OT stands for Occupational Therapist. An OT is an allied health professional who helps people to ‘do’ the occupations they want, need, and are expected to do. An occupation can be anything from putting on your socks to making a cup of tea or going for a walk.
OT Support for Adults
An OT is an allied health professional who helps people to ‘do’ the occupations they want, need, and are expected to do.... so what can an OT 'do' for you?
OT’s specialise in making everyday tasks easier. If you are finding it difficult to do something, it is likely your friendly OT has a clever idea to help you make the task easier!
OT’s have an endless knowledge of equipment items that can help to make tasks safer, more efficient and place less strain on your body. Your OT will look at your abilities and your environmental set up to help determine what equipment will work best to help you live as independently as possible.
Bathroom: Many toilet seats can be quite low and difficult to stand up from, especially if you have recently had surgery or have pain in the lower limbs. OT’s can organise toilet seat raisers or surrounds to give you a higher seat and support for your arms. Your OT may also organise long-handled aids to assist with bathing tasks such as a long-handled sponge, toe wiper or hair washer. Your OT can also assist in prescribing a range of continence aids.
Kitchen: There are many gadgets available to help make kitchen tasks easier and safer, such as electric jar, bottle and can openers, Tippy Kettles (the kettle tilts forward on a stand so the user does not have to lift) and brightly coloured mats to provide contrast when preparing foods.
Living Room: As lounges are so soft, they can be difficult to get into and out of. If you are having difficulty with this your OT might install blocks to raise the height of your chair or organise an electric recliner. Other items in the living room might include an over chair table to eat your meals on, a magnifying lamp to make reading easier or cushions to provide support to target areas such as lower back or neck.
Bedroom: OT’s can organise aids to help you with dressing, such as a sock aid, shoehorn, dressing stick and more. Your OT can prescribe items to help you get into and out of bed, such as a bed stick, leg lifter or even an electric bed. Your OT may look at your mattress and suggest some pressure care support or continence aids to help protect your linen, such as waterproof protectors.
Mobility: OT’s can also prescribe mobility equipment. From walking sticks to walkers to scooters. Your OT will assess your needs and find the most suitable option.
Other: OT’s can also prescribe sensor lights, pick up sticks, dementia aids such as calendar clocks and much, much more!
OT’s specialise in making everyday tasks easier. If you are finding it difficult to do something, it is likely your friendly OT has a clever idea to help you make the task easier!
OT’s don’t only order equipment and modify your home, they are also experts in energy conservation and manual handling. Therefore, they are great for offering tips and tricks to complete tasks in the safest and most energy efficient ways possible! This might include buying pre-cut vegetables or frozen meals, adjusting the way you stand up from your chair, planning your day around your fatigue levels and training on how to use equipment appropriately.
If you find that you would like a little (or a lot) of extra help around the home to complete your daily activities, your OT can help you to organise services. This may include personal care assistance for bathing, dressing and medication management, assistance with cleaning, accessing the community for appointments, shopping or leisure activities and setting up respite care for you or your loved ones.
DVA Clients: Ask your GP to complete the D904 referral form to get referred to an OT through DVA funding. A copy of the D904 referral form can be found here. Your GP can send through your referral via fax on 8536 0169 or email direct to us at office@potentialabilitygroup.com.au.
NDIS and Private Clients: Private clients are encouraged to self-refer. The referral process can be completed online at our website or by calling and you can refer to the “Costs” tab for your information. If you do not have access to the internet, you are welcome to contact our office directly on (08) 7200 3216 to speak to one of our friendly Administrative staff who will be happy to complete your referral over the phone and answer any questions you might have.
Home Care Package Clients: If you have an existing home care package, speak to your package provider about an occupational therapy referral. If eligible, your package may be used to fund occupational therapy intervention and, in some cases, the procurement of equipment and home modifications. The package provider can be directed to our website or encouraged to contact us directly on (08) 7200 3216 where our Administrative staff can talk through options available in your area and under your current funding.
There is so much OT can do to help you live your best life and remain as independent as possible!