What does an Occupational Therapist do?
Occupational therapists (OTs) provide crucial support for a diverse range of individuals, helping them to live more independent, fulfilling lives. Below are some ways an OT can support you or your loved ones
For seniors:
Fall Prevention: Identify home hazards and suggest improvements for safer everyday tasks.
Independence Assessment: Evaluate current abilities and create plans to maintain independence at home
Assistive Technology: Provide aids such as shower rails, wheelchairs, and pressure care mattresses to ease daily living.
Adaptive Strategies: Prescribe techniques like joint protection to enhance movement and function.
Hospital Discharge Planning: Help plan your transition from hospital to home after an illness or injury.
Daily Routine Strategies: Suggest methods to maintain a meaningful daily routine.
Home Modifications: Improve home accessibility for a safer, higher quality of life.
Driving Assessments: Evaluate your ability to drive safely and legally.
For people living with a disability:
Functional Capacity Assessment: Assess client’s needs and provide comprehensive report to detail supports required to meet client’s needs.
Home Environment Assessment: Recommend modifications such as ramps and non-slip flooring.
Assistive Technology prescription: Provide equipment to aid daily tasks and enhance comfort.
Vehicle Modifications: Organize transport assistance and necessary vehicle adjustments.
Personal Care Assistance: Help with activities like showering, grooming, and eating.
Housing Assessments: Evaluate the need for Specialist Disability Accommodation.
Sensory Management: Help manage sensory inputs for a calm environment.
Community Access Support: Assist with joining community activities and groups.
Daily Living Activities: Support tasks such as budgeting, planning schedules, and shopping.
Mental Health:
Stress and Emotion Management: Provide strategies for dealing with stress and emotions.
Coping Strategies: Develop techniques to manage mental health issues.
Communication Skills: Enhance your ability to communicate effectively.
Daily Life Structuring: Help structure your daily routine and connect with the community.
Meaningful Activities: Suggest ways to engage in enjoyable, meaningful activities.
Sensory Needs: Address sensory needs for a calm, grounded feeling.
Productivity Improvement: Increase productivity through graded tasks and activities.
Children:
Development Delays: Work with children experiencing developmental delays.
Support for Disabilities: Assist children with disabilities like Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, or developmental delays.
Sensory and Attention Therapy: Provide therapy focused on play and learning.
Fine Motor Skills: Help with hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Parent and Carer Education: Teach parents and carers how to support children's development.
Cognitive Support: Assist with cognition, memory, and planning skills.
Self-Esteem Building: Foster a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
Life Skills Mastery: Help children learn essential life skills like dressing, brushing teeth, and self-feeding.
Rehabilitation:
Workforce Re-Entry: Plan and support your return to work.
Post-Injury/Illness Support: Aid in regaining independence after an injury or illness.
Stroke Recovery: Assist stroke patients in overcoming difficulties and learning new ways to perform tasks.
Goal Setting: Help set and achieve manageable goals.
Occupational Therapy and the NDIS
Occupational therapy is essential for NDIS participants to live independently. At Renew Living, we provide OT services to help you with daily tasks and community engagement. Contact our participant support advisors for more information.
If you are an NDIS participant, you can use your funding to receive occupational therapy with Renew Living. For more details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our participant support advisors.
Once you have undergone an OT assessment, the therapist writes a comprehensive report that identifies any support you may need. This report can influence whether you are approved for NDIS funding, as well as inform any decisions made around the allocation of your funds into different categories.
Occupational Therapy and home care packages
As we age, OT services can be vital in maintaining independence. Utilize your government Home Care Package to access these services, home modifications, and assistive technology. Contact Renew Living to learn more about accessing OT services through your home care package.
For more information or to schedule an assessment, please reach out to Renew Living today.
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