Genesis Services Page

It is important to have a definition of a Community Rehabilitation Consultant (CRC) to fully understand what it is you can expect from them. We have included a definition which Genesis Rehabilitation thinks best describes the work they do.

A Community Rehabilitation Consultant

. . . assists people with physical, mental, emotional, or social disabling conditions to become independent and remain self-sufficient, employed citizens,

. . . interviews and advises individuals, utilizes assessment procedures, evaluates medical and psychological reports, consults with family members, and confers with physicians and occupational therapists about the types of work individuals can perform,

. . . helps individuals assume self-responsibility for their own rehabilitation and general health and prevents fragmentation and gaps in services, and

. . . works with individuals, professional organizations, and advocacy groups to address the environmental and social barriers that create obstacles for people with disabilities.

"It's a Nightmare Out There"

The diagram is somewhat difficult to read but maybe that helps set the stage by demonstrating the complexity and possible confusion surrounding dealing with so many agencies that may involve themselves with your situation.

In collaboration with the client, medical services and the funding agency, a Genesis Community Rehabilitation Consultant provides medical and vocational case management services to assist injured or ill clients with their rehabilitation.

Typically, case management is initiated at the request of employers, insurance companies, and lawyers.

Our experience is in the management of short and long term disability claims. This includes but not limited to:

	catastrophic injuries (e.g. spinal cord, orthopedic, neurological, amputations)
	soft tissue injuries.
	psychiatric/psychological illness. ( e.g. anxiety, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress, schizophrenia, personality disorders)
	chronic illness.

After Genesis is recruited to assist an individual an interview is conducted and then an Initial Report is completed for the funding agency. That report includes the nature and impact of the injury or illness along with extenuating circumstances affecting the progress of returning to good health. The employer or funding agency offer their input, and along with medical treatment realistic plans, goals are developed with the client. Periodically Progress Reports are written for the funder including any changes that may be necessary. What's important is that everyone is working together through the CRC ( Community Rehabilitation Consultant ) towards one common goal, getting well.

The work involved is vastly understated here but fundamentally, this is some of what happens:

	The nature of the illness is reviewed through all previously written reports.
	Client visits take place
	When necessary, family doctors and medical specialists are visited by the CRC. More importantly, reiteration letters are written to assure accurate information.
	Realistic goals and timelines are made and set with the client.
	Progress and plans are reviewed with the employer along with any accommodation concerns that may be required.
	Recommendations are made with respect to physical rehabilitation. (e.g.. work hardening or a connection with a Occupational Therapist or Fitness Trainer)
	Recommendations are made with respect to any specialized emotional or psychiatric counselling.

That last one sounds scary but sometimes folks just need to be listened to by other folks with specialized skills. Several hours with a skilled professional can sometimes help set future paths and goals that where never thought of as possible. It also may help you get well sooner.

	Written reports from all of the specialists are reviewed and measured against the goals and objectives.
	Client visits continue with timelines set in place that work.

Here is something to think about.

The medical specialists meet with patients, make their diagnosis, write their reports and move on to the next patient. These folks are vital and instrumental in the health of the client but medical demands in our community are such that they just don't have the time they would like to closely monitor their patients. The Community Rehabilitation Consultant's job is to maintain an awareness of what is happening to their client on weekly basis unless that just isn't practical or possible. Through that awareness and activity, the wellness of the client is always in the foreground and progress constantly evolving. This attention to detail greatly reduces the time the client is away from work and more importantly away from returning to normal healthy lifestyle.

	The employer is kept in the loop. After all the employer has a responsibility to his ill/injured worker as well as assuring his/her business remains healthy.
	It's possible that the client may be part of a Union and the union may require information to help with keeping the employer up to date. Meetings may occur with assigned Union Representatives.
	Constant follow-ups take place with all invested parties.

There are some obligations placed on the employer and the worker as it relates to Canadian Law. If either is not sure about their responsibilities the CRC will be able to help them understand those regulations and how best to apply those regulations to their situation.

The CRC must be aware of the "Community Resources" available that may assist in their client's recovery. There are many services available and some of them may be suitable to help the client look at another occupation or just link up with groups that can help them move towards a healthier life style.

Some clients, as a result of their situation, may be looking for another occupation. The CRC will assist those clients utilizing some of the following:

There are some important responsibilities the Community Rehabilitation Consultant has to the Funding Agency.

	An estimate of what the services costs.
	recommendations with respect to medical and vocational requirements.
	a rehabilitation plan.
	Adherence to the budget restrictions.
	Objective assessments.
	Written Progress reports.
	Cost effective service delivery.

..and the list can go on and on.

Summing Up

A CRC (Community Rehabilitation Consultant) . . . assists folks with physical, mental, emotional, or social disabling conditions to become independent or remain self-sufficient, employed citizens,

Send mail to tomgoss@shaw.ca with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2003 Genesis Rehabilitation Ltd. Last modified: November 23, 2003

Send mail to tomgoss@shaw.ca with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2003 Genesis Rehabilitation Ltd.
Last modified: November 23, 2003