Occupational Therapists (OT’s) work with individuals and their families to support them across a broad range of areas. OT’s can help to improve individuals with their physical abilities, cognition, sensory and motor skills. OT sessions are individualised based on the individuals goals, limitations and interests

​

Common expectations of occupational therapy:

​

During a therapy session, OT’s will focus on:

​

ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY TASKS

An OT will work with you to modify your daily tasks so that they are easier for you to perform. This can also include identification of equipment that can assist to perform daily tasks such as suggesting a toilet seat raiser or eating aids.

​

MULTI-STEP ACTIVITIES

An OT’s can also assist you in how your approach and complete more complex activities such as household management or completing tasks within the community.

This is done by building an individual’s capacity by incorporating household tasks that develop and improve an individual’s gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing and cognition. This could be done by establishing better routines around activities of daily living (ADL) routines (including dressing, personal hygiene, eating, bathing, mobility) right to developing an individual’s Instrumental activities of daily living (including preparing meals, cleaning your house, manage money and paying bills, managing your medicines and shopping for groceries.

 

BEING ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY

An OT can help you gain confidence and develop interpersonal and communication skills in social situations. This training will

“ enable a person to express positive and negative feelings to others, including coordination of verbal and non-verbal communication cues.2 These skills are taught through direct teaching, role-play, feedback, and rehearsal in individual and group counseling settings.” Who Can Benefit From Social Skills Training for Adults? (choosingtherapy.com)

​

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT

An OT will also recommend the right technology for your needs and show you how to use it. In some cases, they will recommend modifications or new equipment at home, work or school so you can do more things for yourself.

​

OT ASSESSMENTS

​

Functional Capacity Assessment - Assesses your day to day independence and living abilities in order to identify gaps or challenges you may face in meeting your goals. This assessment involves a face to face meeting in your home. You may be requested to demonstrate key activities so that the occupational therapist can observe your abilities. This assessment can be used to provide evidence of your support needs for NDIS reviews or to identify what therapeutic and/or assistive technology supports may be appropriate for your needs and goals.

​

Home Modifications Assessment – Assesses your home environment and determines if home modifications are required in order to meet your support needs and goals. The assessment is undertaken in the home and will follow the NDIS guidelines for home modifications and complex home modifications. The report will provide quotations and necessary details for any third parties to supply or install the items or fixtures recommended.

​

Assistive Technology Assessment - Assesses the best technology to assist you with your independence and daily living skills. Constant advancements in technology means that activities you thought were impossible may now become possible. From simple devices to technology that assists with complex achievements, the assessment will identify what is possible and reasonable. Our occupational therapists have a comprehensive understanding of NDIS guidelines for low, mid and complex AT. The assessment will provide quotes and purchasing options and assist with procuring the items once approved.

​

What are the costs?

​

• Assessments with Occupational Therapists are charged at the NDIS standard rate of $193.99 p/h.

Please note that the cost of assessment for home modifications or assistive technology does not include the cost of the recommended modifications or technology. These items will be funded separately under your capital or core budgets.

​

Occupational Therapy FAQ:

​

​

How do I know what kind of assessment I need?

​

Great question! In some cases your support coordinator may have requested a specific occupational therapy assessment, or you may have an assessment from another allied health professional that has recommended an occupational therapy assessment. If you are unsure about what assessment you require please advise our administration team what you are hoping to achieve from the assessment (e.g. supporting evidence for your NDIS review, recommendations for mobility equipment, etc.) and they will support you to determine what assessment best fits your needs.

​

What can I expect from Occupational Therapy Assessment services?

​

At an initial appointment your occupational therapist will assess your needs and work with you to determine what supports you may require to achieve your goals. They will ask you questions about yourself and may ask you to complete some checklists or questionnaires. They may need to observe you completing some daily living activities in your home, such as preparing a meal. If you would like a support person to attend your initial appointment, such as your partner, a friend or a paid support, you are welcome to do so. It is recommended that initial appointments are face to face in your home.

After the initial appointment your occupational therapist will advise you if any further appointments are required to complete the assessment/s. If no further appointments are required, your occupational therapist will begin to write your assessment.

​

What is the difference between an  functional capacity assessment by an Occupational Therapist and a Psychologist? 

The assessment will be regarding different life domains and abilities when it is completed by an occupational therapist. Activ8 Mind’s occupational therapists specialise in and are able to provide assessments for daily living skills, mobility, assistive technology and home modifications. Activ8 Mind’s psychologists are specialised in mental health, wellbeing and social supports and are therefore able to provide psychosocial functional assessments.

​

Can I access telehealth to complete an assessment?

Generally it is preferable to have face to face appointments, especially for assistive technology and home modification as the occupational therapist will need to observe you in your home environment and interacting with different equipment items.

In some exceptional circumstances a telehealth assessment may be appropriate. Please advise our administration team or your occupational therapist if you require a telehealth assessment.

​

How long will each appointment be?

Depending on the type of assessment you require your appointment may be between 1-3 hours.

Appointments for ongoing therapy will generally be 1 hour however can be tailored to suit the participants needs, goals and abilities. Please advise your occupational therapist if you require a longer or shorter appointment.

​

How often will we meet?

Depending on the type of assessment you require you may meet with your occupational therapist only once, or you may have several appointments.

Ongoing occupational therapy appointments will be regular and  set to a tailored schedule that suits you.

​

What is the cancellation policy?

​

Activ8 Mind requests that you give 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Sessions cancelled within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment time will incur a cancellation fee except in exceptional circumstances.

​

How do I make a booking?

​

If you contact us and leave a message we aim to get back to you either that day or the next business day. If you talk to reception, they can help you with any questions and make an appointment for a time that suits you.

If you would like to talk to a practitioner before deciding who is the best therapist to help you, they are happy to have a phone chat about their therapeutic approach and whether it fits your needs.

​

​

​