Rehabilitation treatments have two types of care: inpatient and outpatient. Their difference lies with their stay in the assigned facility. Inpatient rehabilitation requires the patient to remain within the facility while undergoing treatment, while outpatient rehabilitation does not.
While inpatient care has its perks, being in outpatient rehabilitation is just as, if not more, advantageous. Receiving care outside of a facility minimizes expenses as you are not paying for the facility and its equipment. Another advantage is that patients get to recover in the comfort of their own homes surrounded by family and loved ones. Individuals also get to manage their pacing with what they’re comfortable with.
You might assume that there is a clear disadvantage to receiving care outside of a facility, which is fair. Assistance and equipment aren’t readily available, and healthcare professionals don’t constantly surround you.
But thanks to various advancements in medical technology, many treatments, including outpatient rehabilitation, are made accessible and became as efficient as its alternative. You can still receive quality healthcare without breaking the bank or worrying about compromising the excellence of the treatment.
NDIS On Outpatient Rehab
If you’re wondering if the NDIS would cover outpatient rehab expenses, yes, they do. The NDIS maintains that they will fund anything that helps beneficiaries attain their goals for as long as the cost in question is reasonable and necessary.
Rehabilitation services are crucial in a person’s recovery. A medical expert may recommend constant support and direction for rehab cases of people with specific disabilities. Patients not only get a speedy but holistic and firm recovery through rehabilitation.
The NDIS, however, will not pay for expenses that every person would incur, such as regular general check-ups. They also will not be funding anything unrelated to your disability.
Different health systems will cover your general medical expenses outside your condition. On the other hand, what they will cover in outpatient expenses are equipment and services needed in the outpatient care. Some of those are devices that will aid the patient in their recovery outside the facility, such as physical supports and services like therapy.
Takeaway
All things considered, if you decide to have your outpatient expenses covered by the NDIS, you’ll be swimming in a pool of options. There are multiple centers and clinics in Australia that are registered NDIS service providers with a wide range of therapy services. From those specializing in treating psycho-social disabilities, offering inpatient and outpatient counseling, to multidisciplinary services. Some clinics even offer transitional housing programs that help patients adjust to different accommodations depending on where they choose to continue their treatment.
Find an NDIS plan management in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia to discuss your options regarding outpatient care. Furthermore, they will explain how NDIS will be supporting your treatment journey. While you’re at it, you can also inquire and find the best registered NDIS provider that will give you the best outpatient rehabilitation service for your needs.
The individual who requires rehabilitation
Regardless of the type of problem faced by an individual, the major goal of rehabilitation is to help the individual to achieve the highest level of independence possible. Rehabilitation is a dynamic process in which a disabled individual is helped to achieve optimum function and independence, within the limits of the disability. The term disability encompasses a wide range of impairments including those that are physical, mental, emotional, or social. Disability is a general term that refers to the limiting effect of a disease or condition on an individual’s ability to carry out an activity in the usual manner. Impairment is any anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormality which interferes with normal structure or function.
Habilitation refers to the process in which an individual who is born with an impairment is helped to achieve optimal independence and function. Long-term habilitation programs are necessary for individuals born with conditions such as spina bifida, Down syndrome, mental or physical impairment Information.
Rehabilitation is a continuing process which, to be effective, must be a philosophy of care that is an integral part of health care delivery. Often, rehabilitation is defined as the restoration of an individual to his former capacity. In many situations complete rehabilitation is possible but, in other situations, complete recovery of function is not possible and the individual faces a permanent disability. This individual must be helped to accept, adjust to, and compensate for the existing impairment to establish an optimum level of independence.
One aspect of rehabilitation addresses chronic health problems and degenerative diseases. Although there may be no cure for such conditions, a rehabilitation program can improve the quality of life. In this sense rehabilitation is directed towards the maintenance of optimum function and prevention of complications, or towards retaining the greatest amount of function and independence for as long as possible.
Rehabilitation begins at the onset of illness or accident, and continues until it is decided that the optimum level for a particular individual has been attained. The rehabilitation process may extend over a period ranging from a few weeks to several months or years. Rehabilitation programs are conducted in a variety of settings including acute hospitals, specific rehabilitation institutions, outpatient settings, the home, and in the community.
