Why is an initial occupational therapy assessment required?

Our occupational therapist will complete an initial assessment with you, to understand your life story, what is important to you and what you would like assistance with. By completing an in-depth assessment including goal setting process with you, we are able to provide the most efficient and beneficial service to you.

An occupational initial assessment may be beneficial if you are not sure what services you need. By completing an assessment we can determine your strengths and barriers in achieving your goals and also make suggestions if you are unsure on what goals to set, we can assist you with that process too.

Following your assessment, our occupational therapist will discuss with you what supports and services can be applied to enhance your daily life and reach your goals. We may recommend a range of options including capacity building therapy, assistive technology, home modifications, assistance with personal care and / or domestic tasks.

If you do not have adequate NDS funding in your current plan for achieving your goals, you may require a functional capacity assessment report to provide justification for increasing your NDIS plan funding for achieving your goals. We will discuss this with you when you make a referral and/or following your assessment depending on your needs.

What does an initial assessment involve?

During the assessment our occupational therapist will ask questions about your background life story, about your disability and symptoms, how you manage in day-to-day life, They will also observe your ability to complete daily activities and complete standardised assessments determining how your disability affects your day-to-day life.

Following your assessment, our occupational therapist will discuss with you what supports and services can be applied to enhance your daily life and reach your goals. We may recommend a range of options including capacity building therapy, assistive technology, home modifications, assistance with personal care and / or domestic tasks.

Where do you conduct initial occupational therapy assessments?

Our occupational therapist will come to you and provide an occupational therapy assessment in your home, work or community environment. We are flexible to work around your needs and we’re here to answer all your questions, giving you advice on all the support available to you including NDIS supports and other government and private services.

What OT services do you recommend following the initial assessment?

Amy the OT can help you with:

• Functional Capacity Assessments

• Home Modification assessments

• Assistive Technology assessments

• SDA & SIL assessments

• Daily Living Skills intervention

• Manual handling assessment

• Training to assist you with participating in Work, Community Travel, Social & Leisure activities

What else can we assist with during the initial assessment?

Our occupational therapist will help you understand your NDIS funding and provide the necessary reports for you to access the services you require. If you’re unsure about whether or not you have available funding, we can guide you through the process.

It can be difficult to navigate NDIS Occupational Therapy services with most practices having long waitlists. Amy the OT currently has no waitlists and can see you within 1-2 weeks of receiving your referral.

How much does an OT initial assessment cost?

Costs can vary depending on the needs and complexity of the client. Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a quotation based on your needs and circumstances. The cost of our occupational therapy service per hour is in line with the most recent NDIS price guide. We typically charge $969.95 for an OT initial assessment which includes the assessment lasting approximately 2 hours in duration, return travel, liaison with your support team and providing a summary report of the assessment findings and recommendations. Please get in touch to discuss this further and obtain a quote based on your individual needs.

OT Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) can be utilised in a variety of scenarios to assist you to access the supports you need. A comprehensive assessment involves an experienced occupational therapist providing written evidence of the impact on your function and necessary supports required as a result. Whether for a physical or intellectual disability, an OT functional capacity assessment can be used to guide the implementation of supports or ensure there is appropriate funding for the supports required. Our occupational therapist works in collaboration with other allied health professionals, family, caregivers and support staff to provide a holistic approach to increase your capacity, safety and independence.

When is a FCA required?

An OT Functional Capacity Assessment can be indicated across a wide range of circumstances, including but not limited to:

• To evidence impact on function to enable access to the NDIS.

• Preparation for annual NDIS plan review to ensure evidence of necessary supports.

• When there is a change in circumstance that may indicate a change in funded supports.

• On initial access to the scheme to assist in guiding implementation of funding.

• To facilitate funding for assessment of Home Modifications, SIL, SDA or ILO supports.

What are the outcomes of an FCA report?

There’s plenty of benefits to getting an FCA assessment. These include:

• Finding ways to improve safety and mobility for more independence, confidence and enjoyment of life.

