What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on enabling individuals to participate in the meaningful activities and occupations that make up their daily lives, such as self-care, work, leisure, and social participation. 

Occupational therapy is an important service for adults who are experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional, or psychosocial challenges that impact their ability to engage in everyday activities. Occupational therapy aims to help individuals achieve their goals, optimise their functional abilities, and enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.

History of occupational therapy

The history of occupational therapy dates back to the early 20th century when it was first developed as a form of treatment for patients with mental health conditions. Over time, it evolved to encompass a wide range of practice areas, including:

  • physical rehabilitation
  • vocational rehabilitation
  • community-based services

What can an occupational therapist help adults with?

In the context of adult health and well-being, occupational therapy is an important service that can help individuals to:

  • Overcome barriers to participation in everyday activities
  • Develop and maintain skills and abilities for independent living
  • Improve physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial functioning
  • Increase social and community participation
  • Enhance the overall quality of life

Occupational therapy for adults is a valuable healthcare service that can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals who are experiencing challenges that impact their ability to engage in daily activities.

What does an occupational therapist do for adults?

As mentioned, healthcare professionals like occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping adults achieve their goals and maintain their independence. Through their expertise in assessing and addressing physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors, occupational therapists can help individuals overcome barriers to participating in daily activities and achieve their desired outcomes.

When working with adults, occupational therapists will often collaborate with other healthcare professionals and caregivers to provide comprehensive support. They work closely with physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and other specialists to ensure a coordinated approach to care. 

These approaches will include a range of interventions and techniques to support adults in achieving their goals, including:

  • Developing personalised treatment plans that focus on the individual’s strengths, needs, and goals
  • Providing education and training on adaptive techniques, assistive technology, and modifications to support participation in daily activities
  • Conducting assessments to identify barriers to participation and developing strategies to overcome them
  • Providing support and guidance in self-care activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Recommending home modifications to improve safety and accessibility
  • Supporting individuals in finding or maintaining employment, education, and community participation.

By working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and caregivers, occupational therapists can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their desired outcomes. With their focus on promoting independence and improving quality of life, occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting adults to live their lives to the fullest.

Goals of occupational therapy for adults

The goals of occupational therapy for adults are multifaceted and personalised to the individual’s specific needs and priorities.

The primary goal of occupational therapy for adults is to facilitate independence and participation in daily activities, including self-care, leisure, work, and community participation. Occupational therapists work with clients to identify their goals, strengths, and limitations to develop personalised treatment plans that address their unique needs.

Improving physical abilities

Occupational therapy can help improve physical abilities, such as mobility, strength, endurance, and coordination, which are necessary for daily activities.

Enhancing cognitive function 

Occupational therapy can help improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Promoting emotional well-being 

Occupational therapy can help individuals manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional or mental health challenges that can impact daily activities.

Facilitating independence in self-care

Occupational therapy can help individuals improve their ability to perform daily self-care activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Improving community participation

Occupational therapy can help individuals engage in community activities, such as volunteering, socialising, and participating in hobbies or leisure activities.

Supporting return to work 

Occupational therapy can help individuals return to work after an injury or illness by improving their physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities and developing strategies to accommodate their limitations.

Techniques used by occupational therapists for adults

Occupational therapy can help improve daily activities for adults by addressing the underlying physical, cognitive, or emotional limitations that may be preventing them from engaging in meaningful activities. 

By working with clients to address their unique needs and goals, occupational therapists can help improve daily activities for adults and support their overall health and well-being.

Therapeutic exercises

Occupational therapists may use therapeutic exercises to improve physical abilities, such as strength, endurance, and mobility.

Assistive technology

Occupational therapists may recommend or provide assistive technology, such as adaptive equipment or technology, to help individuals with physical or cognitive limitations perform daily activities.

Environmental modifications 

Occupational therapists may recommend environmental modifications, such as home modifications or workplace accommodations, to improve safety and accessibility for individuals with physical limitations.

Cognitive interventions

Occupational therapists may use cognitive interventions, such as memory training or problem-solving strategies, to help individuals with cognitive limitations.

Emotional support 

Occupational therapists may provide emotional support and coping strategies to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, or depression that may be impacting their daily activities.

For adults considering occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is a vital service for adults who are facing challenges in their daily lives. It can help Australians to achieve their goals and improve their daily functioning, leading to an overall improvement in their quality of life.

At Connect2Care, we are committed to providing excellent and innovative occupational therapy services to help people achieve their goals. Our NDIS-approved Occupational therapists work alongside both clients and their referrers to provide support with self-care, home modifications, work or education, and participation in social and leisure activities.

