FOR OLDER ADULTS
KEEPING YOU SAFE.
KEEPING YOU INDEPENDENT.
IN THE COMMUNITY AND AT HOME.
_edited.png)
How can we help?
WE DO ALL SORTS OF THINGS
Chances are, you're having trouble doing something [or someone close to you has decided that something has changed and you could do with some extra help]. Could be something you need to do [like have a shower, get out of bed] or something you want to do [like gardening. Or skydiving. Kidding - we don't help with that].
What to expect?
OR WHAT NOT TO EXPECT, MORE IMPORTANTLY.
Meeting new people and being asked lots of questions can be intimidating. Same for us [honest]. But we will try *really* hard to make our time together different to that...and we're pretty good at it, too [in our humble opinion!].
​
​
_edited.png)
Is OT what we actually need?
ALWAYS A DIFFICULT ONE
Everyone is different - right?! And so are people's needs. But the chances are that if you are looking for something [support for you and your family, help to "problem solve", ideas on ways to maintain you independence]? Then maybe it's worth having an initial appointment. Worst case scenario: you don't need OT.
​
​
_e.png)
WE DO ALL SORTS OF THINGS
Chances are, you're having trouble doing something [or someone close to you has decided that something has changed and you could do with some extra help]. Could be something you need to do [like have a shower, get out of bed] or something you want to do [like gardening. Or skydiving. Kidding - we don't help with that].
You might be apprehensive about working with an Occupational Therapist - people are often under the impression that we 'tell people off' [that would be awkward] for doing things that they shouldn't...or put heaps of rules and restrictions in place [not true!]. For us - the big focus is on function and being independent. So our primary concern is understanding how you are *currently* completing your occupations and put our heads together to problem solve how to *improve* your performance of these. See - no telling off or big restrictions.
Some of the things which we help people with [although this list could go on much longer - because, life];
-
Self care and domestic tasks (showering/dressing/cleaning etc)
-
Falls prevention
-
Home safety and function assessments
-
Equipment prescriptions (scooters, wheelchairs, rails, shower aids)
-
Applications for funding assistance
-
Community access
-
Memory loss / cognitive strategies
-
Sensory assessment, including mental health support
If you don't see what you're looking for on the list? Or maybe you're wondering if you're the *only* one with that challenge? [Hint: you're not]. Don't let that stop you getting in touch. Ask us the question and you'll be one step closer to what you're after [#progress].
How can we help?
_e.png)
_edited.png)
_e.png)
What to expect?
OR WHAT NOT TO EXPECT, MORE IMPORTANTLY
Meeting new people and being asked lots of questions can be intimidating. Same for us [honest]. But we will try *really* hard to make our time together different to that...and we're pretty good at it, too [in our humble opinion!].
​
Before we get started, you'll be asked to fill in some forms so we know a bit more about why you're coming to see us. It also helps us get some context so that the session is not *all* questions. We are professionals, yes, but don't let that trick you into thinking our sessions are boring [not so much..]. Having some info beforehand means we can keep up that promise.
​
It's a good idea to have a support person attend [that could be a partner - family member - friend. All are good options]. It helps you to have a second set of ears and also someone who can help fill in any gaps you have - you know what it's like when someone is asking you questions and you *forget* half the stuff you wanted to say. Worth thinking about, anyway.
The first appointment is when we are starting to get a picture of your situation - and we want to make it a clear one [which includes all the shades of life]. You can help fill some of the gaps in the picture that might be there #details. The first appointment is normally an hour [*but we allow 1.5 hours, incase we're on a roll*]. It will be a mix of questions, chatting and maybe some [intro] activities.
​
We also start to think about goals.
You might already have some...or maybe you're feeling unsure about where to start. We'll guide you through this process and it won't all be done in one shot. For piece of mind; the type of goals we work on are *functional* ones [Translation: things in life that actually count. Not just superficial stuff that has no impact #outrageous].
You might be getting the picture that we're not the experts [and you'd be right, kind of]. It's true - you know your child best and in terms of being the expert...that's you. Our role? [*expertise?*]. Straddling the [metaphorical] fence between all the different parts; of your life, family, goals and what makes you tick. And helping the different bits talk [like *really* communicate] with each other. To get some progress that will count.