Introduction to Eliza Petit, Rehabilitation Case Manager

Published

Jan 16, 2026

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Tell me a bit about your background. What areas do you specialise in?

I’m a physiotherapist by background, specialising in neurological rehabilitation. My experience includes working with individuals with complex conditions such as stroke, brain injury, and progressive neurological disorders. I’m passionate about delivering evidence-based, person-centred care and enjoy collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to help patients achieve meaningful goals.

Why did you move into case management?

I moved into case management because I wanted to take a more holistic approach to rehabilitation. As a physiotherapist, I focused on physical recovery, but case management allows me to look at the bigger picture—coordinating care, resources, and support to help clients achieve their goals in every aspect of life. It’s a great way to combine my clinical experience with problem-solving and advocacy.

What approaches do you take when it comes to supporting clients and their families, and managing their expectations?  How do you build relationships and what’s important when it comes to building relationships?

Supporting clients and families often means balancing empathy with honesty. I take time to listen, understand their priorities, and explain the rehabilitation process in a way that feels realistic but hopeful. I think managing expectations is about being transparent—setting achievable goals and revisiting them as progress unfolds.

When it comes to building relationships, trust is everything. I focus on clear communication, consistency, and showing that I genuinely care about the person behind the injury. I always strive to involve families in decision-making so they feel supported and part of the journey.

Is there a particular case throughout your career that has really made an impact on you and why?

One case that really stayed with me involved a young client recovering from a severe brain injury. Their progress was slow, and the journey was full of challenges, but what made it impactful was seeing how small, consistent steps—combined with a supportive team and family—led to meaningful improvements over time. It reminded me that rehabilitation isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s about hope, resilience, and finding creative ways to help someone regain independence and confidence.

Can you give an example of how you’ve supported a client to achieve a specific goal? 

One example that comes to mind is supporting a client to walk independently again after a stroke. We broke the goal down into achievable steps—starting with improving strength and balance, then progressing to walking short distances with aids. Through regular reassessment and creative problem-solving, we adapted the plan as their confidence grew. Eventually, they were able to walk unaided at home, which was a huge milestone and incredibly rewarding to see.

Can you tell me about some of the innovative solutions you’ve put in place to ensure excellent care? 

One example of an innovative solution was creating tailored training sessions for staff on managing complex neurological conditions. This helped improve confidence and consistency across the team. I’ve also introduced goal-tracking tools for patients and families, making progress more visible and motivating. In community settings, I’ve adapted equipment and therapy plans creatively to fit home environments, ensuring care remains practical and effective without compromising quality.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

Before becoming a physiotherapist, I spent several seasons working as a ski instructor in the Austrian Alps. It was an incredible experience that combined my love of the outdoors with teaching and coaching, and it taught me a lot about resilience, adaptability, and thinking on my feet in unpredictable conditions!

What attracted you to HCML?

I was drawn to HCML because of its strong reputation for delivering person-centred care and its commitment to helping clients achieve meaningful outcomes. The chance to combine my clinical experience with a holistic approach to rehabilitation really appealed to me. On top of that, HCML being a certified Great Place to Work spoke volumes about its positive culture and values, making it an exciting organisation to be a part of.