Poster Presentation Smart Strokes Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Empowering Stroke Rehabilitation in aged care: The vital role of Allied Health Assistants (#113)

Stacy Doan 1
  1. Plena Healthcare, Geelong, VIC, Australia

Introduction 

Stroke is a prevalent neurological condition among older adults, particularly those in residential aged care (RAC) facilities who often require long-term nursing care. The significant effects of stroke on wellbeing highlights the role of allied health professionals (AHP) in RAC to implement effective post-stroke treatment plans. However, with the new aged care reforms effective from November 2025, grossly insufficient provision and funding for allied health in RAC is anticipated, impacting the outcomes of stroke rehabilitation programs for residents of RAC. The objective of the following initiatives is to reinforce the role of allied health assistants (AHA) in co-facilitating stroke rehabilitation treatments within RAC in light of the new aged care reforms.

Methods

AHAs contribute to stroke rehabilitation treatments by:

  1. Co-facilitating exercise treatments targeting strength, endurance, mobility and transfers
  2. Producing education resources to enhance adherence of stroke rehab treatments
  3. Researching and supporting prescription of assistive technology 
  4. Enhancing the frequency of follow-ups for ongoing re-assessment 
  5. Collaborating for improvement of resident-centred care and multidisciplinary approach

Results
Preliminary findings suggest significant improvements in residents' stroke rehabilitation outcomes, including enhanced trunk control, range of motion, muscle strength in upper and lower extremities, and pressure care. Feedback from residents and families indicates higher satisfaction and increased engagement with rehabilitation programs.

Conclusion
Given the reduction in allied health service hours, AHP-AHA co-facilitated rehabilitation programs provide an innovative, effective solution to support post-stroke recovery in RAC facilities, optimising the limited resources available.

Relevant to clinical practice

In the context of significantly constrained allied health capacity under the AN-ACC model, valuing and integrating AHA contributions into post-stroke rehabilitation can help sustain treatment effectiveness and resident wellbeing in RAC.