Living with a spinal cord injury means navigating life differently. For one of our incredible participants — a 38-year-old woman from regional NSW — it’s been a journey of rebuilding, redefining, and reclaiming independence, one goal at a time.
Five years post-injury, she’s found her new normal. She’s returned to driving, discovered new ways to cook dinner safely, modified her home to support her independence, and trialled a variety of strategies for personal care. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing — there have been falls, setbacks, pain, and plenty of frustration with slow or unapproved support. But throughout it all, she’s remained determined. And her team — including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, case management, nursing, exercise physiology, dietetics, and medical specialists — has stood beside her.
Now, she’s facing her next big challenge: bilateral hand surgery.
Both hands.
At once.
With a minimum of two weeks unable to use her wrists — the very tools she relies on for everything from transferring to self-propelling her wheelchair to preparing meals.
The Challenge
The implications of this surgery were immense. How would she transfer safely? Could she feed herself? Would she manage personal care? The surgeon gave clinical advice, but as always, the real world is more complex. Especially in a remote town.
We explored the idea of bringing support workers to her home for daily assistance. But with the short-term nature of her needs and the remoteness of her location, it simply wasn’t possible — no local availability, no flexible providers. This option was ruled out early.
The Solution
Working closely with the participant, her medical team, and our broader allied health and case management crew, we explored alternatives. We arranged a short stay in supported accommodation in Sydney, where she could safely recover, with hoist access and two-person assist support as required.
While in Sydney, we coordinated additional appointments with other specialists, making the most of her trip to tick off a few long-overdue reviews. We planned equipment, arranged transport, supported with discharge planning, and prepared for her return home. It wasn’t a textbook plan — but it was a real-life solution, tailored through communication, creativity, and collaboration.
Why This Matters
This is what good case management looks like. It’s not just ticking boxes. It’s understanding the human impact of a clinical recommendation. It’s asking the right questions, knowing the system, and adapting it to meet the person where they are — literally.
For participants with complex needs, especially in rural and remote areas, the right support team changes everything.
If you’re looking for a provider who understands the practical challenges of life after injury — and who rolls up their sleeves to find the solutions — we’re here.
Let’s work together to make the system work better for the people it’s meant to support.
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