Our Services
We are committed to providing high-quality and timely occupational therapy services across the Eyre Peninsula. We support people over the age of 65 and those with a diagnosis of dementia or experiencing cognitive impairment. Please see below some of the services we can provide.
Carer Education and Training
Our OT team can provide carers and family members with up-to-date knowledge to help support a loved one living with dementia. This education may include talking about dementia, what is it, what to expect, how to respond in challenging situations and how to communicate when conversation becomes hard. Training may involve learning strategies to overcome frustration and overwhelm to reduce caregiver burnout. Practical strategies are provided to help caregivers and family members feel confident on their dementia journey. Whether it be learning new ways to communicate with a loved one or activity ideas suited to the stage of dementia, we're here to help.
Training packages are available for groups including residential aged care facilities.
Falls Prevention Assessments
Falls prevention assessments may include the OT assessing factors that may be increasing a client's risk of having a fall. The OT will look at a person's functional strengths and difficulties, the tasks that they are engaging in and the environment. The OT may provide recommendations such as environmental modifications, prescription of equipment/assistive devices, training on how to complete tasks in a safer way and referral to other services such as Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology.
Prescription of Aids/Assistive Technology
The OT may provide assessment and recommendations related to prescription of aids and assistive devices to help a person continue to be able to do the things the want and need to do. It may be that a person is having difficulty with cooking, gardening, or engaging in self-care tasks such as showering and toileting. Or it may be that a person is finding it hard to get in and out of the car. The OT will provide recommendations and advice regarding what may help to make life a little easier!
Cognitive Screening Assessment and Intervention
Assessment of a client's cognition and how that impacts their ability to engage in daily tasks safely can be completed by our OT team. Cognitive screening in addition to OT functional assessment can really help in the process of obtaining a formal diagnosis of dementia (which can be super important in getting formal supports in place). We can work closely with the Specialist Geriatrician Team where required to ensure that timely follow up and consistent support is provided.
Home Safety Assessments
Home safety assessments involve an OT attending a client's home to do an assessment of the home and provide recommendations about what may help to make the home safer. It may be that a client is having falls or at risk of leaving the stove turned on. Or it may be that the client is having trouble getting on and off the toilet or leaving the home and becoming lost.
Support with Early Diagnosis
Our OT team can work closely with the GP to provide thorough assessment and to facilitate referral to a Specialist for early diagnosis.
Home Modifications
From major bathroom re-design to advice related to installation of grab rails and ramps, our OT team can help!
Group Programs
We run group programs on a needs basis. Whether it's caregiver education sessions or falls prevention/social groups, we are always up for discussing how we can be involved!
Funding for our services may come from the following
- Home Care Package Program
Community Home Support Program (CHSP)
- NDIS
Medicare (Chronic Disease Management Plan and DVA)
Private Health Insurance
Fee for Service