Many of the shortfalls of rehabilitation programs provided through the health sector are similar to those of the health sector in general and have been addressed in Article 25. Often rehabilitation services will be provided in a separate location to acute care hospitals, causing delays in obtaining rehabilitation assessments and commencing programs. The lack of community based therapy services seriously inhibits the ability of these services to meet the needs of those needing assistance to improve, maintain or minimise deterioration in their level of functioning. Most therapy providers cannot access the Medicare system thus limiting the access of low income people to their services.
Case Study
Erin has Down syndrome. At 25 she was living a full life, attending a day program and had two part time jobs until she suffered a stroke. The emergency department was slow to diagnose the stroke due to Erin’s young age. By the time she was transferred to a ward she was unable to speak, was alert and frightened. Her mother had to deal with questions such as “Before the stroke, could she speak? Was she continent? How well could she walk?” After three days the hospital wished to send her home, while still paralysed, unable to swallow or talk, without memory and in great pain.
Normally, the treatment would be a rehabilitation ward and intensive therapy; however, the doctor said “look, she has Down syndrome, the road ahead will be very difficult, I think you should just take her home. Because really, how hard do you want to try?” Thanks to her family, Erin had six weeks of rehabilitation, after which she could return home. She has returned to her day program and delivers meals on wheels. She has regained her enjoyment of dancing, singing, reading and writing.536
