Client-centred rehabilitation services

In a welcoming environment of camaraderie and sense of family, clients are empowered and encouraged to reach their potential. The focus is on the individual client’s goals, interests and aspirations which form the basis of rehabilitation.

At the Strive Rehabilitation we philosophically follow a social model and provide strong support and sufficient resources for people to accomplish their own self-determined goals.

Rehabilitation goals are measurable, time-framed, regularly reviewed and achieved through a great variety of group and individual activities.

We provide a safe, supportive and therapeutic community environment

Personal strategies are developed and practised which promote independence, social connection and transfer to the home and community.

Referral

We welcome enquiries from a health practitioner such as occupational therapist, speech and language therapist or social worker, GP, family members or individuals themselves.

If you would like to know more about the referral process please contact:

Terry Lloyd-West

Service Manager

Email: tlloydwest@striverehabilitationpn.org.nz

Ph: (06) 354-6728, extension 605

Funding agencies

Most people attending Strive Rehabilitation Manawatu are funded by:

• ACC - for those with a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, as a result of an accident

• Ministry of Health through Enable NZ NASC and Supportlinks - for those with strokes and other neurological conditions. 

• Self-funding is also an option for a person with a recognised or diagnosed acquired brain injury.

Social Connectedness

Social connectedness refers to the relationships people have with others and the benefits these relationships can bring to the individual, their own health and well-being, and the ripple benefits to their whanau, family, as well as to society in general.

This social environment is a unique mix of workplace and family and provides a supportive therapeutic community to assist with positive behavioural change and promote gains in confidence and independence.

Clients at Strive are provided with opportunities to interact constructively with others while working in groups, both on site and out in the wider community.

Peer support, personal experience and social skills training can assist with joint problem solving of any social challenges.

Clients are supported to re-connect with people and groups that are important in their lives, or experiment and try something new.

Developing communication partnerships and conversation skills are an important focus which support competency and positive social interactions.

Prevocational Services

The unique workplace environment at Strive Rehabilitation and the varied activities clients are involved in, help promote the development and practise of effective workplace behaviours.

Real work, development of roles and responsibilities, and the completion of basic household tasks are actively encouraged on a daily basis.

Skill development and training can include punctuality, workplace dress code and conversation, ability to follow oral and written instructions, completion of tasks, managing fatigue, and keeping work spaces tidy and safe.

Clients are supported to self-identify areas of skill and interest and develop a basic CV in preparation for possible work opportunities.

Clients are encouraged and supported to engage in brain injury education and development of insight about their capabilities.

Opportunities are provided for volunteer work experience in the community where possible.

Clients are encouraged to participate in any relevant training opportunities and courses offered on site and out in the community.

Training for Independence

Strive Rehabilitation Manawatu has an interdisciplinary team of staff specialised in providing rehabilitation to assist clients regain their confidence and functional independence with a return to participating in their life roles where possible.

Clients have individualised, goal directed programmes which focus on assisting them to return to maximum functioning.

Well-trained staff are experienced in assisting clients to achieve their goals through the provision of appropriate rehabilitation strategies, therapeutic interventions, and training and education.

Managing fatigue and sensory overload and the use of daily pacing strategies are practised on site and assist with recovery and effective function.

Training may evolve around establishing daily routines and implementing strategies such as use of a weekly schedule, a daily diary or menu planner.

Staff support and joint problem solving may focus on areas such as family and household responsibilities, budgeting, menu planning, shopping, baking and cooking, laundry tasks, or personal health and hygiene.

Clients may be continuing with study, or starting study in new areas of interest, or interested in volunteering, and will be supported along this pathway.

Qualified staff can assist with reading, writing and numeracy skill training.

Physical fitness can be improved by being involved in a variety of specialised sessions and also everyday household physical activities.

Of equal importance is social participation in recreational activities, events and exhibitions of interest in the community.

Clients with identified transport and mobility goals can be supported to learn the bus system, use taxi vouchers, learn to ride a bike, or be supported with transition to use of a walker or mobility scooter.

The team approach is crucial to achieving the best outcomes for the client. We seek to include each client’s family/whanau, support person, GP, educator, and funding organisation as appropriate, to achieve gains in independence with improved life satisfaction for each client.

Daily Living Skills

Everyday activities can sometimes present challenges for people after brain injury, especially those involving sequencing.

Numbered steps, good routines and plenty of repetition and practice can assist in re-learning, or developing new strategies, to cope with daily life

Physical Activities

Strive Rehabilitation offers a wide variety of physical activities people can do within their rehabilitation programmes. These can be a lot of fun and help develop the person both physically and cognitively within the social setting. The exercises are geared for different levels of ability and fitness and are done either standing up or sitting down.

Regular activity sessions and programmes are designed for a variety of benefits:

Programmes such as walking, recumbent cycling, swimming and base activities for fitness and stamina.

Group sessions for fitness, flexibility, strength, balance and coordination.

Tai chi for strength, balance, coordination and brain gym.

Group sports such as boccia, petanque, indoor bowls, table tennis and volleyball for fun and teamwork.

Water-based activities at the Lido swimming complex for swimmers and non-swimmers.

Activities using technology exercise: Wii Fit provides fun sport activities, fitness and balance opportunities.

