WHR Allied Health | Medical and health

WHR Allied Health

Phone: +61 3 5261 9037

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Businesses
• Medical and health
• Disability service
• Physical therapist
• Medical service
• Occupational therapist

25.01.2022 SAS Update - Unfortunately we will not be able to run our term 2 Secret Agent Society groups and will be looking to move them to term 3 of 2020; pending COVID-19 status. We had considered telehealth as an option however as the evidence suggests there is greater benefits gained through peer interactions and further learning from one another, combined with practice in the childs three different environments (therapeutic, home and school), we will continue to only run this prog...ram as previously discussed; small groups where we can all engage together in a shared learning environment. https://www.sst-institute.net/sas-evidence Our Telehealth OT/PT/TA supports are continuing to be provided where this is suitable for our clients.

24.01.2022 The Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council have provided travel warnings translated into Swahili, Kinyarwanda and Nepali languages. They can be found on the AWECC Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/c/UCcA7Bmrq4oG-98SGJ5xhD1w/featured

23.01.2022 In line with the NSW Health Amber Alert level all Albury/Wodonga based OT and TA visits will include your therapist wearing a mask. We will also be asking that clients (over 12) wear a mask. Were seeking reusable masks for our vulnerable clients and will distribute based on Government guidelines. Please keep counting the 20 seconds when washing your hands

22.01.2022 Both Torquay and Albury offices will be closed this Tuesday and Wednesday as our Admin and all of our OTs complete our 2 day Mental Health First Aid training. Were excited to be getting all the crew back together again :)

22.01.2022 Did you see the National Youth Disability Summit advertised in the NDIS update newsletter? Running online from September 29 - October 3, 2020 and completely free! Encouraging all our under 30s to get involved! https://www.cydayouth.events/

22.01.2022 A quick sumamry for our SSP kids to help them understand what will be happening during these sessions. If youre interested in our provision of the Safe and Sound Protocol listening program have a look at our info vid for the kids and get in touch with us to find out more.

22.01.2022 Easy to read guide to putting masks on and then take off

21.01.2022 Were currently having issues with receiving emails - Our IT dept (Chris :)) is sorting it out and well be back soon!

20.01.2022 Yesterday the NDIS advised of updates to the NDIS price guide which included a 10% increase to rates charged by WHR. These business continuity supports are helping us to have confidence that well be able to support our clients ongoing. As per our Service Agreements - these increases are effective as of 25/3/2020 Thank you for your ongoing support. https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing You can now also use your core supports for accessing Support Coordination - details via the link

20.01.2022 Whilst there is additional detail proposed to be shared over the next 3 days from the Vic and Federal Governments, our current understanding is that things are likely to remain as they have for us from a service provision perspective. Telehealth should be used wherever possible. In some instances, face to face supports will be required but only where an individualised Client Risk Management Plan has been created with you and agreed to. These will only be completed where they are determined to align with Government advice.

20.01.2022 Vic Chief Health Officer has released the following statement this afternoon: Coronavirus (COVID-19) fragments found in Corio wastewater Coronavirus fragments have been detected in a wastewater sample collected from the Oyster Cove wastewater treatment plant in Corio. Residents and visitors to Geelong’s northern suburbs and Lara from Saturday 21 to Tuesday 23 November are urged to get tested if they have any symptoms, no matter how mild. The result is unexpected given that ...there are no residents in the area known to have recently had a coronavirus (COVID-19) illness or diagnosis. Samples of untreated wastewater are analysed for fragments of SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19) at more than 50 wastewater treatment plants across Victoria See more

20.01.2022 More on Zoom. Theres recently been a lot of attention around security issues associated with Zoom and we want our clients and their supports to know that we continue to do what we can to protect the confidentiality of our clients and our sessions. All our Zoom sessions are password protected, each meeting link is used exclusively for one client, we only share the zoom session link with the client/carers, at all times we have control over who can be part of our zoom sessions... (including blocking someone else trying to join which they can only do if theyve got the link and also have the password). Weve previously used other videoconferencing programs and have concluded that out of Skype, FaceTime, Microsoft Teams weve made the right choice in relation to usability for clients and clinicians in having Zoom as our preferred option. If youd like to know more about Zoom check out their YouTube channel with lots of explanatory videos https://www.youtube.com/user/ZoomMeetings/videos or get in touch so that we can assist in answering any questions you may have. See more

19.01.2022 Our mates over at We Rock The Spectrum in Geelong are still offering Private Hire and respite sessions during the restriction period. Please see the attached flyer for further information. Bookings can be made online at http://www.werockthespectrumgeelong.com.au/programs or by giving them a call on 0490 430 444.

