When a person suffers an accident that leaves them with a disability, this is usually a life-changing experience that means having to acquire new skills in order to compensate for the disability. It might be the partial loss of a limb, or losing one’s eyesight or hearing and should such a thing happen to you, there is help in the form of occupational therapy from anNDIS-approved healthcare provider.
What does occupational therapy involve?
Occupational therapy is geared to helping a person retain their independence as much as possible, the treatment is focused on physical, psychosocial, sensory or cognitive disabilities. When you schedule your initial consultation with an NDIS-approved occupational therapist, the healthcare professional carries out a needs assessment, which forms the basis of a therapeutic treatment program, with the patient’s input, of course.
Various forms of assessments
The occupational therapist assesses in numerous ways:
Capacity assessments
- Functional capacity
- Supported Independent Living Assessment (SIL)
- Psychosocial Functional capacity
Assistive technology assessments
- Wheelchair/specialised seating (prescription based)
- Mobility scooter, training and assessment
- Prescription for special bed/mattress
- Bathroom accessories – Shower & commode chairs (prescription based)
- Slings/hoists – Assessment & prescription
Therapy treatment
The treatment could take many forms, including:
- Home rehabilitation – Negotiating daily tasks and getting around.
- Mental health counselling – A sudden disability can cause a person to withdraw.
- Stroke & neurological rehabilitation
- Cognitive retraining
- Dementia care and planning
- Safety/fall prevention
- Developmental therapy
Social interaction
It is essential that the disabled person maintains their relationship with family and friends; in some cases, the therapist works on communication skills, while building self-esteem, which often suffers after a disability. There are leisure and recreational activities within the local authority and with full support, including transportation, the disabled person can maintain social contact and enjoy their favourite activity, such as:
- Drama
- Handicrafts
- Music
- Ping pong
- Chess & draughts
- Swimming/sports
The NDIS covers the costs of all trips and with a qualified healthcare professional in constant attendance, safety is assured.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The Australian government formed the NDIS in order to directly fund registered disabled persons; there are currently over 4 million Australian citizens who suffer from significant disability and the scheme is designed to provide essential support.
Connecting you with approved care providers
The NDIS has working relationships with all registered care providers in Australia and when you qualify, suitable care providers are referred to you by the NDIS.
- Doctors
- Community groups
- Sporting clubs
- Libraries
- Schools
It is only by using approved care services that funding is provided, so you should always contact the referred organisation.
Children with slow development
There are approximately 80,000 children that have developmental issues and the NDIS funds therapy and community visits. Sadly, the numbers of autism and ADHD cases are rising and there is help from the NDIS; if one of your children is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, your GP would refer you to the NDIS to make an application and should you be eligible, funding is provided and you can contact the relevant specialist care provider.