Philosophy of rehabilitation
A broad statement of basic related principles, concepts, and beliefs is termed a philosophy. A philosophy of rehabilitation offers a framework from which the rehabilitation process can be developed. Although rehabilitation teams devise their own philosophy, a philosophy is generally based on the premises that rehabilitation:
- Recognizes the worth of a disabled person as a valuable human resource
- Must be a major integral component of care offered by those in health services
- Necessitates the active participation and co-ordination of all health team members through constant communication, to offer a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the individual
- Requires the active participation of the disabled individual to achieve optimum rehabilitation potential, i.e., the individual is viewed as a team member.
- Should actively involve the family or other significant people in the individual’s life
- Is concerned with the whole person and includes the sociocultural aspects of his life, his job or vocation, his family, his home, his place in the community, his religion, and his sexuality
- Aims to achieve the highest level of independence possible for the individual.
The rehabilitation team
Effective rehabilitation involves the individual, his family or other significant people, and the whole health team. The special needs of the individual determine the fields of expertise that are represented in the team. A multidisciplinary team is required and consists of members from various disciplines, each with a vital role to play. Depending on the individual’s needs some, or all, of the following team members may be involved together with the individual’s medical officer.
The nurse
Nurses spend more time with the individual than any other team member, and play a vital role in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care. A nursing assessment includes an evaluation of the extent to which the individual’s physical and psychosocial needs are met. Nurses develop a nursing care plan to meet those needs over a 24 hour period. In many settings nursing is the only component of the team which is represented throughout the entire 24 hours of each day, and it is frequently necessary for nurses to continue services in the absence of team members who normally provide them.
Effective nursing care during the acute phase of the illness is a major factor in preventing the development of complications which would impede the restoration of optimum functioning. For a nurse to fulfill her role as a rehabilitation team member it is necessary to:
- Understand the short and long term goals of the rehabilitation program
- Appreciate the place of the nurse in the team and be aware of the need for co-ordinated effort by all team members to achieve total care
- Be flexible and amenable to change
- Have an understanding of the role and function of all other team members
- Be able to assess accurately the individual’s reactions and responses to his condition, and to the rehabilitation program.
The physiotherapist
Physiotherapists evaluate the individual’s physical capabilities and limitations, and administer therapies which are designed to correct or minimize deformity, increase strength and mobility, or alleviate discomfort or pain. Treatments include the use of specific exercises, heat, cold, and electro physical therapy. A physiotherapist is also involved in educating members of the health team and the individual in correct methods of positioning, transferring, and mobilizing.
The occupational therapist
Occupational therapists are concerned with assisting the individual to achieve independent performance in the activities of daily living. They also assess the need for, and provide, an adaptive device e.g. aids to assist self-feeding, which help the disabled individual carry out these activities.
The speech pathologist
Speech pathologists are concerned with assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders, e.g. the formation and perception of speech, ability to articulate words, and the ability to understand and initiate speech. As part of the rehabilitation process a speech pathologist may be required to assist an individual to relearn communication skills. A speech pathologist may also be involved in the management of an individual whose chewing and swallowing abilities are impaired, e.g. following a cerebrovascular accident.
The social worker
Social workers are concerned with counseling and assisting individuals and their families who are experiencing personal problems as a result of illness or injury. A social worker acts as an advocate by liaising with existing groups and resources, and assists the individual and the family to deal with social, domestic, financial, and emotional implications of the illness or condition.
The family or friends
The family, or significant others, are recognized as a potential support system for the individual. Members of the family are evaluated to determine their ability to help with the rehabilitation process. All families, or significant others, cannot contribute in the same way or to the same degree. In some instances the individual could return home and receive excellent care and support, while in other situations the family may be unable or unwilling to help to care for the individual. As each situation presents different problems, individual evaluation is essential.
The family, or significant others, need to understand the rehabilitative goals set for the individual and the methods selected to meet these goals. The family needs to understand that their greatest contribution may be to allow the individual to do as much as possible for him. In addition, the family can be instructed how to assist with specific therapy thus enabling them to feel that they are playing a vital role in rehabilitation.
