- Assessment of tongue tie
- Screening for sleep and airway issues
- Mouth breathing and open mouth posture
- Breaking thumb-sucking and other oral habits
- Tongue thrust swallowing
- Lisps associated with a tongue thrust
- Chewing difficulties
- Impacted dentition and post-orthodontic intervention
- Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Asymmetrical appearance of the face or lips
- Taking supplementary breaths through their mouth or sounding out of breath when reading aloud.
- Chapped, dry lips.
- Daytime sleepiness with dark circles under their eyes.
- Snoring/audible breathing and/or tooth grinding at night.
- Recurrent need for grommets and/or nasal sprays.
- Had adenoids and tonsils removed.
- History of speech articulation difficulties (i.e., lisps)
- Previous difficulties latching and the presence of oral ties.
- Dental crowding or no space between baby teeth.
- Malocclusions (i.e., open-bite, deep-bite, under-bite, over-jet)
- Oral habits (i.e., nail-biting, thumb-sucking or prolonged dummy use)
- Elongated facial features.
- A small jaw and/or associated pain.
- Elongated facial features, overactive facial muscles, jaw pain, etc.
- Attention/concentration/behavioural concerns and anxiety.
- Digestive issues (i.e., constipation, encopresis)
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:
- having very high support needs or extreme functional impairment
- meeting the requirements of Specialist Disability Accommodation needs within the NDIS funding criteria
- undergoing an assessment by registered NDIS SDA Assessors.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Exercise can be hugely beneficial in the management of chronic conditions and disabilities. You can improve strength, balance, sleep, the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions, and cognition. Exercise Physiologists’ can assist any individual who may benefit from exercise, including those with physical and mental health conditions.
Connect2Care’s Melbourne-based Exercise Physiologist, Matilda, has been working alongside her client to find a sustainable and enjoyable regime, resulting in improved compliance and better outcomes. The goal was to increase independence, strength, and confidence, and Matilda was able to engage her client in the activity of boxing successfully.
Matilda’s client continues to engage in weekly Exercise Physiology sessions and regularly performs their home exercise program outside of these sessions. The results have been astounding, with her client indicating that daily boxing is an incredibly positive method of managing her negative emotions. They have also demonstrated improvement in their strength and technique. Matilda is now working on incorporating more challenging variations of exercises into the exercise program so that her client can continue to reach and exceed exercise goals, striving to improve their physical and mental health.
NDIS Approved Exercise Physiology | Connect2Care
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.
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NDIS Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy Services | Connect2Care
Assistive technology can be highly beneficial for helping to maintain and improve everyday functions. The use of assistive technology can create more independence and increase opportunities to perform tasks and make decisions.
Some examples of the assistive technology provided at Connect2Care include:
- Communication and information equipment
- Assistive products for hearing and vision
- Personal Mobility equipment
- Assistive products for personal care and safety
Our Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists provide different types of assistive technology to their clients. One specific assistive technology provided by Connect2Care’s speech pathologists is a high-tech device that allows people to communicate when they don’t have the option to communicate verbally.
This device allows people to communicate using their eyesight and slight body movements. Using this device can give people the ability to convey their thoughts and how they feel when they otherwise may not have been able to.
NDIS Assistive Technology | Connect2Care
Exercise Physiology is a service provided at Connect2Care that involves exercise-based therapy and intervention for various health issues. Exercise Physiologists help to treat and manage chronic conditions, injuries and disabilities through exercise. This is a well-established treatment modality to reduce the risk of disease and improve outcomes for people experiencing chronic disease.
Exercise physiologists prescribe exercise interventions that are specific to each individual. They also provide patient education and can assist with facilitating behaviour change for long-term health benefits.
Exercise physiologists can work with a wide range of health conditions and can also help prevent and manage injuries.
They use multiple forms of exercise treatment, including strength training, aerobic training, balance and hydrotherapy.
“If the benefits of exercise could come from a pill, every doctor would prescribe it” – Matilda, Exercise Physiologist.
There are endless benefits that come from exercise, and our Exercise Physiologist can help you achieve these benefits.
