If you have a fall, or need help recovering from a major event like a stroke, rehabilitation services can help you get well faster. Rehabilitation is about assessing your needs and setting goals to get you back on your feet.
Community rehabilitation
Equipment to help your recovery and prevent loss of function is available once you’ve been discharged into the community. Equipment may include standing frames and tilt tables, crutches, shower commodes, therapy equipment to help you reach objects.
Assessing your needs at home
To find out what you need to remain independent at home, a team of occupational therapists and physiotherapists at Allied Health can test your mobility and function. Bathroom aids like shower stools, and adaptive kitchen equipment can help you keep safe at home.
Preventing Falls
Each year about one-third of all New Zealanders over age 65 will fall. Many of these falls result in broken bones. You can play a role in preventing falls. Look after yourself by:
- Exercising regularly to build muscle strength
- Removing hazards around the house, decluttering and having good lighting
- Monitoring medications
- Keeping your vision sharp with regular eye tests
Get more tips to prevent falls
Driving assessments
Your GP can refer you to an occupational therapist to examine your handling skills, co-ordination, perception and motor skills. An assessment takes around 60-90 minutes. Recommendations are sent to your GP.
Transport
You may need help getting around after a significant medical event. Transport services are available including Driving Miss Daisy, Taxi Rideshop, St Johns and local buses.
Hospital rehabilitation
Who looks after you in hospital?
A team of doctors, nurses and nurse specialists, occupational therapists, social workers, dieticians, speech and language therapists and māori health support workers care for you in Wairarapa Hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation ward. The team is on duty 24/7.
Outpatients
A geriatrician clinic is available in the community where patients can be seen at home.
Visits are on Thursday afternoons, except the first Thursday of the month.
The clinic is run by Dr Tim Matthews and Older Persons Nurse Specialist Celeste Taylor.
Health recovery
This is an option available to non-ACC patients, who have been approved by a FOCUS assessment for a 3-7 day convalescent stay in a residential home. This service is for patients who need a bit more time to recover before going home.
Stroke recovery
After a stroke, a team of specialists including physios, dieticians, occupational therapists, social workers and speech language therapists called Allied Health will help you on the road to recovery. The Allied health team will assess all aspects of your health - from swallowing and managing different textured food and fluids, through to physiotherapy to recover mobility. Occupational therapists will assess you cognitively and physically and your home may be checked to see if mobility access like hand rails and ramps are needed.
Who to contact
- Community Stroke Advisors from The Stroke Foundation support and advise stroke patients and their families. Ph 0800 29 88 58
- Contact Monique Luff, Community Stroke Advisor 04 568 7674 or 021 962 372 wairarapa@stroke.org.nz