• Learning about products and services that may improve daily life.

• Identifying opportunities for daily living skills training to improve engagement in daily functional tasks.

• Gathering information about eligibility for support resources such as help with household tasks including meal preparation, cleaning and gardening.

How much does an FCA cost?

Costs can vary depending on the needs and complexity of the client. Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a quotation based on your needs and circumstances. The cost of our occupational therapy service per hour is in line with the most recent NDIS price guide. Please get in touch to discuss this further.

Capacity Building is an NDIS term for support services that help you build your skills and increase your independence. Typically as the client, you identify the goals that are important to you, and the occupational therapist would use their professional skills to help you put together a treatment plan to reach those goals.

‘Capacity Building’ and ‘goals’ are broad terms that mean different things to different people. Sometimes a person has a long term vision of where they want to be and the best way to get there is to break down the large or long-term goal into smaller stepping stone goals.

Sometimes building capacity can mean establishing a routine that makes sense, or getting out to a community group, or returning to paid or volunteer work, or finding a way to do things at home in a way that doesn’t leave you exhausted.

Our Occupational Therapist adopts a practical and non-judgmental approach with you and we’re always open to feedback about what is and isn’t working in our capacity building sessions.

What are some examples of capacity building?

• Establishing a routine

• Daily living skills such as;

  • Personal care activities: toiling, showering, grooming, dressing

  • Domestic activities: cleaning, cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, medication management, budgeting and finance skills

• Accessing technology for social, leisure or economic participation including mouse and typing skills. This may require assistive technology prescription and/or referral to disability employment services (DES)

• Handwriting and upper limb skills training

• Community access training including pedestrian safety skills, and travel training on public transport, taxi’s and ride share services

• Cognitive rehabilitation

• Exploring social and leisure interests and activities

• Commencing or returning to paid or volunteer work

• Energy conservation and pacing education and training to find a way to do things at home in a way that doesn’t leave you exhausted

• Falls prevention education and training at home and in the community

How much does capacity building therapy cost?

Costs can vary depending on the needs and complexity of the client. Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a quotation based on your needs and circumstances. The cost of our occupational therapy service per hour is in line with the most recent NDIS price guide. Please get in touch to discuss this further.

Our Assistive Technology (AT) Assessments are all about understanding the needs of our clients to identify the best AT solution.  There is no one-size-fits all in AT, so we’ll take the time to find out what your individual requirements are – with the goal of improving engagement and independence in daily tasks.  No  matter how small or big the AT needs may be, from shower chairs to wheelchairs, we’ll assist our clients to find the right solutions.  We offer a free dry trial service with most of our suppliers, so you can test out AT items and see if they work before purchasing.

What AT solutions exist?

Assistive technology solutions come in a range of sizes, shapes and forms. Some may be low cost and low risk, whilst others may be more costly and carry a greater degree of risk. Depending on the cost they may be considered Mid-Cost AT or High Risk and High Cost AT. The risk and cost associated with each AT item requires various time involvement in the assessment and trial process and time required for compiling the AT recommendation report.

Assistive technology solutions may include but are not limited to:

• Adapted cutlery

• Shower chairs and shower commodes

• Falls devices

• Lifting and handling aids such as sling hoists, standing lifters and transfer aids

• Mobility aids such as walking frames and mobility scooters

• Electric adjustable beds, pressure care static and dynamic air pump mattresses

• Manual wheelchairs, power assist devices and power wheelchairs

What is involved in an AT assessment?

Our experienced occupational therapist will visit you in your home, community or work environment. This way, they can work with you to identify the assistive technology items to suit your lifestyle in the location that you need to use it. Your assistive technology assessment will consider the following:

• What are some things you might be having difficulty with?

• What tasks do you enjoy but find difficult to complete?

• Are there any physical challenges in the space that can be altered?

• Can we add assistive technology to your environment to enhance usability (e.g. voice-activated technology)?

• Are there any portable technology solutions that may help you while you’re out and about (e.g. portable ramp, falls watch)?