NDIS Approved Exercise Physiology | Connect2Care
The Allied Health capability framework provided by health.vic is to understand the capabilities of allied health to support the needs of those with disability.
The domain of Individual support and its capabilities are as follows:
1. Understands disability and complex support needs
2. Promotes independence and informed choice
3. Works in partnership with the person to set and achieve goals
4. Thinks flexibly and tailors interventions to the person
5. Communicates effectively
6. Works collaboratively with the person’s supports
Interprofessional practice:
7. Operates within the scope of practice
8. Collaborates with interprofessional
Systems:
9. Navigates the National Disability Insurance Scheme
10. Collaborates across service systems
Quality, Safety and Ethics:
11. Acts ethically and resolves conflicts
12. Promotes safety, quality and inclusion
What is At-Home Care?
At-home, mobile care is a service where healthcare and support are provided in the comfort of one’s own home. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals managing long-term conditions, disabilities, and mobility issues.
Benefits of At-Home Care
- Comfort of Familiar Surroundings: At-home care allows clients to receive professional support in the familiar setting of their own home, offering a sense of security and comfort that is invaluable for wellbeing.
- Maintaining Independence: Receiving care in one’s own home enhances personal choice and independence. It also includes the integration of assistive technologies that are tailored to suit the home environment, helping people to maintain a sense of autonomy.
- Focused and Individualised Care: Services are designed to focus on specific areas of need and take the environment into consideration, ensuring effective and personalised care.
- Personal One-on-One Sessions: At-home care is delivered as one-on-one care, fostering a deeper and more personal relationship between the client and therapist, which is fundamental to effective care.
- Supporting Families: At-home care also greatly benefits family members, particularly those who are primary carers. Sharing the caregiving responsibilities offers family members much-needed respite and peace of mind.
Connect2Care’s At-Home and Mobility Services
Dyslexia is a very common learning disability in Australia, with an estimated 20% of children suffering from mild to severe dyslexia. By working with a speech pathologist for speech therapy for dyslexia, individuals gain several benefits.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia, primarily known as a language-based disorder, significantly impacts an individual’s ability to read. For individuals with dyslexia, honing reading strategies and skills becomes a vital part of their journey.
The role of speech therapy in managing dyslexia
Speech pathologists help with the assessment and treatment of dyslexia. They are trained to access overall language skills, including those critical to reading, such a phonological awareness and subsequent targeting intervention to help individuals with dyslexia learn to read.
Phonological awareness is essential for reading, writing, rhyming, and manipulating syllables, such as blending and segmenting. These skills allow us to understand what sounds make up a particular word and manipulate sounds to form words. Programs that target phonological awareness and literacy skills are available, such as ‘The Gillon Phonological Awareness Training Programme.’
Benefits of speech therapy for dyslexia
- Building Phonological Skills: A key focus in dyslexia therapy is enhancing phonological awareness. This makes the process of reading and writing more approachable and less daunting.
- Reading with Ease and Understanding: Through speech therapy sessions, individuals with dyslexia can improve their reading skills. This leads to better understanding and enjoyment of reading, turning a challenging task into a delightful experience.
- Growing Confidence: As reading becomes less challenging, there is often a wonderful growth in self-esteem. This newfound confidence can positively influence all areas of life, including school and social situations.
Speech pathologists at Connect2Care
Connect2Care’s experienced Speech Pathologists are ready to provide expert, caring assistance to unlock the full potential of every individual. Contact us today to learn more about our dyslexia therapy services and how we can support your journey towards success and confidence.
References:
1. The Gillon Phonological Awareness Training Programme booklet: Microsoft Word – programme booklet 2008.doc (canterbury.ac.nz)
2. Reading Rockets | Launching Young Readers this website provides general information about reading and some research-based reading strategies/intervention; it is also a good source for finding the appropriate books based on age, genre, and reading level.
Connect2Care is a leading provider of therapeutic services focused on meeting the needs of children and adults living with disability in our community. As a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, we offer Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Allied Health Assistants, Social Workers, and Dietetics.
