Our Community Outreach service
Our Community Outreach service aims
to provide a therapeutic relationship for patients that will assist
them in improving well being and enhancing personal growth, whilst
developing skills to function in everyday life. The service
provides patients with additional support after discharge.
Pinelodge Clinic’s Outreach service is an
important part of the overall continuum of care and will be
coordinated with other services offered by the hospital.
The Community Outreach service offers home based intervention
with the objectives of:
- Providing support for patients in the
transitional period following an inpatient admission
- Providing transitional or extended support
for patients during various stages of their illness, such as in
times of increased stress, interpersonal crisis or relapse
- Providing the capacity to learn specific
skills and interventions that will assist patients in managing
certain aspects of their illness and preventing relapse
- Enhancing quality of life and the ability to
function effectively in the community
- Linking the patients with external community
supports and activities
Once a person is referred to the Outreach
service an individual program is developed based on an assessment
conducted by the community outreach clinician in
collaboration with the treating psychiatrist.
Our team
Our specialist team are all registered
psychiatric nurses who work with your treating psychiatrist
and the allied health team at St John of God Pinelodge
Clinic.
The service is offered Monday to Friday and provides:
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation in
the patient’s own home
- Support for family members/carers to
enable them to manage the client’s condition
- Assessment in home environment
- Ongoing education regarding illness and
medication
- Identification of stressors and signs of
relapse
- Assistance with the development of coping
strategies
Some of the topics covered by the Outreach Clinician are:
- Anxiety & Depression management
- Diversional therapy
- Teaching life skills
- Relapse prevention
- Relaxation techniques
- Stress management
- Self esteem therapy
- Supportive therapy
- Grief & Loss counselling
- Short term support and education of family
members
Fees
A fee is charged for Community Outreach
visits. This is usually covered by your Private Health
Insurance. Private health insurance is recommended (excess or
co-payment may be applicable, depending on insurance and cover
type). A health fund check can be done by administration
caregivers on your behalf.
Fees may also be covered by WorkCover or TAC
for eligible patients. Approval for this will be organised by the
treating Psychiatrist prior to commencement of the Outreach
Service.