• Are there any safety improvements that can be made to create a secure environment for you?

• How will the AT item integrate with your day to day life?

Following an assessment of your needs, our occupational therapist will arrange for a trial of the possible assistive technology solutions available. This is to ensure the item will be suitable to use in you environment, to identify any modifications needed and to ensure it will achieve the desired functional outcome. Trials ensure that the item will be suitable both now and in the future.

What is the time frame to receive AT through the NDIS?

Once the AT assessment and trials have been completed, our occupational therapist will provide a timeline on when to expect the AT item. The time will vary depending on the items, NDIS funding approval process and how quickly they can be sourced. Some AT products may be deemed high risk / high cost and involve in-depth reporting and analysis for approval. Smaller low-cost items, like a long handled reacher or a shower chair, may be funded immediately. Despite the type of At that you need, our occupational therapist will assist you through the whole process and provide training on set-up to ensure the AT item is used correctly and safely.

At Amy the OT we can help you navigate any funding that may be available to you. Your AT Assessment will include all the required reporting for your AT items.

How much does an AT assessment cost?

The cost of an assessment can vary depending on the complexity of your needs. The cost of our occupational therapy service per hour is in line with the most recent NDIS price guide. Please get in touch to discuss this further and request a quotation.

Modifications to the home, whether minor or complex, can create game-changing solutions and greatly impact overall quality of life.

Our experienced occupational therapist specialise in minor home modifications and some complex home modifications for individuals with a wide variety of disabilities and medical conditions. If you require complex home modifications that our out of our scope of practice, I will make a referral to an occupational therapy service who specialise in complex home modifications within your area.

The aim with home modification is to facilitate our clients to do what they need and want to do, in the most effective and safe manner, within their home environment. Our OT can provide a personalised service and approach, working directly with our clients to empower them throughout the whole process. We work with elderly clients and people with disability to deliver an effective and beneficial modifications solution.

What are minor home modifications?

There are often simple modifications that can make a world of difference. These may include:

• Installing grab rails in bathrooms and toilets.

• Installing a hand-held shower hose in the shower.

• Modifying tap ware in bathrooms and kitchens.

• Installing handrails on stairs and paths.

• Eliminating mobility barriers by leveling or widening doorways or raising floor levels to eliminate steps.

• Installing bidets in the bathroom.

What are more complex home modifications?

• Modifying bathrooms including removal of a shower hob to install a stepless shower recess.

• Modifying kitchens including removing cabinetry to enable wheelchair access.

• Installing stair climbers, platforms lifts or vertical lifts to access multi-level homes.

• Extensions to provide accessible living spaces to accommodate enhanced access.

• Installing ramps to replace stairs for improved access.

• Introducing home automation solutions and technology.

What is involved in a home modifications assessment?

Our Occupational Therapists will visit the client’s living space to:

• Gain an understanding of their health / medical conditions or disabilities that are impacting their daily life.

• Assess the client within their living environment and identify the barriers within that space.

• Work together to develop and agree upon goals for improved way of living and daily function.

• Consider all possible alternatives to allow a client to be as safe and functional as possible within their home.

• Recommend both minor and complex modifications, outlining what functional benefits the client can expect.

• Obtain the evidence required to provide robust clinical justification to the NDIA.

• On approval, supervise installation of modifications, using our network of trusted, reliable third-party resources such as builders, project managers, architects and engineers.

How much do home modifications cost?

The cost for home modifications varies considerably depending on the nature and scope of the works to be undertaken. Amy the OT can connect with trusted builders to obtain competitive quotations, then facilitate funding approval via government funded schemes such as the NDIS.

Our neuro occupational therapist empowers your independence with a tailored program and a collaborative approach.

What does community OT neuro rehab involve?

Every neuro rehab program is highly tailored to your individual needs, goals and preferences and can include learning different ways to perform everyday tasks, exercises to improve upper limb coordination, strength and fine motor skills, and activities to strengthen cognitive function. We can also recommend assistive technology and home modifications to enhance your independence and quality of life and provide training on how to use them safely and independently.

