Occupational Therapy on the Central Coast
Our registered occupational therapists provide assessment and treatment with the aim of improving your ability to perform everyday activities, wherever they may take place.
We understand the best option for accommodation is often to stay in your own home, with the familiarity of your neighbourhood, friends and family. We can help with modifications to your home, to make staying there easier and safer. In other words, we can help you continue to live the life you want to lead.
The assessment is comprehensive and will take into consideration any medical conditions, current medications, your skill level and the aspects of the environment that impact on the activity. The outcome of this assessment then allows for recommendations to be made in consultation with you and/or your carer.
Our therapists use a variety of strategies to assist you to live the life you want, including:
Equipment Prescription (including wheelchair prescription)
Equipment is able to provide support to enable you to complete activities safely and independently.
Our occupational therapists are able to discuss equipment options with you and/or your carer, arrange the supply of the equipment and provide training in the use of the equipment.
Environmental Modifications
Modifying the area where you complete an activity can mean the difference between needing help and being able to complete an activity independently.
Our occupational therapists work with you to determine how changing the environment can assist. It may be as simple as a rail in the shower or installing a ramp of lift to allow you to access your house independently.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment and Training
Activities of daily living refer to all of the activities you do in your daily life. From showering, dressing, preparing meals, to shopping and accessing transport, we can help to make a difference.
Our occupational therapists are able to analyse the way you currently perform activities, identify barriers, and then develop recommendations on ways to make it easier. Support and training are provided to ensure you are confident in completing the activities safely.
Cognitive Retraining
Accidents and medical conditions can have an impact on the way you are able to complete tasks due to difficulty processing information.
We are able to assist with developing and implementing treatment plans which aim to improve a range of cognitive skills such as memory, planning and sequencing.
Falls Prevention
Falling is not a normal part of life, and a fear of falling can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Our occupational therapists are able to complete a falls risk assessment and provide education on a range of ways to minimise the risk of falling, and what to do if you do have a fall.
Accessing our services
You may be eligible for a government funded occupational therapy assessment. Please contact MY AGED CARE on 1800 200 422.
DVA
If you are entitled to services through the Department of Veterans Affairs and you feel an occupational therapy assessment would be of benefit to you, please ask your doctor to refer you to Adssi using a D904 referral form.
LTCS
If you are Lifetime Care and Support client your case manager may refer you to us for an occupational therapy assessment and treatment.
Private
You may choose to arrange to pay for services for yourself or a loved one. Arranging and paying for services yourself means that you are not subject to potentially long waiting lists and an assessment can be carried out when it suits you.
Your In-home Assessments
Our qualified, experienced and registered Occupational Therapists provide in-home assessments with the aim of improving your safety and independence both at home and in the community.
We will discuss what difficulties you or the person you care for may be having with simple day to day activities. It may be that you are starting to have difficulty getting out of bed or out of a chair, or that you are worried about having a fall.
The home assessment is comprehensive and will take into consideration any medical conditions, current medication, and your ability to safely access the home and community. We will identify risks and hazards that may compromise your safety or independence.
The Occupational Therapist will make their recommendations in consultation with you and/or your carer and will first identify any simple solutions. This might be assistive equipment available for purchase or hire or a simple grab rail modification in the bathroom or toilet. More complex recommendations may be required such as a full bathroom modification.
If you have a referral for Occupational Therapy from My Aged Care, please call us on 1300 578 478 to arrange an in-home appointment.