Healthstin Hurstville is committed to a fundamental recalibration of what constitutes successful healthcare. This philosophy is fundamentally changing the way individuals interact with their wellness journey, moving the conversation away from clinical deficits and towards innate strengths and aspirations. This commitment was particularly evident as we reflected on initiatives such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), reinforcing our belief that every individual’s potential was limitless. This represented a powerful, community focused commitment to ability focused goal setting.
Traditional healthcare models often centre on the diagnosis, unintentionally reducing the individual to a set of limitations. Healthstin Hurstville firmly believes that true, lasting progress is defined not by the restrictions one faces, but by the remarkable potential one can realise through personalised support and a change in perspective.
This shift is anchored by a simple yet profound philosophy: to replace the fear of decline with the excitement of achieving personal milestones.
Ability Focused vs. Traditional Goal Setting: The Hurstville Difference
The core of this philosophy lies in its innovative approach to goal setting for ability. It requires practitioners to move decisively beyond the clinical report and delve deeply into the individual’s life, understanding their passions, family dynamics, and personal vision for a fulfilling future.
| Focus Area | Traditional Approach (Deficit Focused) | Healthstin Approach (Ability Focused) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point | The diagnosis/medical weakness. | The Individual’s existing strengths and values. |
| Key Questions | What Function needs to be repaired? | What is the client capable of, and what do they want to acheive. |
| Example Goal | Increase knee flexion range by 10. | Be able to walk across the street to visit neighbours. |
| Ownership | Passive reception of the care plan. | Active involvement to commit to the goal. |
| Motivation Source | Fear of further decline. | Empowerment and pursuit of joy. |
Did You Know?
Research consistently suggests that using a strength based approach to goal setting can lead to higher levels of motivation and longterm success. When efforts are focused on building upon existing capabilities, the journey feels empowering, not punitive. This is foundational to Healthstin’s vision of optimal physical and mental health.
The methodology Healthstin employs in Hurstville is strength based goal planning. This involves:
Building Success Cycles: Creating early, small successes based on existing abilities to boost confidence in tackling more challenging functional ability improvement goals later. Confidence is the key engine of progress.
This emphasis on strength over weakness is what fuels sustained participation in the Hurstville community.
Setting Goals Beyond the Disability Label
A diagnosis should inform the strategy but never define the potential. Healthstin Hurstville challenges individuals and their support networks. We look past medical labels to explore possibilities that might have been previously dismissed.
The role of the Exercise Physiologist (EP) is central to this shift. EPs don't merely prescribe exercises; they act as clinical innovators and capability coaches. When a personal activity or movement appears compromised by a progressive condition, the EP intervenes not by focusing on the physical decline, but by assessing and maximising residual function.
This is a dynamic process where the EP focuses on task modification and adaptive movement patterns. For instance, if an individual is losing fine motor control needed for a complex hobby, the EP works to:
• Assess Motor Capacity: Determine which muscle groups or joints retain the most efficient function.
• Modify the Task: Break the desired activity into simpler components that utilise the client's current strengths.
• Integrate Functional Alternatives: Design movement strategies that allow the individual to complete the task through gross motor skills or stabilised joints,
The outcome is that the client's goal, their enduring ambition, is no longer defined by the condition, but by its successful adaptation. This demonstrates that function can be redefined and maintained, not just repaired or surrendered. This proactive adaptation is key to effective goal setting for ability.
The Essence of Functional Improvement
Functional ability goals are the bedrock of this philosophy. They translate clinical improvements into real life outcomes. Getting better at moving isn't just your objective; the real goal is using that movement for something important to you.
When goals are person centred, the individual becomes the driving force behind their own therapy. It respects the individual's needs and unique abilities, making the experience truly personalised. This ensures the goals align with the individual's genuine desire.
The Healthstin 3 Step Goal Planning Protocol
Healthstin’s framework for inclusive goal setting strategies supports a plan that is holistic, comprehensive, and supported by the community ecosystem.
- Discovery (The "Why"): Use detailed “Person centred goal planning” interviews to define the individual's values, motivations, and vision. The goal must belong to them and their authentic desire.
- Mapping (The "How"): Collaborate with the clinical team, family, caregivers, and community liaisons to map out the path.
- Activation (The "Do"): Implement the plan. Progress reviews celebrate successes, no matter how small, to maintain momentum and confidence.
This comprehensive, team based approach helps ensure that support extends beyond clinic walls and into the reality of everyday life in Hurstville. We work to adapt the environment to the individual, rather than forcing the individual to adapt to a limiting environment.
The Outcome: A Thriving Hurstville Community
The Hurstville initiative’s commitment to an ability focused goal setting approach is more than a clinical trend; it's a social and health movement. It has the potential to transform lives by unlocking potential previously hidden behind a label. This philosophy aims to empower every member of the Hurstville community to set and achieve their functional ability goals, leading to richer, more engaged lives.
The guiding principle is a belief in the inherent capacity of every human being to thrive, regardless of their challenges. This rigorous and empathetic strength based approach to goal, setting is our promise to Hurstville: to see the person first, the potential always, and the diagnosis as merely one detail in a much larger, inspiring story of ability.
Your Next Step: Focusing on What You Can Do
Your journey to optimal wellness shouldn't be defined by a diagnosis. It should be defined by what you aim to achieve, whether that's walking in Oatley Park, reengaging with a cherished hobby, or simply maintaining your independence in Hurstville.
By partnering with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (EP) from Healthstin, you are not just managing a condition; you are making a powerful investment in your capability and potential. Our EPs are experts in strength based goal planning, ready to design a personalised plan that unlocks your unique abilities.
Take that first step today: We are a registered NDIS, HCP, DVA, and WC provider. Contact us today to discuss your funding and support goals.
* Note: Results vary. Many clients report improvements within 4–6 weeks, depending on individual goals, health needs, and condition severity.