• Routine development

• Capacity building / independent living skills training

• Cognitive rehabilitation

• Assistive Technology prescription

• Home modifications

• Manual Handling / Transfer assessment and training

• Home based upper limb therapy

Who do we see for neuro rehab?

Our neuro occupational therapist specialises in supporting participants with a wide range of neurological conditions and injuries, including:

• Cerebral palsy

• Parkinson’s disease

• Acquired brain injuries due to Stroke, Infection or oxygen deprivation

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

How much does an OT neuro rehab program cost?

Costs can vary depending on the needs and complexity of the client. Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a quotation based on your needs and circumstances either upon referral and/or following an initial assessment. The cost of our occupational therapy service per hour is in line with the most recent NDIS price guide. Please get in touch to discuss this further.

What is cognitive rehab?

Occupational therapists focus their interventions on the relationship between your cognitive skills, functional performance, and environmental context to enhance your daily life experience if you have a cognitive impairment. Our occupational therapist can work very closely with you and your support team to work towards your clearly identified goals.

Functional cognition is the interaction of cognitive skills and self-care, and community living skills. It refers to the thinking and processing skills needed to accomplish complex everyday activities such as household and financial management, medication management, volunteer activities, driving, and work.

Cognition refers specifically to information-processing functions, including attention, memory, and executive functions (i.e., planning, problem solving, self- monitoring, self-awareness).  There are many levels of change that can occur with cognition. Some may be very mild changes that may be hard to detect on a day to day basis and others can be quite profound and very obvious. Improving cognition can undoubtedly improve rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life. 

What does a cognitive rehab program involve?

During an assessment, our occupational therapist uses a broad standardised tool that looks at all areas of cognition. If needed, a more specific standardised assessment will follow, to gather additional information through close observation of an appropriate functional task, such as undertaking a task in the kitchen like making a cup of tea or simple meal preparation. 

Following a thorough assessment, our occupational therapist will address any barriers to your functional cognition and provide a rehab plan to enable you to participate more fully in your daily activities. This will also include educating and training your direct support network where necessary.

Having gathered all of the assessment findings and baseline measures, your occupational therapist will develop a treatment plan to address the effects of cognitive deficits on daily life. Every person is unique, and we will work together with the client, family, and involved others to set collaborative goals and treatment priorities. These can usually begin with basic activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and grooming, and may progress to more difficult tasks such as preparing meals, doing laundry, driving, or returning to work.  

Cognitive rehab aims to improve cognitive skills through carefully planned cognitive exercises. Use of technology, such as computer based cognitive training programs, paper based cognitive rehab tasks and functional task practice are all used to help train cognitive function. 

Environmental modifications and the use of assistive technology can address the complexity of what the person needs to do and altering environmental contexts to enhance the match between the client’s abilities and the environmental demands. 

Strategies to improve awareness of a persons cognitive processes is a very important part of treatment. This can greatly assist you to develop your own compensatory approaches in addition to the introduction and training on specific devices to aid cognitive difficulties such as poor memory. 

What causes cognitive impairments?

Cognitive impairment can be caused by a brain injury, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia and multiple sclerosis and other genetic or developmental disorders. In addition, mental illness and life stresses can also impact cognition. Progressive cognitive disorders worsen over time, but with appropriate treatment, clients can often remain independent in self-care and other activities well into the disease process. 

How much does a cognitive rehab program cost?

Costs can vary depending on the needs and complexity of the client. Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a quotation based on your needs and circumstances either upon referral and/or following an initial assessment. The cost of our occupational therapy service per hour is in line with the most recent NDIS price guide. Please get in touch to discuss this further.

Achieving a better quality of living for people with complex housing needs.

Often clients with complex needs require a highly modified physical space to facilitate function and independent living. Our OT SDA and SIL Functional Assessments thoroughly evidence eligibility for funding available through the NDIS to strengthen the application process. Facilitating solutions for independent living is always the goal.

