​What is NDIS Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is a client-centred profession that assists you in improving your day-to-day function through participation in occupations of life. Occupational Therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices, to support individuals in improving their day-to-day function.

We also collaborate closely with professionals from other disciplines, including Psychologists and Counsellors, and Speech Pathologists, to support holistic care across communication, mental health, and emotional wellbeing.

What‘s the difference between Occupational Therapy services and Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy generally focuses on physical function, whereas Occupational Therapy is more holistic and focuses on physical, psychological and emotional well-being. OT will also focus on equipment prescription and function across all domains of daily living, including domestic, personal and community activities of daily living.

To support physical function alongside OT, our Exercise Physiology team can help improve mobility, strength and endurance through targeted interventions.

Why would a child need Occupational Therapy?

OT may assist a child in building emotional regulation skills and gross or fine motor capacity. Equipment may also be prescribed to help with community access or to ensure a child’s safety while travelling.

Our paediatric team offers family-centred support across all age groups, see Paediatrics 0-9 and Paediatrics 10-17 for more info on our early intervention and youth services.

What can Occupational Therapy help with?

Occupational Therapy may help build capacity across all domains of daily living, including domestic, personal and community. Equipment may be prescribed, or recommendations to modify the home environment may be made. Therapy may also assist in developing a better routine and better-managing emotions. An occupational therapist can assess your needs and goals, providing tailored interventions to enhance your independence.

Clients may also benefit from collaborative supports such as:
– Speech Pathology for communication challenges
– Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to address behaviours of concern
– Dietitian services to enhance daily function through personalised nutrition.

Who is eligible for NDIS-funded Occupational Therapy services?

Generally, most clients with an NDIS plan will have some capacity-building funding. Occupational Therapy is often included in capacity-building supports and, as it stands, is the NDIS’ preferred therapy to assist in building functional capacity.

Can Occupational Therapy help with mental health and sensory processing needs?

Yes. Depending on the clinician’s skills, these are likely to be set goals.

Are Occupational Therapy sessions available at home or in a clinic?

Both. Bloom Healthcare primarily delivers sessions in the community. The evidence suggests that capacity building in natural environments is most effective. However, a clinic can be arranged if necessary. Occupational Therapists work across different environments, including community health centers and mental health facilities, to provide comprehensive care.

Bloom Healthcare offers NDIS Occupational Therapy services in Sydney  and the whole New South Wales region, Brisbane and other locations in South East Queensland, Melbourne and more places in Victoria, Perth and WA, Adelaide and South Australia, Canberra and Tasmania.