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Critical Incident Response
This is the phone number for a critical incident response only and goes direct to PeopleSense by Altius.
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Recovery and Wellness Initiative
We aim to reduce biopsychosocial barriers and physical deconditioning associated with not working through our Recovery and Wellness Initiative (RAWI) – providing holistic support to those with physical or psychological injuries, unable to return to work or life.
Our team of allied health professionals, based across Australia, engage with individuals to provide personalised support to assist with their recovery journey.
The RAWI services are conducted at an employee’s home, wellness facility or a location within the community and are tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and wellbeing. Our allied health professionals bring the same functional education and biopsychosocial approach to the external setting to enable an easier transition back to work and life.
RAWI - to Restore Physical and Psychological Health
The evidence is in – exercise is an increasingly effective and beneficial front-line therapy for improving mental health. According to the Black Dog Institute, just 16 weeks of regular exercise has been found to be equally effective as antidepressant medication in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.
The Recovery and Wellness Initiative (RAWI) is designed to provide holistic support, not just to those with physical injuries. The program is designed to support people with psychological injuries who are unable to return to work or regular activities of daily living, either indefinitely or for a limited time, due to their mental health condition.
Our allied health professionals understand that exercise tailored for mental health conditions should not be structured but rather focus on encouraging individuals to add more of the things they enjoy, such as walking in nature, into their schedule.
Our collaboration with other stakeholders such as a treating doctor, psychologist or rehabilitation provider, is key to the success of the Recovery and Wellness initiative.
The Initiative Offers:
- Psychosocial education to limit potential for secondary overlay to impact return to work.
- Biological/Psychosocial support to minimise the potential for pain, dysfunction, isolation, poor motivation, low mood or fear avoidance.
- Nutrition and diet advice to enhance recovery prospects and reduce weight gain with reduced activity.
- Functional education for the safe and sustained performance of activities of daily living and the incorporation of these in everyday life.
- The prescription of graded exercises in collaboration with treating health professionals.
- Participation in medical case conferencing if or as required.
- Guidance on sleep hygiene, community engagement and social interaction as key features of wellness and recovery.
- A maximum of eight weeks intervention with the frequency of sessions each week tailored to meet individual needs.
Participants in the RAWI have enjoyed the personalised nature of the program, appreciated the support provided by all stakeholders and reported improvements in their general lifestyle.
Organisations look to nominate appropriate claims for the RAWI under the following criteria:
- Clients with a physical or psychological injury
- Clients struggling to engage in physical activity or their regular activities
- Clients that are not working or working < 25 hours per week
- Clients with psychosocial barriers affecting recovery
RAWI Case Studies
RAWI Supports Recovery from Psychological Injury
OccHealth Exercise Physiologists Improve Mental Health & Upgrade Employment Through RAWI
A RAWI Good News Story: Physical Injury
We also engage with clients via telehealth to deliver the Recovery and Wellness Initiative (RAWI), remotely. Through a series of on-line sessions, RAWI Remote supports clients to restore their physical and psychological health.
We asked Josie Nancarrow (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) some common FAQs about the Return to Work Initiative (RAWI)
FAQs
What is the Recovery and Wellness Initiative (RAWI)?
RAWI is a holistic wellness program designed to help individuals injured at work to re-engage in physical activity and return to work and life. The sessions involve education on appropriate exercises, health and wellness, and support for your mental and physical health. We will meet you at your home or a local park and assist you to improve your overall engagement in life and work.
Who would benefit from the Initiative?
Any person who has decreased their amount of physical activity since being injured, we know that 100% of people that are injured are not as physically active as they were beforehand.
Which allied health professions would be helping me on my RAWI Journey?
You would be fully supported by an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist who specialise in helping injured people return to work and life.
These allied health professions use a biopsychosocial approach, which means they help with the biology (physical injury), psychology (mental health) and social (engagement with your loved ones) to ensure you get the very best health outcome.
Your exercise physiologist will work with you, and collaborate with your GP, your insurer, your psychologist, and any other allied health professional who is involved with your case.
Why is exercise so important in the recovery process?
Exercise is crucial in the recovery process because contrary to popular belief, rest is NOT best. We know that 24 hours after an injury you start to lose strength and depending on the level of inactivity you can lose up to 40% of your overall strength within a matter of weeks!
Exercise is important to build up that physical fitness for work and daily life tasks, prevent flare-ups of pain and improve overall health outcomes. Research has also shown that exercise releases endorphins or happy hormones into the body improving your overall mental health.
How do I join the Initiative?
If you feel RAWI is right for you or someone you know contact Occhealth by Altius on 1800 258 487 or Contact us online.
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1800 258 487