Specialist disability accommodation (SDA) is housing designed for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. SDA housing features accessible design elements enabling people access to a home where they can live more independently.

Accessible design also facilitates the needs for other supports to be better delivered such as personal care or domestic assistance.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) refers to the supports a person requires to live independently within their home. SIL funding can be in a shared arrangement or individual and is generally funded for people with a high level of support needs.

What does an SDA assessment include?

With our goal of improving independence and engagement in daily tasks, our OT SDA functional assessments will:

• Identify level of function across a range of daily activities including personal care and domestic tasks.

• Evidence eligibility for SDA funding according to NDIA criteria.

• Compare SDA with alternative solutions to evidence value for money considerations.

• Planning for the future, considering progression of disability and ensuring recommended supports remain suitable.

• Identify required SDA design category and housing type.

• Recommend assistive technology solutions, such as voice-command technology and home automation to enhance home living.

What does a SIL assessment include?

• Identify level of function across a range of daily activities including personal care and domestic tasks.

• Recommend ratio of support needs and intensity levels to ensure appropriate funding.

• Planning for the future, considering progression of disability and ensuring recommended supports remain suitable.

• Compare SIL with alternative solutions to evidence value for money considerations.

How much do these assessments cost?

Costs can vary depending on whether both SIL and SDA are being assessed at the same time or separate from one another. Not all clients require SIL and not all clients require SDA. Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a quotation based on your needs and circumstances. The cost of our occupational therapy service per hour is in line with the most recent NDIS price guide. Please get in touch to discuss this further.

Nature is more than just 'outside'. Connecting with nature begins with ourselves - because we are part of nature, not apart from it.

Nature based occupational therapy is evidence based. It provides the therapeutic benefits of nature contact, nature connection and nature-based occupation to enable people to participate in everyday activities.

Nature based occupational therapy can take place indoors, using technology and in outdoor environments. It includes working with the environment, people and occupation to support meaningful occupational engagement.

How do we interact with nature?

• Indirect: Not being physically present in nature. Viewing nature through a window, on TV, in pictures or with guided meditation practices.

• Incidental: Experiencing nature as a byproduct of another activity e.g., driving to work, talking to friends in a park, walking to work.

• Intentional: Experiencing nature directly or being in nature through direct intent. The activity/occupation can't exist without the nature e.g., gardening, bushwalking, fishing.

What sort of activities does Nature based OT involve?

Nature based OT incorporates the therapeutic effects of nature indoors, in our imagination, through mindfulness practice, as metaphor/meaning, in design of spaces and places as well as the myriad of ways of being and doing outdoors. Examples of activities used in nature based OT include:

• Gardening

• Outdoor play therapy groups

• Nature-based mindfulness

• Nature space design

• Outdoor recreation and leisure exploration

• Bush walking programs

What are the benefits of Nature Based Occupational Therapy?

Nature connection and nature contact are key determinants of health and wellbeing. The scope of occupational therapy practice has so much possibility for creating joyful ways of intentionally including nature in our therapy programs to create environments that are beneficial to our clients. We can use nature therapy as a tool within your OT program as a way to enhance your mood, health, well-being, meaning and motivation; through activities such as nature mindfulness and meditation, nature journaling, . Or we can use nature based occupational therapy such as bush walking, gardening, or nature play as the occupational activity to achieve your goals. Nature based OT can improve your:

• Health

• Social well-being

• Spiritual well-being

• Physical function

• Emotional regulation

• Sensory integration

• Cognitive function

What nature based OT programs do you offer?

Amy the OT currently offers nature based therapy within individual OT sessions depending on your goals and interests.

If you are interested in incorporating nature based therapy within your OT sessions, please get in touch to discuss how we can best support you.

COMING SOON

Group based nature OT programs for children and adults:

• Nature Play Groups for children using the ConTiGo approach. Groups of 2-3 children.

• Nature OT group for adults with neurological conditions.

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more information or if you are are interested in joining the waitlist for attending either of these group programs.