About the Transitional Rehabilitation Program
What is TRP?
TRP is a rehabilitation service that helps people with spinal cord injury, who have recently been discharged from the Spinal Injuries Unit in the transition from hospital rehabilitation to community living. The TRP team includes specialist Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers and a Doctor who are experienced in working with people who have had spinal cord injuries. The TRP team will be available to work with you for 4 to 6 weeks following your discharge from the Spinal Injuries Unit.
Where do I do TRP?
TRP is available in your own home, if you live within reasonable driving distance of the hospital. TRP staff are able to travel to your own home if you live in Brisbane. We will also travel to most of the Sunshine and Gold Coast and west to Ipswich. TRP staff may be unable to visit you in your own home if you live further away. If you are from outside the TRP travel area, we are able to offer you accommodation in one of 3 accessible houses. These houses are around 15 minutes drive from the hospital.
How long is TRP?
TRP rehabilitation programs commonly run between 4 and 8 weeks. The actual length of your program may vary depending on your needs and the rehabilitation goals that you have. In the week before you leave the Spinal Injuries Unit, the TRP team will meet with you to discuss your rehabilitation goals and work with you to determine the length of your TRP program. Once this has happened, we will give you a copy of your rehabilitation plan, which will include your TRP start and finish dates.
What sort of therapy do I get during TRP?
Therapy during TRP is a little different to the therapy that you receive in the Spinal Injuries Unit. Each TRP team member will make appointments to see you at home (or in the TRP houses), usually once to twice per week. You may see staff more frequently in the early weeks of your program. During your program, TRP staff will work with you and any other people who you want involved in your rehabilitation program. These other people may include your family/partner, friends, carers, nurses, and other hospital and private therapists. We will also work with you to make sure you have a good home exercise program and opportunities to practice and develop new skills. You will have free time to do things on your own or with your family/friends.
What about my equipment needs?
TRP has equipment available for loan to those people who are undertaking programs. This equipment includes manual wheelchairs, power-drive wheelchairs, hoists, cushions, mattresses, exercise equipment, and adapted aids. TRP may be able to loan you this equipment until your own equipment arrives in many cases, depending on availability.
What are the TRP houses like?
TRP leases 3 houses that are about 15 minutes drive from the Spinal Injuries Unit.
All houses have had some modifications to enable easier access. Our aim in modifying these houses was not to create perfectly accessible environments, but rather to provide safe environments in which to challenge and improve the skills you have gained in the Spinal Injuries Unit.
All TRP houses have spare bedrooms to allow friends and families to stay.
What is provided by TRP during my program?
Services provided by TRP staff are free of charge.
If you require accommodation for TRP, we can provide this free of charge. Houses are fully furnished and all amenities are supplied. A telephone is available for local calls. We encourage you to bring along any personal items that will make you feel more comfortable.
If you stay in TRP accommodation, you will need to provide your own food and transportation. We will provide you with the keys and details of the TRP house before you leave the Spinal Injuries Unit. If you would like to see the TRP house before you leave hospital, this can usually be arranged.
How does TRP help?
- It provides a safe environment for people to practice new skills and care routines in a "real life" setting that mirrors their home and community environment
- It encourages the exploration of recreational, transport, and vocational options without the restrictions of hospital environment
- It helps to reduce anxiety related to leaving a "safe" hospital environment
- It provides private time and space for families to re-establish relationships and adjust to lifestyle changes in a supportive environment
- It assists individuals to gain confidence in re-adjusting to family, community and social roles
- It provides practical training for family or paid carers
- It provides experience in managing paid carers (where necessary)
- It supports better integration of services by linking with existing community supports.