About this Episode
In this episode, we are joined by Simon Kerrigan, Managing Director of Guide Healthcare. Simon is a passionate physiotherapist dedicated to reshaping societal views on the capabilities of older adults. He dives the importance of allied health, highlighting key professions such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dieticians, and podiatrists. He discusses the current trend of aged care providers employing their own allied health teams rather than subcontracting services, emphasising the value added by specialised providers like Guide Health Care.
Simon explains the numerous benefits of physiotherapy for older adults, including pain management, post-surgery recovery, and fall prevention. He advocates for a proactive approach to physiotherapy, focusing on preventative care to enhance strength, balance, and confidence. The conversation also tackles ageist stereotypes, promoting the view of older adults as motivated and capable. Simon shares insights on maintaining independence and involving older adults in enjoyable activities.
Additionally, Simon discusses Guide Healthcare's innovative event-based approach to encourage physical activity among older adults, creating community and competition through exercise-inspired events.
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Podcast Guest
Simon Kerrigan
Simon is a Physiotherapist and the Founder of Guide Healthcare – awarded the 5th most innovative company in the health industry by the Australian Financial Review in 2021. Guide Healthcare provides quality and evidence-focused allied health services to the aged care, home care, and the disability sector. Simon has a particular passion for improving the lives of the elderly through advocacy, challenging societal views of ageing and finding creative solutions to systematic problems. Simon was recognised for his leadership in 2020, being awarded Aged Services Young Leader of the Year by Leading Aged Services Australia. Simon enjoys exploring the concepts of age-related disability, facilitating healthy-ageing programs, empowering older people, and challenging ageism. Outside of his work in the aged care sector, Simon is interested in corporate leadership, change management, building stronger teams, cultural change, employee experience and facilitating innovation within businesses.
Podcast Host
Will Egan
Will is CEO of Ausmed and has 15 years experience of working in digital health education. He leverages his background in software development across large scale global technology companies to help Ausmed drive large scale change in the role that learning and development plays in Australia’s healthcare system. Will’s passion is genuinely driving improvement in care through effective education.
