Information for Health and social care providers

While there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, many people with access to medications are living longer. In fact, for many people, HIV is now considered an “episodic disability”. That’s because periods of good health are often interrupted by periods of illness or disability.

As a result, the role and scope of rehabilitation in HIV care is growing.  

• If you are an HIV physician or nurse, you may be assessing and referring patients to a variety of rehabilitation service providers and making sure these services are integrated into your patient’s treatment plan.
• If you are a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, audiologist or physiatrist, you may be providing interventions to help people with HIV cope with impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions.
• If you are a psychologist or social worker, you may be providing counselling and psychological support for individuals struggling with the impact of HIV and the disabilities it causes.
• If you are an acupuncturist, massage therapist or naturopath, you may be providing services to people with HIV to improve their daily living and better manage the side effects of treatment.
• If you are a vocational counsellor or HIV/AIDS support worker you may be helping individuals with HIV deal with barriers that prevent them from participating in the work force. Or you may be helping people access services or supports within the community.

This section of the website will provide you with information on:

• rehabilitation in the context of HIV/AIDS
• how to find services for people living with HIV
• opportunities to improve your own knowledge on HIV and rehabilitation, and
• useful resources.

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