Occupational therapy and how it can help with everyday life
It’s a therapy used by thousands of Australians to help them do crucial everyday activities and yet many of us don’t know exactly what it does.
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They are the simple everyday tasks most of us take for granted, but what happens when you can’t use a knife and fork or get dressed in the morning?
A session with an occupational therapist can help people to maintain their independence and confidence so you can complete life’s everyday activities.
Occupational therapy is covered by Medicare in some circumstances and you may be able to claim on your private health insurance depending on your policy, but you may need extras cover.
What is occupational therapy?
The profession of occupational therapy uses a holistic approach to help people achieve and maintain their optimal health and wellbeing when participating in the ‘occupations’ of life.
President of Occupational Therapy Australia Dr Carol McKinstry told news.com.au “occupations” are the activities we do in our daily lives.
“We help people with anything they want and need to do which includes learning to drive after a stroke, going back to work after mental health issues or even basic day to day self care like using a knife and fork or cleaning the house,” she said.
Dr McKinstry said occupational therapy involves ongoing assessments and conversations with a therapist to understand what activities you can and want to do and your limitations in achieving them.
“Anyone from all ages who has an injury or illness that causes them to have a physical or mental issue following a big life change can benefit from occupational therapy,” she said.
Your occupational therapist will talk through any personal goals you have and plan the techniques and support needed to achieve them over time.
Can I claim occupational therapy on private health insurance?
Depending on your private health insurance cover you can claim for occupational therapy but you may need to purchase an extras package.
There may be an annual limit for claims and waiting periods so make sure you do your homework before signing up.
Is occupational therapy covered by Medicare?
Occupational therapy is covered by Medicare in some circumstances and only if your doctor refers you to a registered occupational therapist from the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
Once you receive the referral, Medicare will cover the entire costs of a limited number of treatment sessions per year that range from between five to fifteen – depending on your circumstances and condition.
How much does an occupational therapist cost?
The cost of an occupational therapist varies depending on what government funded scheme they work under.
Many occupational therapists are covered under the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme).
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Why do you need to see an occupational therapist?
You might need to see an occupational therapist for help after an injury or illness, to manage a short-term or long-term disability and their work can cover mental and physical health issues.
According to Allied Health Professionals Australia, they can help with daily activities like showering, dressing and eating, and taking part in school and education courses, or even driving.
They can recommend solutions such as home modifications or mental health counselling.
What are the benefits of working with an occupational therapist?
Dr McKinstry said an occupational therapist can help people maintain their wellbeing and gain some independence back.
“They help people have a life worth living,” she said.
“I worked with a man who was over 100-years-old who wanted to meet his mates at the local RSL club.
“He wanted his independence back and we had his assessment approved for him to drive an electric scooter to meet his mates and keep his social connections.”
What is occupational therapy for children?
Occupational therapists can help children with common activities including eating, playing, participating in school or self-care such as getting dressed, but they also help in other ways.
According to Children’s Health Queensland, occupational therapy can help treat children who have had traumatic injuries and support those undergoing cancer treatment to manage the anxiety of regular invasive procedures.
Dr McKinstry said occupational therapists become an integral part of some people’s lives, especially when working with children on the autism spectrum.
“You see the child for their entire childhood as they start schooling, swimming lessons and your therapy changes with them,” she said.
“It’s a very rewarding career as you become a close part of people’s lives.”
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FAQs:
Are there waiting periods for occupational therapy?
Waiting periods – the amount of time you need to wait after taking out a policy before making a claim – are set by health insurers and vary depending on your provider so make sure you check out the details on its website.
Does occupational therapy have annual claim limits?
Again, this depends on the level of cover you have but extras health insurance policies will typically have annual claim limits.
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