AIA Australia’s Rehab support through COVID-19

AIA has continued to support our clients through COVID-19, with the ability to provide services via Telehealth.

Nancy* was diagnosed with a relatively aggressive brain cancer and at the age of 52 underwent surgery in September 2019. Following surgery she reported ongoing symptoms including headaches, neck pain, fatigue, sporadic loss of sight in her right eye and some cognitive dysfunction.

Following receipt of her IP claim to AIA in October, an early intervention rehabilitation review was completed within 24-hours and recommendations for rehab made.

Nancy was contacted by the AIA rehabilitation team regarding support available and although she wished to participate she requested postponement of her program until further treatment and her November 2019 specialist review. Following the specialist review the AIA rehab team made contact with Nancy and an individually tailored wellbeing program commenced. Nancy continued to report ongoing symptoms of fatigue, headaches, poor sleep habits, poor cognition and concentration / focus. Given Nancy is sole parent to her 12-year old son, she reported significant fear and anxiety relating to her cancer recurring and potential impacts on her capacity to look after and support her son.

Nancy’s rehab wellbeing program included:

• Exercise program to build strength and capacity
• Sleep hygiene routine and principles education
• Fatigue management education and activity planning to build energy
• Facilitation of referral to Psychologist through a Medicare Mental Health Plan
• Referral to Cancer Council for counselling support, information and programs

During her rehabilitation program, Nancy also expressed that she was experiencing financial stress and once her bills were paid she reported having $200 for living expenses for the month. Rehab supported Nancy to manage this by implementing strategies such as deferred mortgage repayments and school fees, and directed to other financial schemes that could assist her.

Following further treatment and her 3-month rehab wellbeing program Nancy was feeling better and ready to commence a graduated Return To Work (RTW). In Feb 2020, Rehab facilitated a meeting with her Employer to discuss graduated RTW planning. Unfortunately, Nancy’s employer was unable to support a graduated RTW and terminated Nancy’s employment. AIA rehab continued to support Nancy and realigned our services to support Nancy in returning to a new employer. Nancy participated in:

• Resume review and development
• Job seeking skills i.e. job applications, interview coaching

In March, a COVID-19 risk assessment was undertaken and Nancy was transitioned to tele-health rehab support. This allowed Nancy to continue with her job seeking program via Telehealth appointments at her residence reducing her risk of contracting COVID-19. Rehab supported job seeking but also provided additional support given COVID-19 stressors and depressed labour market.

Nancy successfully obtained new employment in a suitable role in September 2020, nearly 12 months to the day from her cancer diagnosis.

In her own words, Nancy described her AIA rehab program: