Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can support you to participate in everyday activities. Our clinics offer both paediatric (children) and adult occupational therapists (OTs).

Our paediatric OTs support jarjum with their development including physical, cognitive, sensory and motor skills. We work closely with parents and carers to inform and involve them, to support children to grow and develop as best as they can.

Our adult OTs support Mob with an illness or injury, mental health and wellbeing. We also work with older people to maintain independence and stay safe.

Jarjum
  • Toilet training, getting dressed and eating
  • Movement skills and coordination
  • Self-management such as routines, body and emotions
  • Using hands such as cutting, drawing and using a spoon
  • Play and social skills
  • Focusing on learning
Adults
  • Equipment for your bathroom, kitchen or bedroom (for example, shower chair or toilet frame)
  • Making changes to your house to make it safer (for example, installing grab rails)
  • Staying steady on your feet to prevent falls
  • Pain or swelling
  • Making your hands as strong and pain-free as possible.

Jarjum

At the first appointment, the OT will yarn with the parent and jarjum, and watch them play, play together, and complete different activities such as drawing, talking and cutting. The OT will then yarn with you about any areas where you want support for your child and how Occupational Therapy could support and what the therapy will look like.

Adults

At your first appointment, the OT will yarn with you about your daily life to come up with ideas to make life safer and easier at home, or in your social or work life. Depending on your needs, the OT may visit your home to assess how safe and accessible it is for you.  They may also work with other staff at the clinic to support you to reach your goals. We can also support access to funding for equipment or changes to your home. 

If you think you or your child might benefit from seeing an OT, yarn with your doctor or nurse at one of our clinics.

If you have a disability and aren’t connected with the NDIS, please ask for a referral to our Disability Access team.