How long can I stay at the Healthy Living Centre?

We have a minimum two-night stay, and a maximum three month stay at the centre. In addition to holiday and respite stays, we also welcome guests looking for medium-term transitional accommodation as they prepare to return home after injury.

What times are check-in and check-out?

Check-in time for guests is from 3:00pm – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

If check-in is required outside of these times, please advise us when completing the reservation enquiry form and we can provide you with instructions to access the Centre after-hours.

An additional fee may apply for this service if staff assistance is required during after-hours check-in.

How far in advance can I book accommodation?

Spinal Life Australia can take bookings up to 12 months in advance of your check-in date.

Are units accessible for people with a physical disability or mobility impairment?

Yes. All units contain specialist equipment and supports, including:

• Electric ergonomic hi/lo beds
• Ceiling hoists
• Roll-in shower
• Left and right transfer toilet options
• Height-adjustable kitchen benchtops and cupboards
• Height-adjustable bathroom vanities
• In-room automation via the provided tablet
• Shower commode (optional)

I have purchased a Stay package which includes one hour of therapy services. What services can I choose from?

You can choose to access services from our specialist Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Exercise Physiologist. If you are staying for multiple days, you are welcome to return to the same therapist or choose another therapy service – the choice is yours.

Can I save up my daily therapy service hours for a longer consult with a specialist of my choice?

Yes – just please let us know at least a month before your stay to ensure the availability of your chosen therapist. 

Is there accessible parking available at the centre?

Yes. Accommodation guests will be provided with an access card to the on-site secured car park, which includes accessible parking bays. You are welcome to park in any available bay.

There is also plenty of street parking available on Lake Street.

Who can stay at the Healthy Living Centre?
Anyone is welcome, with priority given to people with mobility impairments and accessibility requirements.

What other facilities can I access at the Centre?

Guests staying in the accommodation at the Centre can use our fully accessible Active Gym, book time in the hydrotherapy pool and make an appointment to see a member of our multi-disciplinary specialist team (bookings are required).

A mobility skills area is available to practice manoeuvring around terrain such as ramps, curves, stairs and varying surface types.

We also have two accessible community rooms available for hire.

The Guyala café is also available in the Centre to grab a coffee and food and catch up with friends, open Tuesday to Saturday from 7.00am to 2.30pm.

Can my own carer come and stay with me?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their carer with them. Please note additional rates may apply for additional beds or linen or extra guests staying in a room without exceeding the maximum occupancy for the room type.

Can I receive financial assistance for my stays at the Healthy Living Centre?

Yes. Financial assistance can be arranged through various funders depending on your insurance scheme, level of cover and, in some instances, financial circumstances. 

When is the Active Hydro Pool open?
The Active Hydro Pool is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Access to the pool is by appointment only

What temperature is the Active Hydro Pool?
The pool temperature will be maintained between 34 – 37 degrees Celsius.  This temperature is recommended as therapeutically useful for a wide range of conditions treated in the pool and is in accordance with the Australian Standards for Hydrotherapy Pools (AS 3979-2006).

Please note the Hydro Pool is warmer than most public swimming pools and we recommend bringing a water bottle to sessions to stay hydrated.

Can anyone use the pool?
While anyone is welcome to use the Active Hydro Pool, it is not a public pool.

All users must undergo a health screening check with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist before entry to determine whether they can use the pool independently and safely.

A person’s medical or physical condition may determine who they need to see. After an initial screening, pool users can choose to:

• undergo further physiotherapy sessions if individual attention is identified
• attend classes or be provided with a program and attend the pool independently during pool  hours.

Are there change rooms on site?

Yes. There is one change room and a separate toilet located in the pool area, both accessible for people with physical disability.

Do you need to be able to swim to do Hydrotherapy?

No. Being able to swim is not essential when undertaking hydrotherapy – if you cannot swim, are not in a condition to swim or are not confident in the water, we can discuss the best option for you.

Will I need to put my head under water during a pool session??

Most treatment sessions and classes do not require you to put your head underwater. If you are concerned about this, we recommend wearing a bathing cap or discussing this with your physiotherapist.  

What do I wear to the pool?

We ask people to wear pool-suitable clothing, including commercial swim wear or gym wear. On your first session, any swimwear, gym-wear or light-weight shorts and top will be fine. If you are worried about what to wear, one of our staff members will be happy to discuss this with you.

How often should I do hydrotherapy?

Frequency and length of sessions will depend on your condition and the goals you discuss with your therapist.

Can I continue to use the Active Hydro Pool after my therapy sessions have ended?

No. For your own safety, it is a requirement that you be with a trained Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist when entering the pool.

Your Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist can advise you on the best way to continue your rehabilitation or fitness goals after your sessions have completed.

Can I bring a carer or personal support worker to my pool sessions?

Yes. A carer or personal support worker is welcome to attend your sessions if you require assistance. If the support worker will need to accompany you in the water, they will need to be confident and competent in the water.

If you would like to organise a support worker to assist you at the Active Hydro Pool, please contact the Healthy Living Centre reception on 1300 774 625.

What equipment is available at the Active Gym?

The Active Gym features a wide range of specialist, accessible equipment, including free weights, chest and leg presses, a reformer and cardio equipment such as treadmills and cross trainers.

Please note new members must attend a free orientation before their first work out, so they can familiarise themselves with the equipment.

Do I need any consultation before using the gym equipment?

Yes – one of our qualified therapists will provide a free screening and orientation of the Active Gym on your first visit.

What are the Active Gym opening hours?

The Active Gym is open from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, or 9am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do I need to have a disability or use a wheelchair to use the gym equipment?

No. While the equipment available is tailored for people with a disability, a provided adjustable chair makes it possible to use machines without a wheelchair.