Programs & Services

The Acquired Brain Injury Program aims to return each individual to their optimal level of functioning in all areas of daily living, while addressing both physical and psycho-social needs.

An integrated multidisciplinary team, involving a Rehabilitation Physician, specialised Nursing and Allied Health professionals, conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a tailored rehabilitation plan, inclusive of long and short-term goals with the involvement of the patient and their family.

Suitability

People who have recently suffered a head injury and who would benefit from a multi-disciplinary service to enhance their functional capacity, in either an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following health professionals:

• Allied Health Assistants
• Clinical Psychologists
• Dieticians
• Exercise Physiologists
• Neuropsychologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Rehabilitation Physicians
• Trade Instructors
• Social Workers
• Speech Pathologists.

The Program

Each patient is assessed individually, and our team of health professionals develop a rehabilitation plan according to the individual's particular needs.

This program may include:

• Physical re-training and conditioning, often involving a special gym and activity program.
• A neuropsychological assessment to evaluate memory, intellectual, emotional and behaviour changes that can occur after a brain injury.
• Developing problem solving skills and learning to assist with any memory, thinking and or behavioural difficulties.
• Speech exercises to restore speech, clarity and language skills.
• Assistance with swallowing difficulties.
• Daily living skills retraining, such as personal and home tasks, which later may extend to leisure and driving activities.
• Supportive adjustment and educational counselling to provide assistance with the dealing of complex and broad issues associated with a head injury.
• Work preparation and return to work programs including gradual rebuilding of endurance and skills for the workplace,

Further Information for Health Professionals

Our multidisciplinary team, comprising of nursing staff, allied health professionals and rehabilitation physicians, contribute to the provision of a comprehensive assessment, treatment and management of people with acquired brain injury, as well as providing support for families.

By assessing the medical, physical, functional, cognitive, emotional, vocational, recreational and social issues of our patients, rehabilitation physicians in collaboration with other health professionals ensure all required needs are addressed for successful rehabilitation and integration into the community.

At The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre, we provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient falls and balance programs for both inpatients and outpatients, on an individual or group basis.

All programs are tailored to address the needs of our patients, to minimise the risks of falling and increase their independence.

The Program

Our multidisciplinary team of health professions, under the guidance of a rehabilitation physician conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop an individual rehabilitation plan according to the requirements of the patient. This program may include:

• Balance retraining
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Community mobility and a home assessment (if required)
• Falls prevention education
• Strengthening and stretching exercises.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following:

• Exercise Physiologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Rehabilitation Physicians.

Services

Cardiac rehabilitation is designed to educate, recondition and improve functional confidence with increased endurance for patients following cardiac pathology, or surgery.

We offer inpatient (Phase I) and outpatient (Phase II) comprehensive rehabilitation services.

Once at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre, patients are medically stable and actively able to participate in their own recovery.

The cardiac rehabilitation team, comprising of Rehabilitation Physicians, specialised nursing staff and allied health professionals, develop a tailored cardiac management plan tailored to your needs.

These goals often include:

• Maximising physical, psychological, and social recovery
• Minimising the progression of coronary artery disease
• Reducing risk factors and adopting a healthier lifestyle
• successful return to work, home and recreational activities.

Suitability

Patients who have recently had cardiac surgery, or who have been in hospital for management of cardiac disease, may benefit from an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following health professionals:

• Allied Health Assistants
• Cardiac Nurse Specialists
• Dieticians
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Rehabilitation Physicians
• Social Workers.

The Program

Each patient is assessed individually, and a team of health professionals develop a rehabilitation plan according to the individual's particular needs.

This program may include:

• Education about heart disease and eating for heart health
• Information about medication management.
• Graded activity programs – to progressively increase general strength and endurance.
• Occupational Therapy – learning and practicing ways to manage self-care in preparation for going home and safely resuming your daily routine.
• Physiotherapy - exercise and education aimed at improving strength, function and mobility.

All our patients are referred to our outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program (Phase II) or an alternative program closer to home, so they continue to be supported during their recovery once home.

Further Information for Health Professionals

Preparation for discharge from the centre begins at admission and as appropriate, involves the patient’s family and friends, as well as any community services that are required.

Our knowledge of a broad range of community resources and facilities ensures that the transition from rehabilitation back to the community is as smooth and successful as possible and that the patient continues to improve with the support they need.

The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre contributes to the provision of rehabilitation services for people following hip and knee replacements, as well as other types of surgery involving bones and joints.

Through therapy, exercise and education, our nursing staff, allied health professionals and rehabilitation specialists aim to improve movement and strength, which have usually decreased following surgery.

This therapy, combined with arranging any equipment or home modifications that are needed, is aimed at restoring independence and enabling a safe return home.