19.01.2022 Why does everyone keep telling me to breath slowly to keep me calm when I cant do the things I want to? Breath of Life: The Respiratory Vagal Stimulation Model of Contemplative Activity - A good read for parents/carers to help understand why guided/controlled/self directed breathing pattern changes can help :) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6189422/

19.01.2022 Ever wondered why our OTs seem to be so happy? We think that our Supervision on the move might have something to do with it... oh and the location probably helps too! (13,000 steps this morning)

18.01.2022 We're looking forward to seeing and hearing all about the stories for "International Day of People with Disability." The ABC continues to be a great supporter in this space :)

17.01.2022 Due to the transition to isolation/telehealth supports, clients can purchase AT (iPad/tablet/laptop) that is reasonable and necessary from core supports - most likely the consumables section - but it can come from any Core support allocation. Self/plan managed 1. Client needs AT 2. Client must check to ensure that they will be able to claim reimbursement before spending their own money. Confirm with plan manager or run a dummy claim based on quoted price of AT. ... 3. Client can purchase necessary tech 4. Client can claim reasonable/necessary costs from core supports and seek reimbursement from MyPlace (Self-Managed) or submit invoice to their plan manager. Agency managed 1. Client needs AT 2. Contact 1800 800 100, press 5 then ask for funds to be moved from CB supports to core and that these funds be self-managed (or plan managed if they already use a plan manager) 3. Client follows steps (2-4) as per self/plan managed In relation to prescribing AT, WHR will provide broad advice around minimum requirements for the AT noting that this is being provided to enable ongoing telehealth and/or to reduce impact of disability for each individual client. Most clients will require entry/mid-level AT as opposed to high end/newest versions of AT. Consider older models that will have larger storage and other features that were once top of the line not that long ago.

17.01.2022 https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-covid-19. For everyone about to transition to community based mask wearing, have a read of the DHHS guidelines. Some good tips include ensuring you wash your hands before putting the mask on, washing your hands if you touch/readjust the mask and then again after removing and disposing of the mask or putting into a sealed bag before washing. For those using reusable masks the same recommendations apply.

16.01.2022 We're excited that the Covid-19 numbers have come right down but need you to know that our staff will continue to be wearing masks and eye protection to ensure that we're doing our bit to keep it that way. We will continue to complete individualised Covid Client Risk Management Plans and we'll keep checking in with you prior to visits to ensure no one in your home has been unwell. We're grateful for your understanding and cooperation and thank you for helping to keep our team and our other clients (often who are at high risk of becoming very unwell if they were to get sick) safe.

15.01.2022 https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide With young people spending a lot more time at home they may be increasing their screen time. The eSafety Commissioner has developed an eSafety guide to learn about the latest games, apps and social media and ensure these are used safely and appropriately.

15.01.2022 A good visual guide as to why soap handwashing for 20seconds is best! https://youtu.be/-LKVUarhtvE

15.01.2022 Weve made the decision to suspend the provision of face to face supports for our Torquay/Barwon Team effective this coming Wednesday 29th July. This includes Occupational Therapy, Physio and Therapy Assistant Supports. Were resuming Telehealth sessions where possible, and will revisit and provide an update from the 23rd August. Thanks for your understanding, Brad & the WHR Allied Health team. Please stay home and get tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) no matter how mild: including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of smell or taste. Go home straight after your test and self-isolate while you wait for the results. Go to the DHHS testing map for locations.

14.01.2022 Heres our Telehealth social story

14.01.2022 A good vid to watch and share with teens in your life (in Vic) to ensure they understand the laws around sexting. Its likely youll learn something! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWWtiLIQc5k&feature=youtu.be

