Keeping fit and active in your twilight years is the key to living a full and comfortable life. Pain, injury or illness can sometimes get in the way and stop you from doing the things you love to do. It can also often be hard to travel long distances to access support.
Our team of community health professionals provide rehabilitation to clients in their own environment. We can come to you and make it simple for you to get the support you need, when and where you need it. There are no waiting lists. You or your family member can be seen straight away to ensure that rehabilitation or any equipment needed can be quickly implemented.
What services do community therapists provide?
- Equipment assessments
- Exercise prescription – strength, balance and flexibility exercises
- Functional based assessments and treatment e.g. progressive walking programme, practice completing daily tasks
- Falls prevention assessments
- Cognitive rehabilitation
- Fatigue management
- Specific Neurology assessments (Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s Disease)
Why our community therapists love what they do
“I love working with clients in their own home or own environment as it really introduces me to the person and what is really important to them. I get to see the difficulties they are experiencing in a real and meaningful way and we can work together to problem solve solutions. Clients feel much more relaxed in their own environment and this allows me to provide more effective and relevant treatment.”
Sandie Lundberg, Community Occupational Therapist
“Working as a community therapist allows me to be flexible in how I provide treatment. I once had a client who was not interested in doing a home-based exercise programme. She told me she was too lazy, but she would attend a local community group twice a week (because they provided a good feed). So I went along to this community group with the client and when it came to their exercise session I provided advice to the client and the organiser regarding how the exercises could be modified so she could join in. This setting provided much more than physical activity, she was also meeting her cultural and social needs.”
Victoria Roskruge, Community Physiotherapist.
Home vs Residential care
For many seniors “ageing in place” or at home allows them to maintain their independence and social connections. Statistics show that up to 90% of people aged 65 plus would prefer to live at home.
If either you or a family members is are wondering whether your residential care needs is are right, get in touch with our team. We can provide information and options to assist you to stay living at home.
Other support we provide to keep you (or your loved one) connected with their community:
- Equipment
- Rehabilitation
- Community services/programmes: exercise group, transportation services and coffee groups
- Advice regarding funding that may be available for services:
> home help
> personal cares - Discussion with other medical professionals to ensure wrap-around service
- Advocation
Cost
Community rehabilitation and assessment services can be funded privately or through ACC. Equipment may also be gained through Ministry of Health funding. Note: Please contact us to find out if you are eligible for funding.
How can I find out more about your home and community support service?
For further information, please contact our National Community Rehab Services team on 0800 824 432 ext. 7 or email us at info@tbihealth.co.nz.
References
- Aging in place. (n.d). USC Gerontology.
- Wiles, J.L, Leibing, A., Guberman, N., Reeve, J., and Allen R.E.S. (2012).
- The meaning of “Aging in Place” to Older People. The Gerontologist, 52(3), 357-366.