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What is a healthcare team?

A healthcare team is a group of professionals who work together to support your health and wellbeing.

Each member of your healthcare team can play an important role in supporting you and your health, and in building your health-related knowledge and skill. 

For young adults with CP, your healthcare team might include different types of doctors, therapists, and specialists.

Now that you are in the adult healthcare system, you may find that you need to build a new team of medical professionals that is different to the one you had as a child and/or teenager. 

The team you have as a young adult will need to work with you to help you to set and reach your goals. Your health-related goals, or even your preferences for what your healthcare looks like as a young adult may be quite different to those you had as a child or teenager.

Finding healthcare professionals who understand your needs and will listen to your preferences is incredibly important!

Allied health professionals in your healthcare team 

Here are some of the health professionals who may be part of your healthcare team: 

Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist can help you move more, stay active, or try a new physical activity! They can work with you to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and help you do things like walking or transferring between places. They can also teach you ways to prevent falls and manage pain. Physiotherapists can work with you to use equipment like wheelchairs or walking frames. They can support you in staying as mobile and independent as possible. 

Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist can help you do everyday tasks and live more independently. They can help you with things like brushing your teeth, cooking, or making your home easier to live in. They can help you prepare for work or driving. An occupational therapist will listen to your goals and work with you to make them happen.

Exercise Physiologist

An exercise physiologist can help you stay fit and healthy. They can design an exercise program that works for you to build strength, improve your balance, and increase your fitness. They’ll help you maintain your physical function, stay active and reach your personal fitness goals.

Speech Pathologist

A speech pathologist can help you communicate and manage swallowing difficulties. If speaking is hard for you, they can show you how to use a communication device. They also work with a dietitian if you need a special diet because of swallowing problems. 

Podiatrist

A podiatrist’s job is to take care of your feet and help you stay comfortable. They can help if you feel pain or discomfort in your feet that makes it hard to walk or stand. If you need help with your toenails, they can guide you too. They support your mobility and comfort.

Dietitian

A dietitian can help you make healthy food choices. If swallowing is difficult, they can help you create a diet that works for you. They can also help if you have other health conditions, like diabetes, by guiding you to make food choices that support your health.

Neuropsychologist

A neuropsychologist can help with memory, thinking, or planning challenges. If these issues affect your daily life, a neuropsychologist can support you with strategies to improve your thinking skills and overall well-being.

Pharmacist

A pharmacist can help you manage your medicines. They may explain how and when to take your medication, and make sure it works for you. They are there to help you understand your treatment plan.

Medical specialists in your healthcare team 

A specialist is a doctor who has more expertise in a specific area of health care, like the brain or muscles.

To see a medical specialist, you usually need a referral from your GP. Your GP can suggest the right specialist or give you a referral for the help you need.

If you’re unsure about what kind of help you need, your GP can talk with you and help you make a plan. 

Note: The specialists listed below are just examples of healthcare professionals who might be part of your healthcare team and help you manage different aspects of your health. Your GP will help you find the right specialist based on your needs.

Sometimes, it can be helpful to ask friends or family for recommendations, as word-of-mouth referrals can guide you to the right healthcare professionals who have experience working with young adults who have CP 

Neurologist

A neurologist is a doctor who treats the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. If you have CP, a neurologist can help manage conditions like epilepsy, spasticity (muscle stiffness), and bone health. They may also prescribe medications to help with these conditions.

Orthopaedic Surgeon

An orthopaedic surgeon focuses on problems with bones and muscles. For people with CP, an orthopaedic surgeon might perform surgeries such as hip or spine surgery, or tendon releases. These surgeries help with mobility and reduce pain.

Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist is a doctor who treats hormone-related issues, such as diabetes or problems with growth and metabolism. If you have any hormone imbalances, they can help.

Rehabilitation Specialist

A rehabilitation specialist works with people who have lifelong disabilities or recent changes in mobility. For someone with CP, a rehabilitation specialist can help manage spasticity, work with your team to handle chronic pain, or help if your mobility has changed recently

Accessing these services

Not every health professional has the right experience working with young adults who have CP.

For example, some physiotherapists may not have expertise in treating adults with CP.

It’s a good idea to check a health professional’s website or call them to make sure they have the skills to help with your specific needs. 

Note: Keep in mind that some services might be different depending on where you live. Your GP or local community centre can help you find out what’s available in your area. 

How to use these services  

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Referrals

To access some services, you might need a referral from your doctor (GP). If you are part of the NDIS, depending on your NDIS plan, you may also be able to use your funding to get the support you need.

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Your First Appointment

At your first appointment, you and the health professional will talk about your goals and what you want to achieve. For more information on planning for appointments and conversations with healthcare professionals, please see Planning for appointments and conversations with healthcare professionals.

Team meetings 

You might have different specialists and allied health professionals in your healthcare team.

To make sure everyone is working together, your healthcare team may have regular meetings to discuss your care.

You can join these meetings to talk about your goals, share your thoughts, and make sure the plan is working for you. 

A long-term health plan  

Your GP can help you create a plan if you have ongoing healthcare needs.

This plan will outline your goals, what results you hope for, and which services are available to support you.

Working together with your GP can help you manage your health in the best way possible. 

Note: It’s important to speak up about your needs and preferences. Your voice matters in your treatment plan.

For more info go to “What are my healthcare rights” section