Why Arrange a Home Visit?
You may require a home visit if you have difficulties accessing a clinic or simply feel more comfortable in your home. 
Some physiotherapists may see you at home if it is an emergency but most are unable to provide regular home services.  Access Care Physiotherapy is dedicated to providing in-home service for those with short or long term needs.  Many chronic health problems can be managed more effectively when treatment is carried out in your home setting where practical problems can be tackled head on.  Physiotherapy at home also enables other members of the family to be involved and gain a better understanding of how to help. 

What to expect from a home visit
When you arrange a home visit it is important to set aside enough time free from interruptions.  Your family or close friends are welcome to be present if you prefer not to be alone.

The first visit typically takes as long as an hour, during which time the physiotherapist will make an assessment of your physical condition and if relevant your living area too.  We will discuss with you the most appropriate treatment and if there is time, proceed to give you a treatment session as well.  Frequency and length of subsequent visits will also be discussed.

Think through what your main problems are and what you would most like to achieve from treatment.  Write down a list of questions if you feel you may forget, but don’t worry about it if you do as the physiotherapist will probably expect to see you for a few sessions if not on a regular basis, during which time you can talk about any other issues that come to light.
The physiotherapist will try to arrive as promptly as possible but may be a little delayed if traffic is heavy.  If there is going to be a longer delay he/she will ring you to let you know and if necessary, re-schedule the appointment. 
If you are unable to keep an appointment you must inform your physiotherapist at least 24 hours beforehand.  If you do not do this he/she reserves the right to charge you for that appointment. 

A receipt of payment is given monthly.  If you have extended medical benefits, check with them in advance that you will be able to claim for the physiotherapy treatment.  If they require confirmation that your physiotherapist is properly qualified and insured don’t hesitate to put them in touch.

Types of conditions treated:
Access Care Physiotherapy focuses on neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, parkinsons, and ALS.  We also see children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and various other neurological conditions.

Other conditions such as joint replacement surgery, lower limb amputations and various other orthopaedic conditions are also treated. 

What is neurophysiotherapy?
Neurophysiotherapy is specific physiotherapy for those who have sustained a neurological injury from a brain or spinal cord injury, stroke, or a disease process such as multiple sclerosis.  A neurophysiotherapist has typically taken post graduate courses related to neurological conditions.  At Access Care Physiotherapy we believe in providing the most appropriate treatment by a neurophysiotherapist so that those with neurological conditions can achieve the most benefit.

 

How long and how often do I need to attend?
Some of our clients will only need a few visits while others will require physiotherapy on a long term basis.  Our physiotherapist will make a recommendation which is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

 

Do I need a doctor’s referral?
A doctor’s referral is not required to see a physiotherapist.  However, we encourage open communication between each client and their physician.  Also, some insurance companies will not fund physiotherapy until they receive a doctor’s referral.  We encourage you to check with your insurance company’s policy requirements to see if a doctor’s referral is required or not.

 

Is my physiotherapy funded by a third party?

Some of our clients have funding through third party payers such as ICBC, DVA or WCB.  Others may have funding through extended health benefits or other private insurance.  Certain children may also be eligible through the At Home Program or Autism Program.  In rare cases MSP covers a small portion of each visit.