Suitable Patients

Patients who have undergone hip or knee surgery, either for the first time or following a revision, may need rehabilitation, if unable to return home independently.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following health professionals:

• Allied Health Assistants
• Dieticians
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Rehabilitation Physicians
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Social Workers.

The Program

Each patient is assessed individually, and a team of accredited and employed health professionals develops a rehabilitation plan according to the individual's particular needs.

This program may include:

• Activity groups – to restore skills and physical capabilities
• Balance groups – to increase mobility and confidence
• Hydrotherapy – exercise in warm, shallow water
• Occupational Therapy – learning and practicing ways to manage self-care in preparation for going home and safely resuming your daily routine
• Physiotherapy - exercise and education aimed at improving strength, function and mobility.

Further Information for Health Professionals

Preparation for discharge from the centre begins at admission and, as appropriate, involves the patient’s family and friends, as well as any community services that are required.

Our knowledge of a broad range of community resources and facilities ensures that the transition from rehabilitation back to the community is as smooth and successful as possible.

This program is designed for people who have been recently diagnosed with cancer or are physically de-conditioned as a result of an episode of treatment.

It is suited for people who:

• Feel they are not coping or are not achieving the quality of life they feel they should be.
• Have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as cleaning, ironing, gardening, shopping or would like to return to work.
• Have issues with fatigue and general lethargy.

The benefits of the program

• A network with other people who are also affected by cancer
• Improved ability to socialise, travel and take holidays
• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Improved knowledge and understanding of cancer
• Improved overall strength and endurance
• Improved self-esteem and overall quality of life
• Increased capacity to return to work, sport or leisure pursuits
• Strategies for completing everyday tasks without excessive fatigue.

Our Team

All sessions are provided by our experienced health professionals which include:

• Accredited Exercise Physiologist
• Dietician
• Occupational Therapist
• Psychologist
• Rehabilitation Physician
• Social Worker.

Referrals to additional services conducted as required.

The pain management program at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre is an approved TAC/ Worksafe pain management program provider.

Services

The Pain Management Program at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre contributes to the provision of a holistic approach to assist people with managing pain, increasing functional capacity and optimising quality of life.

A highly experienced multidisciplinary team comprising of Specialist Pain/Rehabilitation Physicians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists and Exercise Physiologists contribute to the provision of this program.

Objectives of the Pain Management Program are to assist individuals to:

• Facilitate suitable return to work where appropriate
• Increase engagement in purposeful activity and leisure
• Increase physical fitness, endurance and quality of movement
• Reduce emotional distress associated with pain and altered lifestyle
• Reduce, manage and cope with persistent/ongoing pain
• Reduce reliance on medication and ongoing therapies.

The Program

When referred to the pain program, patients will be assessed and the most suitable program will be determined.

Programs are offered in both an individual and group format.

Both programs include a combination of:

• Education, discussion and skills training to facilitate a resumption of activities in all areas of life, including return to work were appropriate.
• Graduated exercises on land and/or in the pool to improve strength, flexibility and fitness.
• Stress management and psychological discussion sessions aimed at reducing and managing the emotional distress associated with chronic pain.

A self-management philosophy is taken with all clients.

Participants need to participate fully in all aspects of their program, which includes practice in the home environment.

Admission criteria

• Client motivated to accept and participate in a self-management approach
• No further improvement expected with medical intervention
• Non-malignant musculoskeletal pain
• Pain duration longer than three months or if has not responded to current treatment regime.

Funding

• All Private Health Funds
• Self-funding
• Work Cover or TAC.

Many of our rehabilitation programs include an exercise component.

Our facilities include three fully equipped physiotherapy treatment spaces and a large rehabilitation gymnasium.

Patients are assessed and individual goals established in accordance with each patients overall rehabilitation program.

Goals often include:

• Exercise at the gymnasium is supervised by our Exercise Physiologists
• Improve co-ordination and hand-eye skills
• Injury rehabilitation such as increasing strength, fitness, flexibility, endurance and mobility
• Preparation for return to work such as increasing endurance, lifting and handling capacity, and back care education
• Return to leisure and sporting activities such as running.

Our facilities are suitable for use by patients using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

They are also available for use by self-help groups.

Services

The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre contributes to the provision of Respiratory Rehabilitation for inpatients and outpatients.

The Respiratory Management Program (outpatient phase) is a structured group program run over eight weeks on an outpatient basis.

The aims of this program are:

• To integrate activity/exercise into day-to-day routine
• To increase confidence and participation in social and community activities
• To introduce lifestyle changes based on self-management principles
• To improve physical capacity
• To improve quality of life and minimise dependence on health care services
• To educate participants about their respiratory status

Suitable Patients

People who have:

• A need for medication education
• Frequent hospital presentations respiratory condition
• Reduced ability to do daily activities (functional capacity)
• Reduced capacity for exercise
• Reduced independence in day to day activities due to respiratory status
• Surgery coming up that may reduce lung function
• The motivation to participate in a self-management program.