We encourage anyone who needs support in these areas to connect with our friendly and welcoming team to learn more about our NDIS occupational therapy services. Please connect with us today to find out how we can help facilitate independence in all areas of your life.

Can NDIS Help With Housing?

Yes, the NDIS can help with housing.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded initiative aimed at providing support and services for people with disabilities in Australia. It is designed to provide individuals with the necessary tools and resources to help them live independently and achieve their goals. 

One of these essential aspects of life that the NDIS recognises is the importance of housing. 

For people with disabilities, finding the right home with the necessary adjustments and support can be a significant challenge. It’s because of this the NDIS offers various types of housing support, such as:

  • home modifications 
  • personal care
  • household duties
  • capacity building supports 

These supports can make a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities, helping them to live independently and safely in their homes.

Types of NDIS Housing Supports

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

Specialist Disability Accommodation, or SDA, is a type of NDIS Housing support designed for people with very high support needs or extreme functional impairment. 

SDA houses are built to include accessible features and specialised designs to help people with disabilities live more independently and receive support more safely and efficiently. 

To be eligible for SDA funding, individuals must meet specific NDIS criteria, including:

SDA is a vital component of NDIS housing support that provides individuals with a safe and suitable living environment.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)

Supported Independent Living, or SIL, is another type of NDIS Housing support that aims to help people with disabilities live in their homes or shared homes with others. SIL provides assistance and supervision with personal care, such as showering and dressing, as well as household duties like cooking and cleaning. 

The support provided under SIL is designed to help individuals build their skills and become more independent through regular, consistent, and frequent assistance from a support person. This may be shared support with other residents, or one-to-one support, depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances. 

SIL assessments are conducted by registered NDIS SIL assessors who can come to the individual’s home to determine their eligibility for SIL funding. SIL support is an essential part of NDIS Housing support that helps people with disabilities to live independently and achieve their goals.

Independent Living Options (ILO)

Individual Living Options, or ILO, is another type of NDIS Housing support that provides alternative ways of supporting and funding living arrangements for NDIS participants. 

ILO funding allows individuals with disabilities to choose their preferred living arrangements, such as living:

  • with friends
  • in a shared house, 
  • in a host environment that aligns with their needs and support networks.

ILO support can include housing design and other support services that help clients live more independently. The NDIS provides ILO funding in two stages: exploration and design, where an assessment is done to determine the client’s preferences and needs, followed by the implementation of the supports required to help the client live the way they want and achieve their goals.

ILO support is an essential part of NDIS Housing support that provides individuals with disabilities with alternative living arrangements and greater control over their living environment. 

Short and Medium-Term Accommodation (STA and MTA)

Short-Term Accommodation (STA) and Medium-Term accommodation (MTA) are types of NDIS Housing support that provide temporary accommodation for individuals with extreme functional impairment or very high needs. STA and MTA can include SDA accommodation, or they may be provided to individuals awaiting SDA, awaiting home modifications, or more permanent accommodation.

The difference between short and medium-term accommodation is:

  • STA can be provided for up to 90 days
  • MTA can be provided for up to six months

Both types of accommodation can be provided in a range of settings, such as a hotel, guesthouse, or other types of accommodation that meet the participant’s specific needs.

The goal of STA and MTA is to provide a safe and secure temporary housing solution while individuals await permanent accommodation or while they receive necessary support services to enhance their independence and quality of life.

Home modifications

Home modifications are a type of NDIS Housing support that involves making changes to the structure, layout, or fittings of an individual’s home to enhance their safety, accessibility, and comfort. These modifications may include the installation or modification of things like: 

  • Ramps
  • Grab rails
  • Stairlifts
  • Doorway widening
  • Kitchens – e.g. making a bench accessible for a wheelchair user
  • Bathrooms – e.g. removing a shower over the bath and designing a step-less shower

Home modifications are designed to help people with disabilities live more independently and safely in their homes, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. By making necessary adjustments, individuals can move around their homes more easily and access the necessary areas without any assistance.

How to get NDIS housing support

If you or someone you know has a disability and is looking for assistance in finding suitable housing or modifying their current home, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may be able to provide support. 

  1. Check your eligibility: The NDIS provides support to people with a permanent and significant disability. To check your eligibility, you can visit the NDIS website or contact the NDIS directly.
  2. Get an NDIS plan: If you are eligible for the NDIS, you will need to get an NDIS plan. This is a document that outlines the support and services you need to help you achieve your goals.
  3. Determine your housing support needs: As part of the NDIS planning process, you will need to identify your housing support needs. This may include the need for home modifications, personal care support, or specialised accommodation like SDA.
  4. Work with a support coordinator: A support coordinator can help you navigate the NDIS system and connect you with housing support services in your area.
  5. Apply for housing support: Once you have identified your housing support needs, you can apply for funding from the NDIS to access housing support services. You will need to provide evidence of your disability and housing support needs, and this will be used to determine the level of funding you are eligible for.
  6. Choose a housing support provider: Once your funding has been approved, you can choose a housing support provider to help you access the services you need. Your support provider will work with you to develop a plan for your housing support, and they will help you access the services you need to live independently in your home.

