What is Rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is restoring and relearning lost abilities or finding new ways of doing everyday activities to maximise one's lifestyle.

Successful rehabilitation is a partnership between the client and health professionals involved and is very different from being ‘treated’ in the hospital or at home. In all areas of our service, highly trained nursing, therapy, medical and technical staff work closely with clients, families/whanau and friends, to design and implement individualised rehabilitation programmes.

Examples of conditions that may require rehabilitation:

• Amputation 
• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury 

What to expect

An initial multidisciplinary (MDT) focused assessment to identify goals and disciplines that may be required.  An individual’s plans and goals are reviewed regularly during the rehabilitation period.

If long-term needs and supports are identified, the appropriate referrals are made prior to discharge. A discharge letter is sent to the client and GP.

Community Rehabilitation  

Home-based MDT Rehab for people 16 years and over who have suffered a neurological event. The team accept referrals from health professionals working in both the acute and non-acute areas.

Criteria - Client must have achievable goals and the potential to improve  

Community Occupational Therapist         

Intervention for adults living in the community who require assessment for equipment or housing alterations, to compensate for functional limitations. 

Criteria - Clients with functional limitations who do not meet the criteria for rehabilitation or outpatient services.

Waiting time approximately 12 weeks.

Community Physiotherapist          

Short-term intervention to address mobility issues and/or education of patient/carers regarding physical management, including for respiratory conditions. 

Criteria - Unable to access outpatient services, or need is specifically related to the home environment.

Waiting time of approximately six weeks.

Community Social Worker 

Provide advocacy and support for people with a medical condition to enable them to live independently, assist with rest home/respite placement and provide information on transport and accommodation etc, if attending a hospital appointment outside their area.

Criteria - Client must be 16 years and over, with a physical health issue. Mental health and renal clients receive support from their respective services.         

Community Dietitian           

Nutritional support for community-based adults in Northland, predominantly in the areas of Oncology, Stoma Therapy and Frail Elderly.

Criteria - Clients unable to attend an outpatient appointment. PHOs have their own Dietetic Service.