Allied health

Hummingbird House provides a range of allied health services that encourage guests and family members to engage their senses and draw out their abilities. We work with each family to understand your child’s needs and determine which therapies may be beneficial to improving their quality of life. Most of our allied health services are offered at Hummingbird House Brisbane, Hummingbird House @ Home, or through the NDIS (depending on your family’s package). If your child is eligible to receive our care and support we will work with you to explore what is available to you, and when, where and how you can access these services.

The main services offered by Hummingbird House include:

Physiotherapy

Children and young people with life-limiting conditions often struggle with reduced function, pain, uncontrolled movements, altered sensory processing, respiratory difficulties and other challenging symptoms. At Hummingbird House, we offer individualised physiotherapy treatments for guests that aim to reduce and help manage these symptoms. More broadly, our program aims to balance the medical needs of your child with your family goals of forming long-lasting memories (through exercise and movement). We do this by helping your child and family participate in meaningful experiences, where physical health has previously been a barrier.

Hydrotherapy

Children and young people with life-limiting conditions are often affected by painful conditions. Hydrotherapy may be beneficial for your child, as spending time in a heated pool can help their muscles relax and allow them to experience pain-free movement. Hydrotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy that’s fun and impact-free. It also provides families the opportunity to jump in and have a splash together, allowing you to create precious memories for years to come.

Occupational therapy

Children and young people with life-limiting conditions often experience limitations of movement, vision and hearing; cognitive impairment; sensory processing difficulties; perceptual issues; behavioural challenges; and pain. These limitations can interfere with their day-to-day lives and require a high level of care from their family. The Hummingbird House occupational therapy program aims to improve the quality of life of our guests and families. We do this by identifying ways to improve your child’s ability to participate in independent and meaningful childhood experiences and activities, while alleviating some of the burdens of care for your family.

Music therapy

Music therapy can be extremely beneficial for children and young people who experience limitations of movement, vision and hearing, by creating a safe and fun space for children and their families to express themselves. Music therapy may also help children manage pain and stress, providing opportunities for socialisation, self-expression and communication.

Art therapy

Hummingbird House’s art therapy program aims to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of our guests and families. This is particularly beneficial for children and young people who cannot verbalise their feelings due to developmental, cognitive or other conditions; or family members who benefit from creative or expressive therapies. Our program uses various techniques such as painting and collage to create meaning, rather than focussing on the end product.

If your child is a current guest of Hummingbird House, or has been accepted to receive our care and support, learn more by contacting our Allied Health Team on (07) 3621 4364 or emailing [email protected].

If your child is not a guest of Hummingbird House, learn more about eligibility and referrals to our service, by visiting how to access our support.