These are the basic steps to get NDIS housing support. It is important to note that the process may vary depending on your circumstances, and it can be helpful to work with a support coordinator or a registered NDIS provider to ensure that you are accessing the services you need to achieve your goals.

Help with NDIS housing supports

If you or a loved one needs NDIS-approved housing support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Connect2Care. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing tailored support and guidance to ensure that our clients find the right housing option that meets their unique needs and goals. 

We are here to help you through every step of the process– from identifying the right housing option to modifying it to meet your needs and providing ongoing support to ensure your satisfaction. 

Contact us today to learn more about our NDIS housing support services.

It is Connect2Care’s mission to provide excellent quality services and support to our clients in ways that make them feel empowered and allow them to achieve their goals.

Recently, our Physiotherapist Lisa had a breakthrough with a client. The client had previously been hospitalized for 10 months, during which he saw progress and regression with his ability to stand.

Once discharged from the hospital, the client began seeing Lisa, and with her help and the assistance of the equipment she was able to get funded for him, he could stand up with assistance after a few sessions. After less than 3 months of working with Lisa, the client could pull himself up to standing, utilizing the equipment Lisa had worked to fund for him.

This is a powerful example of how the Connect2Care staff work to empower their clients and help them to achieve their goals.

At Connect2Care, our passion is ensuring participants are provided with a support network that goes above and beyond therapeutic services. We ensure they have the assistance they need to live a complete life.

Our clinicians work hard to provide a service that is in line with the goals and priorities of their clients.

Goals1

 

NDIS Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy Services | Connect2Care

Our psychology team at Connect2Care are qualified to provide both treatment and assessments, depending on your needs. We have access to several assessment tools. Here are some of the tests we have available: Cognitive assessments include Wechsler Assessments (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV, WMS-IV). Behavioural assessments include Conners 3. Capacity assessments include Social Responsiveness Scale, Childhood Autism Rating Scale-2, Vineland-3.

Here at Connect2Care, we are made up of a strong unit of allied health professionals. We currently offer five disciplines – Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Psychology, Physiotherapy and Dietetics, & the benefit this brings to our clients & their support networks is invaluable. The five disciplines allow for complementary skill sets, experience, and knowledge. There is also a consistent approach to therapy & flexibility within the company to review therapies required, & more specifically client’s needs, as this may change or develop over time.

With consent, our therapists work together on shared outcomes. Goals are considered as a complete & comprehensive service ultimately providing therapy that addresses all aspects of one’s life. Our multidisciplinary approach extends beyond the Conenct2Care walls & our therapists have built strong relationships with support people & external providers to ensure the client’s needs are met from a community & holistic approach. We strongly believe that it is only when all services work together, a client can achieve their full potential.

Study shows plants are good for mental health

The University of Technology, Sydney study provided measurable evidence of the effects of indoor plants on occupants’ mood states and feelings of well-being. They found plants brought a 37 percent reduction in tension and anxiety, a 58 percent reduction in depression, and a 44 percent reduction in anger and hostility. Other studies also suggest that five or more plants in a room lead to people feeling healthier and happier. It is believed that even looking out a window at a green space can have benefits for your mental health. 

3 simple ways to improve your mental health with plants

  1. Mindful Gardening: Mindfully watering, pruning, and tending to our plants can be a welcome distraction from the stress and anxiety of work, constant use of technology, and general worries. While you’re focused on looking after your plants, you’re in the present moment and giving your mind a well-earned break from overthinking.
  2. Physical Activity and Plant Care: Regular maintenance activities like watering your plants, dusting their leaves, and moving them around to ensure they get enough sunlight can introduce a gentle form of physical exercise into your routine. To make it even more beneficial, incorporate some stretches, light plant lifting, or even play some music during your plant care routine. This can transform your plant maintenance into a joyful, mood-boosting activity, integrating physical health benefits with the mental health advantages of caring for indoor plants.
  3. Routine and Connection: Looking after our plants can provide us with a routine, and provide us with reasons to get up, out, and moving as we nurture them. Seeing our plants thrive can also give us a sense of achievement and a self-esteem boost. It can also help to connect us with others as we learn more, show off our plants, and share ideas (and cuttings!) So don’t feel too guilty when you’re tempted to slide yet another succulent into your basket while shopping for other things!  

