What Is An Occupational Therapist?
OT Joe with happy client Nola
Have you ever heard of the term “OT” but never knew what it meant – well it means Occupational Therapist.
The essence of an Occupational Therapist is an allied health professional who focuses upon supporting the client to be as independent as possible in daily activities. These are activities that are essential for human living.
Aged Care OTs focus on providing services in areas of self care, physical rehabilitation, safety at home and when mobilising, and education on falls prevention.
These activities include:
Self care tasks: Showering, dressing, feeding, toileting, etc.
Domestic tasks: Cleaning, gardening, cooking, shopping, etc.
Community engagement: Driving or accessing public transportation, etc.
At Vitality club we understand how important it is for clients to be able to stay at home so we provide a holistic approach. Many of these activities are completed at home and thus it’s important that the home is properly setup and safe to support engagement in these activities.
If you are having difficulty with any of these activities or would like to improve the safety within your home, then chances are you would benefit from seeing an OT.
An Occupational therapist helps in various ways:
Provides useful strategies to support further independence.
Recommends particular equipment/aides.
Recommends home modifications within the home to improve safety (e.g. installation of a horizontal rail in the shower)
Home Care Packages
Occupational therapy can be accessed with funds from a home care package. Our case managers working along with our OTs are experienced in providing appropriate occupational care with budgets in mind to provide a tailored and client centred approach. We pride ourselves in our excellent communication with clients so that you are informed at every step. Our OTs are knowledgeable in the latest safety equipment and work with notable suppliers to provide the most suitable equipment.
Photos show VC OT additions: hand rails added to corridor, outdoor steps and bathroom shower and door (left to right)
At Vitality Club our friendly and highly trained Occupational Therapists are able to complete home safety assessments within your house. We are here to help revitalise your care journey and make living at home, not only a safe place but also welcoming. If you would like to know further information or to organise a home safety assessment for yourself/someone, please feel free to contact us.