Jim* is a 60-year-old CEO who was unable to work following hip replacement surgery. Three months post-surgery, he developed a strep infection that required hospitalisation, a long course of antibiotics, infectious diseases monitoring, and further surgery. Jim's medical history also included psoriatic arthritis, atrial fibrillation, and sleep apnoea.
He experienced reduced range of motion and strength, which impacted his activities of daily living (ADLs), such as being unable to tie shoelaces, kneel, and manage fatigue. As a result, he returned to a less demanding role.
AIA's Wellbeing team reached out to Jim and proposed a program starting with fatigue education and support. At his initial assessment with an external rehabilitation provider, Jim expressed frustration at being "unable to do what I wanted to do" and reported low mood, largely due to stepping down as CEO. The program included fatigue education, pacing strategies, sleep hygiene education, and a graduated pacing program to help manage fatigue during functional tasks.
By the end of the program, Jim was able to play 18 holes of golf comfortably, better pace his work schedule to manage fatigue, and use an aide to put on shoes and socks. He doubled the amount of time he could sit and stand for, increased his driving capacity from 60 to 90 minutes, and was able to lift weights up to 15kg.
To further support his recovery and return to work, AIA transitioned his rehabilitation program to an exercise-based work conditioning program and conducted an ergonomic assessment of his home desk, mobile work set-up, and car set-up. Jim continued improving his functionality through exercise, with AIA providing recommended ergonomic equipment for a safe and sustainable return to work.