It is important to understand that, when illness or disability occurs, family life is interrupted and altered. The effects of illness have significant implications for the family, as well as for the individual. Plans for the rehabilitation process should, therefore, also address the needs of the family as well as those of the individual.
The dietitian
Dietitians are concerned with assessing nutritional needs and planning ways to meet those needs. As part of the rehabilitation process an individual may require specific dietary restrictions or modifications, and a dietitian works closely with the individual to plan an appropriate diet. The dietitian also plays an important role in ensuring that all those involved with the individual’s care understand the importance of a specific diet to the person’s recovery.
The podiatrist
Podiatrists are concerned with assessing, preventing, and treating disorders of the feet. As part of the rehabilitation process an individual may be required to relearn how to ambulate, e.g. following a cerebrovascular accident. In order to mobilize, the feet must be in good condition with no skin lesions or nail disorders, and the podiatrist plays an important role in maintaining the health and integrity of the skin and toe nails.
The prosthetist
Prosthetists are concerned with assessing an individual’s need for prosthesis, e.g. an artificial limb. Following assessment a prosthetist designs and supplies an appropriate prosthesis. Generally a temporary prosthesis is provided and trialed before a permanent one is supplied. Modifications to an existing prosthesis may be made by a prosthetist, who also checks it at regular intervals to ensure that the prosthesis is meeting the individual’s needs. Some individuals may need to be fitted with splints or braces to correct deformities or provide added support. Such mechanical devices are called orthoses, and include braces for the neck, arm, or leg.
The psychiatrist and psychologist
If an individual is experiencing a psychiatric or emotional problem, either a psychiatrist or psychologist is generally involved in the rehabilitation process. A psychiatrist is concerned with the causes, prevention, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. A clinical psychologist is concerned with the causes, prevention, and treatment of individual or social problems especially in regard to the interaction between the individual and the physical and social environment. A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist may be involved in the rehabilitation of an individual who is depressed as a result of the implications of his condition.
The individual
It is essential that the individual who requires rehabilitation is viewed as a team member. The other team members must help to motivate the individual to be actively involved in the rehabilitation process—however slow it may be. Unless he is encouraged and motivated, the individual may become discouraged and discontinue the prescribed therapy. At all stages of rehabilitation, the rest of the team must consider the individual’s strengths and weaknesses, and the social and cultural influences that affect his adjustment to disability. The team must be aware of how the individual perceives his illness and disability.
Any interference with an individual’s body image, e.g. paralysis resulting from a cerebrovascular accident, is devastating. The initial reaction is usually one of shock, followed by denial. As the individual gradually realizes what has happened and the implications, he may experience depression or anger, believing that life may never be the same again. While there is inevitable dependency initially, the overall aim of rehabilitation is to help the individual to achieve optimum functioning. The motivation of the individual is crucial, and it is essential that he be regarded as the most important team member, who must be encouraged to participate actively in all aspects of the rehabilitation process. The individual must be involved in planning his program; and must learn in detail about his disability, the ways of accomplishing his goals, and the options available to him.
Categories of individuals requiring rehabilitation
An individual may experience a disability of acute or chronic onset, at any stage of the lifespan. Rehabilitation programs may be developed and implemented in hospitals, other health care settings, and in the home for an individual who is experiencing:
- Disturbance of musculoskeletal function as a result of injury, illness, or surgical intervention, e.g. fractured femur, arthritis, amputation, joint replacement.
- Brain damage, e.g. following a cerebrovascular accident or head injury.
- Nervous system impairment, e.g. as a result of a spinal cord injury or disease such as multiple sclerosis.
- Impaired skin integrity, e.g. as a result of burns.
- Removal of a body part, e.g. mastectomy, laryngectomy, or hemicolectomy with subsequent colostomy.
- Cardiac impairment, e.g. following a myocardial infarction.
- Impaired renal function, e.g. renal failure requiring dialysis.
- Impaired bladder control, e.g. as a result of a neurogenic bladder disorder.
- Respiratory impairment, e.g. as a result of obstructive disorders of the airways such as asthma or pulmonary emphysema.
- Impaired vision or hearing.
- Chronic pain.
- Substance abuse.
- A psychiatric or emotional disorder, e.g. schizophrenia, depression, anxiety.
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