Community Health and Therapy Services (CHATS) a multidisciplinary team of Allied Health, Medical, and Nursing professionals. Our focus is on rehabilitation and supporting people to live well in their community.
The multidisciplinary team includes:
- Administration
- Allied Health Assistants
- Care Co-ordination
- Dietetics
- Nursing
- Health Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation Consultant
- Social Work
- Speech Pathology
CHATS’ consumers are adults experiencing any one of the following:
- are frail and aged
- have a disability or chronic health condition that interferes with daily life
- have continence issues
- have neurological conditions
- have complex orthopaedic conditions, including amputees
- are carers of these consumers
NB: CHATS is not an approved NDIS provider
The Community Health and Therapy Services span three different program areas. These services are streamlined to ensure that consumers receive the most appropriate service depending on their needs.
Service programs are:
- Transition Care Program
- For older people (over 65 years or over 50 years if Indigenous).
- Aims to help consumers discharging from hospital regain as much independence as possible and assist in making long term care and support arrangements.
- Goal oriented rehabilitation program delivered via home visits and in-clinic.
- Co-ordinated packages of allied health and nursing care, from time of hospital discharge for a maximum of 12 weeks.
- Small weekly fee (can request a reduction in cases of financial hardship).
- Rehabilitation
- Specialised, intensive and goal focused rehabilitation programs for:
- Neurological conditions (including degenerative conditions).
- Stroke/cerebrovascular accident.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Complex orthopaedic/surgical history.
- Amputee rehabilitation.
- Includes consultation with your GP / medical treating team.
- These programs are largely run from our clinics and dedicated gym area.
- Maintenance
- Short term targeted services to promote health, well-being, safety and independence.
- For frail aged or younger adults with chronic health conditions or disability.
- Referral of people aged over 65 years or over 50 years if Indigenous, includes registration and assessment via My Aged Care.
CHATS service delivery
- In-clinic, including dedicated gym space.
- Home visits.
- Tele-health.
- Telephone.
- Individual and group programs.
- Tailored to meet consumers’ goals.
Clinic locations
Community Rehabilitation Services building in Mackay Base Hospital car park, 475 Bridge Road, West Mackay
Carlyle Community Health Centre, 40 Carlyle Street, Mackay
Group Programs – are tailored specifically to the needs of CHATS’ consumers.
Active arms – aims to improve:
- Arm strength.
- Arm coordination grip strength.
- Fine motor co-ordination.
- Dexterity.
Tai Chi for health – aims to improve:
- Strength, flexibility.
- Balance.
- Pain management.
- Stress management.
Strength and conditioning – for those experiencing fatigue or weakness following illness or hospitalisation.
- Gentle exercise programs.
- Increase strength.
- Increase endurance.
Falls and balance – aims to:
- Improve strength and balance.
- Prevent falls.
- Share education about preventing falls.
Brain Busters (cognition) group – aims to improve:
- Memory
- Attention.
- Problem solving.
- Thinking outside of the box.
- Planning.
Chatterboxes (Communication) Group – targets:
- Voice, language and speech difficulties.
- Strategies for communication with friends, family and unfamiliar people.
Moving Forward with MND – clinical and education group about Motor Neuron Disease
- For those affected by MND & their loved ones.
- Support and education:
- Mobility.
- Home modifications.
- Equipment.
- Grief and adjustment to diagnosis.
- Carer support.
- Nutritional support.
- Swallowing.
- Communication aids.
- Continence.
- Care co-ordination.
- MND QLD support and networking.