BlueCare's New Leg Club Opens

A 'leg club', where people have their wounds dressed and have a laugh at the same time is now open for business in Coomera.

According to the Australian Wound Management Association, more than 400,000 Australians live with a hard-to-heal chronic or ulcer wound.  Not-for-profit provider BlueCare has opened the leg club, which aims to help people with leg ulcers live more positively and maintain their health.

BlueCare’s Jenny McDonald said research has found that social factors and isolation can significantly affect leg ulcer patients’ response to treatment.

"Our aim is to create a social environment where people can come together to have their wounds dressed, receive information about health and active leg care and also have a bit of a chat and a laugh," Mrs McDonald said.

"The members of the club really support each other, which is an important part of the healing process."

Mrs McDonald said with no appointments necessary, the drop-in nature of the club’s weekly meetings added to its relaxed approach to wound care.

"We have men’s groups and ’Saturday Socialites’ outings so why not have a leg club for older people living with a chronic leg wound," she said.

"The club is off to a flying start with 10 members already and we are building community links through the local hospital and local services."

Client Leslie Wright has been attending the club’s weekly meetings since they began.

"I look forward to catching up with everyone over the lovely scones and tea," Ms Wright said.

"The nurses chat to us about wound care followed by doing activities together, which include receiving massages which are great too. My legs feel wonderful! It’s the best thing I’ve done for a long time."

Mrs McDonald said BlueCare was grateful to Gold Coast City Councillors Cr William Owen-Jones, Cr Donna Gates and Cr Cameron Caldwell for their kind donations towards the establishment of the club. 

The Leg Club meets at BlueCare Cooomera Community Care, at 8-12 The Esplanade, every Wednesday from 9am to 12 noon.

The club is available for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) eligible clients and costs $10 for each visit, plus the cost of dressings. Morning tea is provided.

For more information please phone BlueCare Coomera Community Care on 07 5644 0400.

About BlueCare:

BlueCare is uniquely positioned as one of Australia’s leading residential aged care, community care and retirement living providers. It is founded on a compassionate approach to care and its reputation is built on its highly experienced team who work in more than 260 centres, in 80 communities across Queensland and northern New South Wales.

BlueCare is a not-for-profit organisation and service group of UnitingCare Queensland, which is part of the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod. For more information about BlueCare’s services, visit www.bluecare.org.auor call the Customer Service team on 1300 258 322.

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