Occupational
Therapy

Occupational Therapists (OT) promote further independence by focusing on improving strength, dexterity and ROM for optimal function. OT’s help people of all ages with physical, sensory and cognitive problems and do this using specific techniques, exercises and/or equipment.

A large part of an OT’s role can involve clients requiring higher levels of support and attention and for this reason clients are often accompanied and managed by a network of support teams all functioning together. This could include people such as support coordinators for those on the NDIS or family members such as parents of young children. With this in mind and in combination with common tasks such as home modifications, OT’s are often mobile based, travelling to client homes and locations for the majority of consultations each day. 

Frequency of sessions are dependent on the clinical need of the person but generally range from once per week to once a month. Occupational Therapists can see several funding types including NDIS, DVA, Medicare, Private, Return to Work and Insurance clients.

Occupational Therapists can be responsible for:

• Motor skills therapy
• Functional capacity assessments
• Early intervention
• Therapy focused on increased capacity
• Sensory assessments
• Emotional regulation and therapy
• Developmental assessments
• Home assessments
• Providing assistive technology, equipment and home modifications 
• NDIA support and guidance 

Occupational Therapists can see a wide range of clientele, which may include: 

• Paediatrics and adolescents
• Adults
• The Elderly
• People with disabilities 

Occupational Therapists can assist people with a large range of disabilities, health concerns and development delay. Some examples of these may include:

• Autism
• Aspergers Syndrome
• ADHD
• Developmental delay
• Arthritis
• Parkinsons disease
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Hand / wrist injuries