If you require support for more than just a short time after your injury, you will need a rehabilitation plan. A rehabilitation plan outlines the steps you will take to get back to work or everyday life as quickly as possible.
What is a rehabilitation plan?
A rehabilitation plan will:
- identify the assessments you need
- identify your needs
- describe how your needs will be met
- set a date when you can reasonably expect to regain your independence (eg, return to full-time work and your normal social activities and no longer need home help).
You and your ACC client services contact prepare the rehabilitation plan together and agree to it. You are welcome to bring a support person (for example family/whanau, friend or employer). Your employer and GP are encouraged to participate in the preparation of your plan.
Examples of funded support that may be included in your plan are:
- Surgery
- Counselling
- Travel and accommodation for treatment
- Childcare
- Attendant care
- Equipment
- Home modifications
For information on getting back to work, see Vocational rehabilitation.
Following your rehabilitation plan
The following steps outline what to expect when creating and following an ACC rehabilitation plan:
1. You and your ACC client services contact complete your individual rehabilitation plan and agree to it.
2. You complete any assessments required by ACC (with a qualified assessor).
3. You and your ACC client services contact adjust the rehabilitation plan with information from your assessments.
4. You participate in the activities in your rehabilitation plan and keep your ACC client services contact informed if your situation changes. Your rehabilitation plan will be updated with any changes.
Remember, you are the most important person in your recovery process. ACC can help with treatment and extra financial burdens, but only your full participation in our different programmes will ensure you get back on track.
5. At the end of your rehabilitation, you may be asked to undergo further assessment, to check if you have achieved your plan outcomes. If not, you may require an extension to your rehabilitation plan.
Note:
If you are unhappy with any decisions made by ACC, you can apply for a review. See: Unhappy with a decision ACC has made?
Related legislation
Accident Compensation (AC) Act 2001
- Sections 75 to 80: Individual rehabilitation plan (external website)
Published: 20 June 2008