Why Indoor Plants Are Good for Your Health

You don’t need a full garden to reap the mental and health benefits of plants, so if you don’t have the outdoor space, don’t worry about it! Indoor plants are just as good for your health as outdoor plants.

Not only can indoor plants improve your mental health in ways that were previously mentioned, but they can also improve your physical health. Plants like the peace lily, spider plant, and snake plant are known for their air-purifying abilities, removing toxins and producing cleaner, more breathable air, which is essential for overall health.

A touch of greenery in your environment has been proven to boost concentration, productivity, and creativity – making them a perfect addition to any home office or study space. They also bring a piece of nature into your home, creating a calming and relaxing environment. This connection to nature can significantly reduce stress levels and promote a feeling of well-being.

Improve your mental health and physical well-being with plants

In a fast-paced world, where indoor lifestyles are becoming the norm, adding plants to your life is a simple yet effective way to enhance your health and well-being. So, whether it’s for cleaner air, improved focus, or a tranquil mind, the benefits of indoor plants are too good to overlook.

Final Report to Horticulture Australia Ltd Completed 15 February 2010 “Greening the Great Indoors for Human Health and Wellbeing’, Margaret Burchett et al. University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) – Khan, M. A., Amin, N., Khan, A., Imtiaz, M., Khan, F., Ahmad, I., … & Islam, B. (2016). Plant therapy: a nonpharmacological and noninvasive treatment approach medically beneficial to the wellbeing of hospital patients. Gesunde Pflanzen, 68(4), 191-200. – https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/news/why-houseplants-are-great-for-mental-health – https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/more-than-just-decoration-the-many-health-benefits-of-house-plants-20200708-p55a97.html

As a mother of young children, I find that getting my son to brush his teeth can be a great struggle. This issue has also come up with a lot of my paediatric clients with how to get kids to brush teeth. I thought I would share some very simple tips that can work wonders to get your child more excited and agreeable to brush their teeth.

  1. Buy a children’s electric toothbrush – this makes your child feel grown up and excited to brush their teeth just like mum and dad! You can probably even get them one with their favourite cartoon character.
  2. Use a fun timer so that they brush their teeth for long enough. There are some great phone apps that demonstrate which part of the teeth to brush and for how long. My son’s favourite one is called ‘Toothbrush Time – By Japps’. Alternatively, your child could listen to their favourite 2-minute song while they brush their teeth.
  3. You might want to buy a stool so that they can reach the sink and see themselves in the mirror when brushing their teeth.
  4. Motivate your child by giving them a sticker on their toothbrushing chart each night.
  5. Brush your teeth at the same time that your child is brushing their teeth.

Next time toothbrushing time is a struggle, give one of these ideas a try and let us know if you have any success!

At times in speech pathology we wonder how we could include the many areas of support we provide into a succinct job description or title. Most families and members of the community take Speech Pathology to be development of speech sounds, pronunciation of words or help with lisps, stuttering or the voice. However, a lot of communication is non-verbal (not with our speech). This includes our body language, facial expression, gestures and use of a range of different high and low tech systems (such as picture or iPad systems).

In addition to speech sounds, speech pathologists assist with other areas of communication and swallowing. We work in the four areas of language: reading, writing, understanding language and expressing language. We work with social and emotional communication skills and listening. We can support people of all ages, and all disabilities affecting speech, language, swallowing or our overall ability to communicate in a range of settings. Interested in speech pathology services? Enquire online today to find out more information.

Type 2 diabetes Australia places a burden on many individuals. 280 Australians develop diabetes every day – that is one person every 5 minutes. Untreated diabetes may result in complications such as heart disease, blindness, amputations, and kidney disease. Research has found that intensive early intervention results in a reduction of these complications. A proactive approach using the combination of medication management, diet therapy, and physical activity is crucial in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Contact the Connect2care team today to learn more information about how to maintain type 2 diabetes. 

There is no hiding that I absolutely love what I do! I have worked with infants, children, teenagers, their families and support networks for over 15 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the key aspects of success in occupational therapy is ensuring that the approach to clinical care is fun and engaging, using play based learning activities to achieve the outcomes that you are after.

In addition to this, adopting a family-centred approach to care helps to build confidence in parents to assist their children in achieving their desired goals. The creativity and flexibility required of me for each and every young person that I support keeps me motivated and engaged to continue doing what I enjoy most.

It fills me with so much pride to see this approach being adopted and implemented across all of the clinicians and clients that are supported by Connect2Care. Enquire online today to learn about out play based learning activities. 

Connect2Care

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