Group short courses such as Hand and Arm Therapy.

Household and gardening tasks to maintain daily fitness.

Communication

The Service facilitates a weekly Communication Group for people living with aphasia (a communication condition after stroke which can affect people’s social communication). A Speech Language Therapists attend the group monthly and provides general oversight.

Group sharing and discussion

Aphasia education

Building positive communication partnerships and friendships

Socially connecting with friends and people in the community

During tea and lunch breaks everyone is encouraged to hone their conversation skills by:

Actively listening to their conversation partners

Using open-ended questions and encouragers

Observing and responding to body language

Taking turns

Using extending questions

Workshop

The workshop activity is based around woodworking where clients are supported to improve skills in a practical, safe environment using hand tools to make projects. During this process the tutor can assess for abilities that the client may well be unaware of and encourage their development. The engagement by the client in tangible work can be absorbing, providing good therapy opportunities and greatly improved self esteem.

Simple breadboard, spoon, key ring projects begin the process of rebuilding and improving physical skills like hand-eye- coordination and manipulation.

More complex stool, tray, children’s toy work can help fine motor control, accuracy and stamina.

Clients are encouraged to improve cognition using concentration, attention and memory during tasks making the project.

They can also develop motivation, self control and coping skills in a challenging environment.

Decorative finishes like pokerwork can be applied which allows an outlet of self expression and creativity for the client.

While completing the project there are moments to measure their own progress and evaluate how well they are doing.

Computer Skills

Strive Rehabilitation Manawatu has a modern computer suite and specialist staff to assist clients in all aspects of computing.

Clients are able to access the Internet for research as well as web-based email and social media.

Clients are also supported to further develop computer skills such as touch typing, word processing, spread sheeting, web design, PowerPoint, desktop publishing and database.

Several clients contribute articles for publication in our quarterly newsletter or assist us by producing brochures, notices, labels and alike.

Our computers are installed with a variety of cognitive games and applications to support a client’s rehabilitation goals.

Computer sessions have been designed according to each client’s individual needs and abilities.

Several clients have been supported to achieve formal NZQA qualifications such as the National Certificate in Computing. Clients receive tutor support throughout their course, as well as extended timeframes on assignments.

Gardening and Horticulture

At the West Street site large grounds provide opportunity for outdoor work activity and skill training for clients. When people learn how to garden, it can give them a release from their problems and help them to relax. Gardening is therapeutic and helps provide balance in our lives with a blending of the mind, body and spirit.

Clients can be guided through the gardening process from seed to bloom, or learn propagation from cuttings while working in the shade house.

There is opportunity for growing vegetables in raised beds, maintaining courtyard gardens and producing potted hanging baskets.

We actively recycle, compost and have a worm farm which can provide areas of interest and activity for clients.

Gardening provides opportunity to improve motor skills and increase functional physical activity. This may include adaptation of equipment and tools to enable transfer to home thereby contributing to the household and improving self esteem.

Being involved in small landscape projects, clients may develop aesthetic design awareness and improve problem-solving skills.

The development of gardening and horticulture skills can provide opportunities for volunteer and possible paid work.

Art & Craft

There is a great selection of art and craft activities for clients both onsite and offsite. These skills which clients have an opportunity to learn can be transferred into their homes or the community. Through the act of having new experiences, ideas, and creating things, we can discover what is important to us.

Skill development is encouraged with participation in courses or weekly sessions. The use of visual diaries for planning, motivation, problem solving and completion of projects is supported.

Group art is very therapeutic and seeks to fulfil the innate desire to be productive, seek creative autonomy and as an outlet for self-expression. Some examples of creative opportunities are:

Mosaics

Painting

Drawing

Card making

Collage

Community Connections

Community-based rehabilitation is a journey toward a new and valued sense of identity, providing hope and purpose, and with support, assisting with adjustment to a changed life and new roles. It embraces social inclusion, connectedness and empowers the client to live well and participate successfully in the community.

Swimming and water-based exercise at the Lido Aquatic Complex

Following music and leisure interests, genealogy research, watching historical videos, at the PN city library

Ten pin bowling at Bowlarama

Art at NOA (Te Manawa)

Singing to residents at various rest homes around the city

Christmas and mid-winter lunches at the Cosmopolitan Club with the Stroke Club and Brain Injury Central Districts

Enjoying music events in the Square

Playing indoor bowls with Summerset Village residents

Visiting artists and crafts people in their studios at Apiti, Paraparaumu and Marton

Celebrating Matariki and Diwali

We have an annual exchange with Strive Rehabilitation @ Hawke's Bay where each Service takes turns to host the 3-day experience, providing an interesting schedule of events culminating in the Cup competition. Accommodation is often on a marae or at shared living cabin sites.

Common educational topics include:

Understanding brain function, particularly the functions of the various lobes in the cerebral cortex

Understanding neuroplasticity and how the brain repairs itself following an injury.

Managing fatigue

Treatment approaches including education, process training, strategy training and functional activities training

Managing behaviours

A model for cognition which is divided into five hierarchical areas - attention, visual processing, information processing memory and executive functions.

How to strengthen cognitive skills

Acceptance and adjustment following brain injury