People who are current smokers are not accepted into the program.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following accredited or employed health professionals:

• Allied Health Assistants
• Cardio-Respiratory Nurses
• Dieticians
• Exercise Physiologists
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Rehabilitation Physicians
• Social Workers
• Speech Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists.

Each patient is assessed individually, and a team of health professionals develop a rehabilitation plan according to the individuals’ particular needs.

This program may include:

• Education about anatomy, physiology, pathology, medication and oxygen therapy
• Information about community resources and support services that will help you to stay on track
• Keeping an exercise diary and participate in a walking program at home
• Learning about managing symptoms and when to seek help
• Occupational Therapy education and training to better manage domestic and community activities of daily living
• Physiotherapy and education aimed at improving strength, function and mobility
• Support in living optimally with a chronic illness

Further Information for Health Professionals

Preparation for discharge from the centre begins at admission and, as appropriate, involves the patient’s family and friends, as well as any community services that are required.

Our knowledge of a broad range of community resources and facilities ensures that the transition from rehabilitation back to the community is as smooth and successful as possible, and that the patient continues to improve with the support they need.

Services

Our aim, in collaboration with rehabilitation physicians, is to give each client the best possible opportunity to regain his or her place as a valued member of the workforce.

We contribute to the provision of support and guidance for the person who is looking to return to their former occupation or seeking to be placed in a new job.

Detailed assessment of the individual and their workplace needs allows us in collaboration with rehabilitation physicians to develop a comprehensive program for each client, to assist them in re-joining the workforce.

Suitable Patients

Our nursing staff, allied health professionals and rehabilitation physicians assist people with a broad range of disability, from those with minor difficulties to those with complex physical, neurological and cognitive impairments.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following health professionals:

• Exercise Physiologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Psychologists
• Rehabilitation Physicians.

The Program may include:

• Activities to establish physical capabilities such as flexibility, strength and dexterity
• Activities to improve cognitive abilities such as memory and problem solving exercises
• Graded activity and exercise programs such as gym programs or carpentry activities to improve work readiness
• Information and education on working safely and within their individual limits
• Participate in individually tailored return-to-work programs.

The programs allow work to restart gradually, often via graded times and modified duties.

Equipped with state of the art monitoring equipment, our new sleep unit offers overnight sleep studies to observe

and diagnose a wide range of sleep disorders.

• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Insomnia
• Other sleep related disturbances
• Periodic limb movement disorder
• Behavioural sleep disorders

Sleep and Respiratory Physicians include:

• Dr Paul Huang (Medical director)
• Dr Michael Clarence
• Dr Murad Ibrahim
• Dr Ali Aminizad
• Dr Nicholas Wilsmore
• Dr Kanishka Rangamuwa
• Dr Andrew Gillman

Overnight sleep study:
Also known as Polysomnography (PSG), a sleep study is conducted when a sleep disorder is suspected.
Carried out in a private room, the study begins at regular bedtime and concludes the following morning.
Throughout the night, sleep scientists monitor Brain wave activity, Respiration, Eye movement activity, Heart rate,
Muscle tone and Blood oxygen levels.

Funding Arrangements
The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre has agreements with all private health insurance funds as well as:

• Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
• Worksafe Victoria

Most funds cover sleep studies, however you may be required to pay an excess or co-payment depending
on your insurance policy. Self-funding is also available.
Please note that a cancellation fee may apply
if cancelled with less than 48 hours notice.

Referrals and enquiries
A referral to one of our sleep physicians is required to
undergo a sleep study.
This can be obtained from a General Practitioner or Specialist.

The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre – Sleep Unit
499 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
Phone: 03 9501 8865 | Fax: 03 9566 2848
Enquiries can be made between 9am – 5pm.

The neurological rehabilitation service at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre aims to provide best possible recovery and the most independent lifestyle for people following a stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions.

Through comprehensive assessment and provision of a wide range of therapies our nursing staff, allied health professionals and rehabilitation physicians strive to ensure the most optimal outcome for each individual patient, allowing them to resume a fulfilling lifestyle.

Our facilities include:

• Activities areas
• Computer retraining areas
• Daily living skills training rooms
• Gymnasium
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Physiotherapy treatment areas.

Suitable Patients

People who have recently been impaired as a result of a neurological condition. Impairments may include reduced balance, mobility, arm and hand function, impaired speech, memory and/or concentration, walking, as well as emotional or behavioural problems.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following health professionals:

• Dieticians
• Exercise Physiologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists/ Neuropsychologists
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Rehabilitation Physicians
• Social Workers
• Speech Pathologists.

The Program

Each patient is assessed individually and our team of health professionals develop a rehabilitation plan according to the individual's particular needs.

