Groundbreaking neuro-rehabilitation service Reconnections has reported a strong start to 2023, with referrals running at their highest ever level.
The service, which opened in June 2021, has an interdisciplinary team which includes neuro occupational therapists, neuro physiotherapists, neuro speech and language therapists, neuro psychologists, positive behaviour support practitioners and rehabilitation coaches. The team works collaboratively to deliver individual plans for participants on their rehabilitation journey.
As part of a regular series, senior rehab coach Rob Smith expands on his role at Reconnections
“As senior rehab coach, I work with our clinical team to devise personalised rehab programmes for participants, based on their goals and interests,” explains Rob.
“The most fulfilling aspect of my job is being able to put those plans into action – whether it’s rock climbing as physiotherapy or musical jam sessions working on someone’s speech, no two days are ever the same.”
Rob says it is hugely inspiring to see participants at Reconnections achieve life-changing outcomes through their rehab journey.
“I’m really fortunate to be very involved with our participants’ programmes, both at the planning and ‘doing’ stage. I’m always excited to bring in new ideas and visit new venues,” he continues.
“Only this week, I’ve been involved in delivering everything from aquatic physiotherapy to cycling to gardening, with a few hikes to mountain summits in the mix too. We love a challenge at Reconnections, ‘can’t’ isn’t a word we like to use.”
Since opening its doors in 2021, Reconnections has been committed to delivered person-centred care, inspiring and supporting people to become the best they can be.
The service, which is seeing record levels of referrals, is constantly striving to expand the horizons of what is possible with brain injury rehabilitation.
The evidence also supports Reconnections’ groundbreaking approach with the centre’s recent outcomes review indicating that the majority of participants have progressed on to independent living since leaving the service.
Other outcomes include:
- 100 per cent improved their ability to carry out everyday activities.
- 100 per cent needed less support when they were discharged.
- 100 per cent reported an improved hope for the future and an improved sense of purpose and direction in their life.
- 90 per cent achieved their goals.
- 80 per cent felt more empowered through greater participation and control over decisions that affect their lives.
Asked what he’d say to anyone considering ABI rehabilitation at Reconnections, Rob concludes: “Leave your ideas of what rehab looks like at the door.
“Let us know what you enjoy, what you care about and what you want to achieve, and we’ll find a way to integrate this into a clinically led rehab programme that achieves life-changing results.”
For further information on Reconnections, or to make a referral, visit www.calvertreconnections.org.uk
