Recovery and rehabilitation services Wairarapa
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.
Hospital-based rehabilitation
Inpatients
If you have been admitted to Wairarapa Hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation ward you will be cared for by a team of:
- doctors
- nurses and nurse specialists
- occupational therapists
- social workers
- dietitians
- speech-language therapists
- Māori health support workers.
The team is on duty 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Outpatients
An older persons (geriatrics) clinic is available in the community where you can be seen at home.
Visits are on Thursday afternoons, except for the first Thursday of the month.
Health recovery
Health recovery is an option for non-ACC patients who have been approved for a 3 to 7 day convalescent stay in a residential home. Approval requires a needs assessment coordinated by FOCUS.
FOCUS Needs Assessment Service coordination agency
The health recovery service is for patients who need a bit more time to recover before going home.
Stroke recovery
After a stroke, a team called Allied Health will help you on the road to recovery. The team of specialists includes:
- physiotherapists
- dietitians
- occupational therapists
- social workers
- speech-language therapists.
The allied health team will assess all aspects of your health, from swallowing and managing foods and fluids, through to physiotherapy to recover mobility (walking).
Occupational therapists will assess you cognitively (mentally) and physically.They will check your home to see if you need mobility access, like ramps and handrails.
Community Stroke Navigators from Stroke Foundation NZ can support and advise stroke patients and their families.
- Freephone 0800 78 76 53 (9am to 5pm weekdays)
- Email questions to help@stroke.org.nz
Find your local Community Stroke Navigators (Kaiārahi)external link
Rehabilitation at home and in the community
Once you have left (been discharged from) hospital and are back in your community, you may need some extra equipment for a time:
- standing frames
- crutches
- tilt tables
- shower commodes
- therapy equipment to help you reach objects.
Assessing your needs at home
To help you remain independent at home, occupational therapists and physiotherapists can test your mobility and function and find out what you need.
Aids like shower stools and adaptive kitchen equipment can help you keep safe at home.
Preventing falls
Part of your recovery is preventing future falls. Each year about 1 out of 3 New Zealanders over 65 will fall. Many of these falls result in broken bones.
You can reduce this risk and look after yourself by:
- exercising regularly to build muscle strength
- removing hazards around the house — decluttering
- having good lighting
- monitoring your medicines use
- maintaining good vision with regular eye tests
Tips to prevent falls — Live Stronger for Longerexternal link
Driving assessments
Your healthcare provider can refer you to an occupational therapist to examine your handling skills, coordination, perception and motor skills. A driving assessment takes around 60 to 90 minutes. Recommendations are sent to your healthcare provider.
Transport
You may need help getting around after a significant medical event.
Transport services are available including:
- Red Cross (Wairarapa) van service to and from Wairarapa Hospital, and between hospitals in the region — phone 06 377 3586 for enquiries and bookings
- Driving Miss Daisy Wairarapaexternal link
- Waka Ora Health Shuttles — Hato Hone St Johnexternal link
- local buses.
There are 2 taxi services in Masterton:
- Masterton Radio Taxis — phone 06 378 2555
- Mobility Services — phone 06 377 0232.