Occupational Therapists at Inner East Community Health Service work with frail aged people and people with disabilities living in our community, who may be experiencing difficulties with maintaining safety and independence in everyday activities, such as:

  • Personal care tasks (showering, dressing, toileting);
  • Household tasks (cleaning, cooking);
  • Mobility in the home (falls, getting on and off chairs, using stairs, access to your home);
  • Community access (eg getting to the shops);
  • Carer safety with assisting our clients.

The Therapist:

Occupational therapists are skilled in functional assessment and rehabilitation, and promoting independence in tasks at home, work and in the community. During university studies occupational therapists learn many skills, which may be used to facilitate a person's independence. These include: Assessing the person's areas of strengths and limitations

  • Evaluating the degree of assistance required;
  • Providing practical skills training and independence aids.

Assessment and Intervention:

The Occupational Therapist works with clients and their carers to find ways to increase independence and safety through services such as:

  • Assessment of capabilities in self care, home duties, and social skills;
  • Training in self-care and home management skills to increase independence;
  • Assessment and modification of the home to improve safety and independence;
  • Prescription and education in the use of adapted equipment to assist function;
  • Adaptation or design of special equipment;
  • Teaching work simplification techniques to maintain independence;
  • Advice to carers/family on lifting and transferring techniques;
  • Teaching ways to adapt to, and compensate for, age related changes.

The Occupational Therapist can also assist with accessing funding sources and linking into other health professionals and services. To enquire about Occupational Therapy home visits, please telephone the centre nearest to you:

Hawthorn 9818 6703