Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is a profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. The Occupational Therapist may recommend changes in the way a task is completed, prescribe equipment that may assist, modify the environment or provide education on a variety of strategies that may be of benefit. The specialist services Occupational Therapists provide can include: assessments of home safety and access, including recommendations for hand rails, ramps or home modifications, daily living skills training, provision of assistive or safety equipment, wheelchair, customised seating and pressure care prescription, carer education and support, and relaxation and stress management.

Eligibility/Target Groups

People who are experiencing difficulty with performing daily tasks, due to a physical or cognitive impairment, environmental barrier or social limitations can benefit from Occupational Therapy. People require a pension card or health care card to be eligible for our service.

Range of services – programs, individual treatment and treatment groups

Clients have very individual needs so the Occupational Therapists work in the client's own environment, usually in their home, to ensure their interventions are meaningful for each person.

Following an assessment, an Occupational Therapist can assist with applying for funding for specific equipment or home modifications related to a client’s disability, to support them in continuing to live independently in their own home.

Occupational Therapists at Ranges are also involved in the running of programs including Interlink, the Carer's Support Group, Active at Home and Women's Self Esteem Group.