Disability
Disability Management
At Clarence Joint Therapy we are pleased to assist with the management of many types of disability through Physiotherapy in our rooms and gym, and Aquatic Physiotherapy in our own onsite warm accessible Hydrotherapy Pool fitted with a seated hoist if required. We accept Self and Plan Managed NDIS clients.”
Physiotherapy, Aquatic Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy for People with Disability
Our Clarence Joint Therapy facility, in Howrah, has the relatively unique ability to offer assessment/ treatment rooms, a gym and a custom built 34 degree hydrotherapy pool all in the one location. This makes it the ideal therapy centre for many people with a disability to utilise to achieve their goals to maximise their potential – regardless of their disability.
As we offer a hydrotherapy pool as well as physiotherapy, many of our clients with a disability chose to use this form of therapy.
Depending on the type and degree of disability, there is often an improvement in flexibility, movement, strength, fitness, balance and circulation, with the added benefits of reduced pain and stress, resulting in a higher level of independence or the ability to remain independent, so facilitating better control and choice on how to live.
“Physiotherapy” is treatment, advice, or guidance on land or in the gym by a physiotherapist.
“Aquatic Physiotherapy” refers to a pool or a pool planning session guided by a physiotherapist, with or without a support worker. “Hydrotherapy” is use of the pool, without a physiotherapist, and with or without a support worker.
Initially, on the first visit, it is important that there is adequate information provided to us regarding the client to ascertain the safety of having Aquatic Physiotherapy, and to direct the treatment plan, so information is required on or before the first attendance regarding the medical condition and supports required.
If assessed as suitable to trial Aquatic Physiotherapy, it must also be deduced as to how much assistance would be required with getting changed before and after, getting in and out of the pool (we have shallow steps with rails and a seated hoist to 180K capacity and Oxford Up Active Stand Aid up to 200K capacity) and the level of support required within the pool itself.
After a few sessions, we have a better idea of how to adapt and progress pool activities, how much ongoing support would be required for pool session management and safety, if a suitable support person can be trained to continue to assist independently, and how many/ frequent further Aquatic Physiotherapy may be required. It should be noted that unless a physiotherapist is present, and notes made each session, claims for the pool session cannot be made through Daily Living, in Capacity Building. Independent pool hydrotherapy sessions, although less costly, may not be generally claimable via NDIS although transport and support worker costs may be covered.
PLEASE NOTE: If there is a budget to work from, such as with our NDIS clients, we will require information regarding their plan including start and end dates, the goals of the client and the current available of Daily Living funding in Capacity Building funding solely for our sessions at Clarence Joint Therapy. A medical history and information regarding the condition(s) our clients are presenting with, and any previous pool activity elsewhere is also important
A physiotherapy plan is then made on collaboration with the client or guardian for the length of the NDIS plan. A review and another written report with recommendations is required before the end of the plan too. It is important that if the NDIS plan is changed, or the funding allocated is affected, that we are notified quickly. On booking, we usually send out an electronic form to gain pre session information which allows more time to be spent working with the client and ascertaining their ability and needs.
In booking a session for someone with a disability, the first appointment should always be for an hour minimum, and it will be very unlikely to involve getting into the pool due to gathering clinical information to assist with precautions and safety measures. For our NDIS clients we do not take online bookings as we need to assess ability, safety and discuss their goals and how to achieve them. Subsequent appointment lengths will depend upon the degree of physiotherapy support that is required, understanding that where applicable the physiotherapist’s changing times, assisting with transfers, and note writing after the sessions are all part of the time required for the session.