Home therapists keep it flexible
The Age
Saturday December 12, 2009
The Australian Bureau of Statistics says that 432,700 people, or 2.2 per cent of the population, have an acquired brain injury, some activity limitation or participation restriction."That is slightly more than one in every 50 Australians," the principal of Independent Rehabilitation Services (IRS), physiotherapist Kate Phillips, says.Celebrating 10 years of operations at its Glen Iris location, IRS began with a staff of three part-time workers and has since grown to employ 18 specialists, 16 of whom work part-time."I saw a need for a multidisciplinary home-based therapy service, which is what we continue to provide," Phillips says.Although allied health workers are able to manage their own time while still being part of a team, Phillips says these community rehabilitation health professionals are few."Therapists have the benefit of working flexible hours," she says. "They can be independent in their work arrangements in a career that is as challenging as it is rewarding."IRS is a private practice that provides neurological rehabilitation in the form of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology to clients with acquired brain injury or other neurological disorders. "We visit clients in their home or in residential care facilities," Phillips says.The organisation services most of metropolitan Melbourne with referrals from the Transport Accident Commission, Department of Human Services and Department of Veterans' Affairs."Our work involves providing maximum function for clients living with neurological disorders," Phillips says. "We assist with physical mobility by undertaking tasks to support daily living - things like daily communications and cognitive functioning."In addition to providing direct therapy, IRS trains carers for this support service."Being a therapist is an ideal career for working mums and part-time workers," Phillips says. "It provides flexible working conditions as clients can sometimes be seen after hours or on weekends. Much of the paperwork and administration tasks can be done in the convenience of the home."Acquired brain injury patients and those who have suffered a stroke or have a neurological condition (multiple sclerosis, motor neurone or Parkinson's disease) often require regular therapy. "Most receive weekly visits by one or more therapists," Phillips says. "This can continue for months and sometimes years."The 2003 ABS survey of disability, ageing and carers shows 47 per cent of under-65s with acquired brain injury need support at least once a day.Allied health workers require a university-level degree in one of the allied health disciplines (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech pathology). Postgraduate qualifications in neurological rehabilitation are desirable but not essential. Work experience in a hospital or neurological rehabilitation centre is also required. IRS recruits staff with at least five years' experience in neurological rehabilitation.More health jobs at mycareer.com.au/health.WHAT'S INVOLVEDSALARY Starting salary for allied health at IRS is about $29 an hour.HOURS Flexible times to suit therapist and client.EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Employees can choose which days they work, how many clients they see each day and when patients are seen. Staff manage their caseload independently with as much, or as little, support from the office as they require. "As we are a multidisciplinary service, members of the team are easily accessible and ease of communication is a priority," Phillips says. "We also offer mentoring for staff to give them added support."LINKSphysiotherapy.asn.au; ausot.com.au; www.speechpathologyaustralia .org.au; independent-rehab.com.au.
© 2009 The Age