This program may include:

• Developing problem solving skills and learning to compensate for memory difficulties
• Exercises and activities at home following discharge
• Exercise to restore speech and language skills such as clarity of speech
• Help with swallowing problems, for example by altering the texture of food and drinks, or modifying posture
• Learning to use equipment, home modifications or support services where required
• Physical re-training and conditioning, often involving a special gym and activity program
• Retraining in day-to-day skills, including areas such as driving, home and leisure activities
• Supportive adjustment and educational counselling to assist dealing with the complex and broad issues associated with neurological conditions.

Further Information for Health Professionals

Patients referred to the neurological programs receive a comprehensive, inter-disciplinary assessment in the physical, cognitive, emotional, functional, vocational and recreational areas.

A rehabilitation plan is devised and regularly reviewed by the team. The involvement of the patient’s family is encouraged.

Continuity of care is achieved through the provision of inpatient and outpatient programs and planned discharge that includes referrals to community services.

The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre provides comprehensive trauma rehabilitation services for both inpatients and outpatients.

The rehabilitation team comprising of Rehabilitation Physicians, specialist nursing and allied health professionals develop an individualised program based on the patient and family goals.

These generally include:

• Addressing emotional, psychological or practical resulting from trauma
• Increased movement, strength and endurance
• Independence in self care
• Independence with mobility (with or without walking aids/wheelchair)
• Management of pain
• Return to a full life including work, leisure and family activities
• Safe return home (including modification of the home if necessary) with suitable follow-up, or discharge to supported accommodation if required.

Suitable Patients

Any person who has suffered a traumatic injury at work, as a result of a traffic accident, or at home and is unable to return to their previous functional level.

Following a traumatic even and admitted at an acute facility, upon referral The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre, our Rehabilitation Liaison Coordinators, who are highly qualified rehabilitation nurses visit the acute facility to conduct an assessment and determine whether our centre is appropriate for rehabilitation.

We accept patients who are funded by TAC, WorkCover, Department of Veterans Affairs, private health insurance, as well as those who are self-funding.

Members of our experienced multidisciplinary team include the following health professionals:

• Allied Health Assistants
• Dieticians
• Exercise Physiologists
• Neuropsychologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Rehabilitation Nurses
• Rehabilitation Physicians
• Social Workers
• Speech Pathologists.

The Program

Each patient is assessed individually, and our team of specialised health professionals develop a rehabilitation plan according to the individual's particular needs.

This program may include:

• Discussion and problem-solving relating to adjustment to the trauma and/or injury, and any difficulty that may arise due to hospitalisation or inability to work.
• Graded activity programs to progressively increase general strength and endurance.
• Hydrotherapy treatment in a heated pool.
• Occupational Therapy education and training to manage self-care in preparation for returning home.
• Physiotherapy and education aimed at improving strength, function am mobility of muscles and joints.

Further Information for Health Professionals

Following initial assessment, key goals are identified for and with the patient, and these form the basis of the Rehabilitation Plan.

Key functional milestones are generally independent self-care, independent mobility, safe discharge home and community reintegration.

Preparation for discharge from the centre begins at admission and, as appropriate, involves the patient’s family and friends, as well as any community services that are required.

Our knowledge of a broad range of community resources and facilities ensures that the transition from rehabilitation back to the community is as smooth and successful as possible, and that the patient continues to improve with the support they need.

As a comprehensive rehabilitation provider, we are supported on-site by Melbourne Pain Group, Marina Radiology, HPS Pharmacies and Australian Clinical Labs.

Melbourne Pain Group

Melbourne Pain Group is comprised of a team of Physicians who specialise in pain, available to treat both in-patient and out-patients.

“We aim to improve quality of life and productivity by improving function and decreasing or eliminating pain if possible. Our practice is patient focused. Our patients can be confident and have peace of mind that we will continue to look for innovative methods and use cutting edge technology to alleviate their pain. We work very close with referring doctors and other professionals to achieve the most optimal control and management of pain.”

melbournepaingroup.com.au

Marina Radiology

Marina Radiology is a diagnostic imaging service provider offering CT, X-Ray (general & dental), Ultrasound and Interventional procedures.

“Our team of highly qualified Technicians and Radiologists combined with state of the art technology ensure you receive the highest standard of care and imaging every time”

marinaradiology.com.au

HPS Pharmacies

HPS is open on-site at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre, offering a complete range of services including a dedicated compounding facility.

hps.com.au

Australian Clinical Labs

Australian Clinical Labs is a pathology service provider with an on-site collection Centre at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre.

“At Australian Clinical Labs, we combine pathology leadership, ground-breaking technology and the best scientists in the field to bring better outcomes for doctors and patients alike. We are the largest pathology provider of public hospitals in Australia and one of the top choices amongst private practices across the country.”

clinicallabs.com.au