Community Rehabilitation
What happens to your rehabilitation once you leave RALF?
The RALF team will identify that you need further rehab at home. They will ask ACC for a referral. It is up to ACC to decide who the community team will be although you and your family can choose if you have a particular preference.
When does the Community Team start?
Once the community team has the referral from ACC they can then become involved. If there is enough time this may mean that they can attend your discharge meeting. The RALF therapists will also ‘hand over’ to the community therapists.
How does it start?
The community rehabilitation is done under a contract called Training for Independence (TI).
Once you have gone home the community team will make times to come see you at home. They will have some information from your time at RALF but often need to check in and update your goals with you. They then write a ‘Plan’ and send that to ACC for approval. Once they have approval they will get started properly on your home rehab. This may mean that there is a wee gap in you seeing therapists.
Is it okay having a ‘gap’ in my rehab?
Yes! It’s quite different being at home as there is less structure and fewer people around. Often people get pretty tired making this transition so it’s often a good idea for there to be a ‘mini-break’ in your rehab. You should have home programmes and timetables to guide you through this time so your rehab does not actually stop. Adapting to being back at home is part of the rehab process.
How often will I see therapists at home?
The community team will try to make consistent appointments but there often needs to be some flexibility around this, depending on how many therapists are involved. They will assist you to keep track by using a diary, calendar or planner, whichever works best for you. The main thing to realize is that you will not see therapists as often. This is because you are ready to do more yourself and do not need to see them every day. It often works out that you see them once a week – sometimes twice and sometimes it might be once a fortnight. They will discuss this with you in the planning stage and as you progress in your rehab. Often the frequency of visits decreases as you progress.