14.01.2022 As we increase our OT and Physio home/community based supports clients/families will be contacted on the day of the session to discuss the following: This is completed as a pre-home visit risk screen and it is essential that you provide me with truthful answers to ensure the safety of you, me and those we come into contact with. 1. Are you presently unwell, i.e. do you have what might be a cold, the flu? (yes= reschedule, no= proceed to next Q.) 2. Have you or someone in yo...ur home recently been unwell? (yes=gather further detail, if any risk of Covid 19, reschedule), no=proceed to next Q.) 3. Have you been in the presence of someone with a known Covid-19 diagnosis in the previous 4 weeks (yes=gather further detail, if any risk of Covid 19, reschedule), no=proceed to next Q.) 4. Whilst I will be attending your home, I need you to understand that we need to do our best to maintain a physical distancing of 1.5metres between me and anyone in your home. Is this going to be an issue in your home? (yes=gather further detail, consider alternate options re location of session, ask client to assist in making this possible, no=proceed to next Q.) 5. Im looking forward to seeing you, but I also need to let you know that if there are any concerns when attending I will need to reschedule. Were required to regularly sanitise our hands whilst with clients - this is not specific to you, but I am just letting you know that this will happen. Coughs and colds happen - sneezing happens - people get sick - all of these things are very normal, were just doing our best to keep you and everyone else safe by asking these questions. Were really looking forward to seeing you again soon!

12.01.2022 Super proud of all of our team being recognised for our commitment to Mental Health First Aid! 100% of our permanent staff complete the MHFA 2 day training and we have a range of other Mental Health positive practices which we support our team around every day :)

12.01.2022 Somewhat delayed but really well developed planning guide to help people with disability to get the facts about Coronavirus (COVID019) and make a plan for how they will manage the impact of this situation. https://collaborating4inclusion.org/covid-19-person-centre/

11.01.2022 And this is how we do our supervision on the move from the Albury office - still keeping close to the water and getting out for some fresh air!

11.01.2022 Were seeking a new addition to our Albury OT team! https://www.seek.com.au/job/50126856

11.01.2022 We're hiring! 0.9FTE new grad role in our mixed Allied Health practice in Torquay - have every 2nd Monday off! Very high level of 1:1 supports for all our new grads for the first 2 years of employment with WHR. Culture and Professional Development are at the forefront of what we do and how we support our team. Challenge yourself in a supportive and structured workplace. Engage in our peer review processes which include receiving and providing feedback to all members of our team - where we welcome the opportunity to learn from you as well. https://www.seek.com.au/job/51048868

11.01.2022 DHHS has advised that all Health Workers involved in direct client/patient care must now be using eye protection in addition to our surgical/level 1 (non-cloth) masks. We have our face shields on order but until they arrive, unfortunately, all face to face sessions for our Vic clients will be postponed. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/personal-protective-equipment-p We are continuing to provide clinical supports to our clients via telehealth and encourage you to contact us if ...you need any assistance with meals, medication or other daily supports so that we can endeavour to assist. Thanks, WHR Team See more

10.01.2022 Were increasingly resuming the option of Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist face to face supports for those clients who have been finding Telehealth to not be best meeting their needs or expectations. We encourage you to speak with your individual therapist and want you to understand that due to each therapists own personal circumstances they may not be ready/able to reengage face to face at this time - but lets talk about it. Face to face Therapy Assistant supports will be offered again soon. On behalf of our team - thank you for your ongoing support - we hope to see you soon!

08.01.2022 People living in Victoria with limited income or savings who are on temporary or provisional visas and undocumented migrants are now able to apply for a payment of up to $800 per person helping them out with living expenses while things are tough. Those who have already received a payment under the program will be eligible for a $400 top up on their original payment. If you require details for this program, please head to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/financial-support-coron...avirus-c If you need help with your application please call the Red Cross on 1800 855 240.

07.01.2022 Were back online with the emails - apologies for the bouncebacks. Sorry to have to ask but if you sent anything through to us from Saturday 22nd through to Monday 24th we may not have received your email and ask that you resend. Thanks

07.01.2022 Whilst we are all doing our bit in relation to physical distancing and regularly washing hands, please remember to clean your electronics/keyboards/phones. Apple has updated their cleaning advice for their products here https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT204172

07.01.2022 In line with our preparations for a return to the provision of face to face supports we will be requiring all staff to download and maintain active use of the CovidSafe app during work hours. We will also be encouraging clients that we come into contact with to do the same - this helps us to protect you and your family in the unlikely event that one of our staff has been in contact with a confirmed diagnosed client. All our normal precautions/hygiene will continue and we encourage you to speak with our team if you have questions in this regard. Thank you for your ongoing support - The WHR Allied Health Team.

07.01.2022 Over the next week, most of our Vic based WHR clients/families will be contacted by one of our team to check-in and see how youre going. This will include ensuring you have access to masks and to check that restrictions are not limiting your ability to access food. Well be able to assist in regards to both if required via support from DHHS (masks) and our ongoing support of OneCareGeelong (food security) for Barwon and other local supports in the Albury/Wodonga region. We look forward to being in touch.

