Our highly skilled Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with people of all ages diagnosed with a wide range of complex disabilities using a strengths-based approach. We understand the path ahead, including changing needs and goals, and can support them at each life stage to meet them. Whether transitioning out of e.g., their parents' house or aged care to suitable accommodation to increase their independence, supporting them to find suitable employment or volunteering opportunities, linking in with other services available.

Services we often provide:

Comprehensive cognitive, functional, sensory and/or home environment assessment to determine the person's functional capacity and establish interventions.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Supported Independant Living and Independant Living Option (ILO) assessments:

• We provide comprehensive assessments for those with an extreme functional impairment and high support needs exploring their housing options, including those applying for SDA, SIL and ILO through the NDIS.

The process:

• Review of existing documentation and reports.
• Functional capacity assessment that evaluates their goals and how their relevant housing option can support these goals.
• Clinical interpretation of results relating to SDA, SIL and/or ILO eligibility criteria; outlining daily supports and housing needs.
• Completion of extensive report to the relevant party (i.e., participant, Support Coordinator) for the 'Request for Home and Living Supports' to be submitted to NDIS.
• One submitted and reviewed by NDIS, a plan review date is usually scheduled.
• We understand that change can be difficult, so once their new living arrangements are approved our OTs are committed to continue to support the person through the transition to ensure they adjust successfully.

Activities of daily living and capacity building

• We take the time to get to know the person and their support network to understand their strengths, challenges and goals. Together we will find ways to help them become as independent as possible with daily activities, from simple self-care tasks such as showering, dressing and cooking a meal to more complex activities such as moving around the community or going to work.

Wheelchair and seating assessments

• We understand the importance of wheelchair prescription as  no one person is the same, has the same strengths, challenges or goals. We are committed to ensuring that the wheelchair fits the person, rather than the person fitting the wheelchair through thorough assessment and trialling (if applicable) to provide them with the best solution for their seating, positioning and mobility needs.
• Our OTs work closely with all major suppliers of wheelchairs, seats, cushions, supports and headrests to ensure an appropriate mobility aid/customisations are selected to most suit their needs.

Assistive technology and equipment

• Prescription of assistive technology and equipment that support the person and their support network in performing tasks, from low/cost low risk equipment such as a simple dressing aids and shower chairs, to highly specialised pressure care solutions and powered mobility options.

Home modifications

• Assessment and modification of the person's home environment to improve safety and independence. This could be as simple as a grab rail for getting in and out of the shower, or more extensive alterations like ramps, lifts and removal of a shower hob.

Education (for client, their formal and/or support network) on:

• 'Responses' and how to manage those responses.
• Safe manual handling practices.
• Equipment use, maintenance and servicing requirements.