Client FAQs
How can Living Strength OT help me through the NDIS?
An Occupational Therapist will assist you to achieve the goals as stated in the participants NDIS plan. Your OT will help develop a Support Plan to achieve your goals. Your OT will work with the you to achieve these goals via:
- Face to face consultations at your home or selected location.
- Your OT may work from the clinic on various tasks which will assist you achieve your goals.
What can I expect from my first consultation?
We will start with an initial assessment in order to establish the your occupational therapy goals and current abilities. Your OT will then determine a plan of action and develop a program to assist. Your OT may look at all aspects of your life to help provide you with the best possible outcomes, this could include your ability to manage personal care, domestic tasks and community access/participation.
How much time is required for standard OT services?
The time taken to provide OT services may vary depending on the participants’ circumstances. The following is a guide to what will be provided within a service category and how long we anticipate it will take to reach this outcome.
Initial Assessment /Functional Assessment
In order to establish the participants’ occupational therapy goals and ‘their abilities or disabilities, an initial assessment is completed with the participant. The OT will determine via interview and observation the participants’ level of function and day to day capability or level of independence. This may include ‘the participants’ ability to manage personal care, domestic tasks and community access/participation.
Approx. 8-10 hours, this estimated time includes up to two home visits, report writing, liaising with other supports/treaters involved in your care and travel to appointments. The OT will make recommendations for any OT strategies or services which may assist the participant reach their goals in the longer term. Additional hours may be required to carry out these recommendations.
Assistive Technology assessment, trials and application (complex)
Assistive Technology is a term commonly used to describe any device or system which allows an individual to perform a task as independently as possible.
Equipment Assessments involve an evaluation of the participants’ individual disability needs. The OT will prescribe/recommend equipment which will support improvement to the participants’ ability to carry out everyday activities.
Approx. 10 hours, including an initial appointment, equipment trials, report writing and travel to appointments. Examples include:
- Manual / Powered Wheelchairs
- Electric Scooters
- Electric Beds
- Recliner Chairs
- Commodes
- Hoists
- Rails
- Cooling Vests
- Eating Aids
- Pressure care equipment
- Technological devices
Home Modifications
A Home Modification Assessment will review the participants’ ability to access and move within their home environment. This assessment will consider their safety and independence. The OT may make recommendations to improve the participants’ ability to live in the home offering temporary or permanent solutions. The OT can assist to design and coordinate minor home modifications through to complex structural alterations. The OT’s work with funding bodies, builders and project managers for home modification requirements.
Approx. 20 hours, including initial assessment, liaison with builders, visits with builders, completion of report and travel to appointments with you and to meet with builders. Examples include:
- Ramps
- Rails
- Bathroom modifications
- Kitchen Modifications
- Ceiling hoists
- Platform Lifts
- Stepless showers
Housing Assessment – SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation)
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) refers to accommodation for participants who require specialist housing solutions to assist with the delivery of their supports and which cater for their extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
SDA Assessment involves a comprehensive assessment of the participants’ needs, both current and future and provides a recommendation to NDIS regarding their eligibility for specialist disability accommodation.
Approx. 20 hours. This is a complex report which requires the OT to complete several assessments with the participants and your current supports. The OT will be required to travel to meet with for up to three occasions. The report recommendations are detailed and comprehensive in order to meet specific NDIS requirements.
Housing Assessment SIL (Supported Independent Living)
Supported Independent Living (SIL) refers to any funded service supports which when provided to participants, enable a greater level of independent living. A SIL Assessment involves the OT providing a comprehensive assessment of your functional status and the amount or types of supports required to maintain and improve your daily living standards.
Approx. 20 hours. This is a detailed service which requires that the OT provide a comprehensive assessment and report. The OT will complete several assessments which include spending significant time communicating with your family, or other supports. The NDIA have specified the criteria for this assessment.
Participants eligible for this assessment may be:
- Living with parents
- In a shared residence with other NDIS participants
- Living alone
- Or wanting to move from your current accommodation to a more independent andage appropriate accommodation
Please note, SIL can be provided both in non-SDA residences or SDA residences.
Pre-Planning Assessment
The pre-planning service provides detail regarding both:
• The client’s disability and the impact it has on independence and goal attainment
• The future need for NDIS funded services Participants find this service useful where:
• They are transferring to the NDIS for the first time and require support and evidence to provide within their planning session
• They are on an existing NDIS plan and their individual needs or goals change or if a NDIS plan review is pending
Approx. 5-6 hours, including initial assessment, report writing and travel. You could expect the following content to be covered:
- Assistance or capability with daily living skills
- Assistance or capability with social & community participation
- Assistive Technology e.g. equipment which may be required to increase your independence
- Home Modifications/ Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Support Coordination
- Finding and Keeping a Job
- Improved Health and Wellbeing
- Therapy goals
How do I begin?
Get in touch with the friendly admin team at Living Strength OT to get you started. Our team will ensure a smooth process from your initial point of referral throughout the completion of your occupational therapy intervention process!
