded and rejected the government’s claims the program was a duplicate.
“They modify activities so even I can do them,” she said.
“The loss of the program would be devastating.”
Nurse Sarah So had been in the Healthy Living program when she was diagnosed with diabetes.
The 58-year-old started Heartbeat this year because of heart problems and said she had tried other programs but they did not cater to elderly participants like this one.
She said she had tried programs like those run by HBF but they were not individualised enough for older people.
“I have knee problems, I can’t run as fast as the others (in other programs),” she said.
“You feel like you are dragging everyone down.
“In the end there is no motivation to continue.”
Ms So said the government would save money in the long run by funding the program and preventing people going to hospital.
She said the programs were also vital to many elderly participants for keeping socially active and mentally stimulated.
Heartbeat coordinator Suellen Althaus said for participants the programs were often their main source of support.
Mrs Althaus said elderly patients often felt isolated and the program was an important way to maintain regular health checks and social interaction.
She also rejected the Federal Government’s claim the program was a duplicate.
Western Australian Deputy Premier Roger Cooke said he agreed with the Federal Government’s position but the State Government would seek advice on the matter.
Federal Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt said he would contact Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt to discuss the cuts.