07.01.2022 From the My Mental Health webpage -- Phone Counselling and Support. Where people are in crisis and need to talk to someone about their distress or trauma, there are a range of organisations listed below that can assist them. beyondblue www.beyondblue.org.au... 1300 22 4636 beyondblue is a national organisation that has a range of information and resources associated with depression and anxiety. Useful resources and further information about beyondblue programmes are available on its website at www.beyondblue.org.au or by contacting its Support Service on 1300 22 4636 (toll free). The Support Service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are one-on-one with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential. Lifeline Australia www.lifeline.org.au 13 11 14 Lifeline Australia provides a free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone counselling service for adults needing emotional support. Lifeline Australia also has a range of information and resources available from their website, about providing care in times of crisis. Mensline Australia www.mensline.org.au 1300 78 99 78 Mensline Australia provides a free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour professional telephone counselling service for men needing emotional support or in crisis. Mensline also has a range of information and resources available from their website, about providing support and taking care of yourself, in times of crisis. Kids Help Line www.kidshelp.com.au 1800 55 1800 A number of children and youth may also need emotional. Kids Help Line is a free and confidential, telephone counselling service for 5 to 25 year olds in Australia. Black Dog Institute www.mycompass.org.au The Black Dog Institute provides a 24 hour free mobile phone/computer-based programme to assist those with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress (myCompass).

06.01.2022 WHR anticipates continuing to provide face to face supports to our clients on both sides of the border. Were monitoring and adapting to the border closures as best we can, but know that we can rapidly revert to Telehealth if/where required. Keep washing your hands and meet those physical distancing requirements. Murray PHN has launched a new counselling service to help community members with a variety of emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, isolation and loneliness. Talk it Out is a free phone and online counselling service for people in the Murray PHN region who are feeling the pressures and stresses of everyday life. Talk it Out is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 022 946 or by visiting talkitoutmurray.org.au and signing up for online counselling.

04.01.2022 Theres likely to be a lot of change for people around roles. Teenagers/younger adults living with parents may find themselves being the primary income earner for a while - check out this managing the disruption OT Guide to Covid 19. Lots of great discussion points. http://www.bit.ly/2Ulksxz

04.01.2022 Our Albury team are now all permitted and able to maintain Victorian client visits. In the unlikely event that we have Vic clients needing to visit the Albury office your OT will provide you with an individualised letter justifying your visit if required. Client visits will continue to be scheduled at client preference with respect to high volume traffic periods around peak hour. Keep washing your hands and maintaining physical distancing requirements to keep yourselves safe

04.01.2022 Over the previous month our OT's had set themselves a Steptember challenge where we accumulated 3,899,306 steps as a team. Rach won with an amazing 520,000 and Mitch managed the most steps in a day with 27,434! This was part of our commitment to reduce our screen time which had significantly increased since March. Here's some of the Albury crew enjoying a celebratory lunch with our friends over at The Purple Chicken!

03.01.2022 Do you have a child receiving OT services and do you have or are you eligible for a health care card? If so, Deakin Uni would love to hear from you. **This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: HEAG-H 62_2020)** Deakin University is conducting a study exploring the influence of values (fundamental beliefs about what is important in life) on the relationship between occupational therapists (OTs) and parents. They are looking for parents of ch...ildren (aged 3-12) receiving OT services who hold a government health care card based on low-income to participate in individual phone interviews. By participating, you will be supporting research that aims to strengthen the relationship between OTs and parents, increase parental engagement in therapy and enhance child health outcomes. All participants will receive a $20 gift card to compensate them for their time. For more information or to participate, please contact: Jacqui Edwards (PhD Candidate) Ph: (03) 5227 8977

02.01.2022 Weve long been interested in the importance of addressing sex and sexuality for our clients in all its forms. Via our involvement in the OT Special Interest Group - Sex and Sexuality (weve got founding members you know!) Weve got an exciting opportunity for some design testing for clients with limited hand mobility to participate in some upcoming research :) If this is something that you might be interested in head to the Thats Handi concept testing registration - https://www.thatshandi.co/handi-concept-testing or follow them on their socials - https://www.instagram.com/thatshandi/?hl=en

02.01.2022 Seeking additional legends for our Albury office https://www.seek.com.au/job/50694721