What is Rehabilitation in the Home?

This program helps you return home from hospital sooner, by providing home-based support in place of a rehabilitation hospital stay.

For eligible patients and with your doctor’s approval, we can coordinate your physiotherapy sessions to get you back into familiar surroundings and on the road to independence sooner.

What are the benefits of Rehabilitation in the Home?

  • recovery in the comfort and privacy of your own home, with the support of health professionals
  • feeling supported both physically and emotionally
  • reduced strain on partners and carers
  • not having to travel for some medical appointments
  • getting home to family and pets
  • a greater sense of control over your recovery

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist will visit you at home to complete a comprehensive assessment and provide treatment as necessary. This includes advising you on managing your pain and continue with your daily living activities. The physiotherapist will design a rehabilitation program specifically for you, based on your goals. This will include maximising your mobility, joint flexibility and muscle function through a home exercise program.

Your physiotherapist will attend one or two appointments per week, depending on your needs and health fund approval. The program is flexible and runs for up to six weeks as required. If you require longer-term physiotherapy, a referral will be provided to the community physiotherapist of your choice.

Rehabilitation Physician

A rehabilitation doctor is available to oversee your care throughout your RITH program. Their role includes medication management, wound care or any medical concerns related to your rehabilitation that may arise. They will also liaise with your surgeon and/or GP as required.  This may require attending a consultation at Epworth Richmond or via telehealth in the first one to two weeks after your discharge from hospital and after the RITH program.

Fees

There are no fees for Rehabilitation in the Home, provided you are eligible under your health fund.  Please contact your health fund to discuss eligibility or request a rehabilitation assessment on the ward post-surgery. 

How do patients get referred to RITH?

Patients can be referred to RITH services by the hospital discharge planner, allied health team or the treating doctor.

If you are a current patient of Epworth, ask your treating team for a referral during their hospital stay. A RITH team member will contact you by phone to arrange the first appointment.

Referring to rehabilitation services

Online referral form and contact details for Epworth rehabilitation services.