Support for cancer patients with CaRe

Traditionally insurers haven’t provided rehabilitation support during the treatment phase. At this time claimants are very unwell and are often undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Instead, we’ve supported these claimants financially and waited until they have completed all their treatment before providing rehabilitation services.
 

Previous studies have highlighted that there are in fact many benefits in exercising during cancer treatment, including:

•  Evidence of tumor suppression and reduced tumor presence[4].
•  Reduced fatigue associated with cancer treatment[5].
•  Improved physical functioning such as strength and fitness[6].
•  Reducing the impact of negative health effects that result from cancer treatment, such as maintaining bone health and muscle strength[7].
•  Improved chemotherapy completion rates[8].
•  Lower levels of fear and anxiety associated with cancer[9].
   

Many patients currently aren’t accessing early intervention exercise physiology during their treatment due to a lack of available services or the cost associated with accessing these services. This is something we’re aiming to resolve. We’re able to fund exercise physiology programs that can help maintain work capacity once the claimant undergoes treatment. As a result, they’re more likely to have better health outcomes, reduced side effects and look after their mental health.
 

When an Exercise Physiologist is engaged early in the life of the claim, they can watch for any indication of anxiety or depression. If a risk is identified, the Exercise Physiologist can liaise with the healthcare team to ensure that a plan can be put in place sooner rather than later.

AIA Australia has offered RESTORE™ programs for mental health claims since 2012. We’ve taken the learnings from this program to develop RESTORE CaRe™, a specific wellness program for cancer survivors to help them manage the unique challenges they face.
 

This holistic wellness program helps cancer patients and survivors overcome the barriers which are preventing them from enjoying life and returning to work, including exercise and mindfulness programs. 

Many cancer survivors look at life differently post diagnosis. They may have reduced functional capacity following their treatment and often need to go back on a graded return to work plan. AIA Australia provides occupational rehabilitation to these members, assisting them to navigate the unique challenges that cancer survivors face in their return to the workforce.
 

By providing this extensive suite of CaRe™ services we’re able to support our members in the way they need to help them to return to work and ultimately back to wellness.
 

For more information please contact your Strategic Partnership Manager or Client Development Manager.