Occupational Therapy Presentation by: Tanya Hammond, Occupational Therapist.

Overview Increase awareness and understanding of the LCHS Occupational Therapy Service. How to refer to Occupational Therapy at LCHS. Wait list and fees of Occupational Therapy service

Occupational Therapy at LCHS Conduct home visits or center based appointments for adults and children who live within the Latrobe Valley region. An assessment may be conducted on site at Latrobe Community Health Service or in a persons home depending on the referral. The OT will make the decision if a home visit is required Assist with improving safety and independence of everyday activities in regards to self care, productivity and leisure.

Interventions include equipment prescription, home modifications, education and improving safety within the home and community. Specialised equipment, tailoring to meet the specific client needs (customised seating on mobility aids, pressure care cushions, mattresses, hoist prescription). Some clients purchase their own equipment, others may be eligible for funding; or assistance from other sources e.g. Office of Housing, SWEP, DHS.

Eligibility Criteria HACC or Community Health clients Full cost (carer training, equipment education to group, where a third party is paying on behalf of a client) Private Clients Team Care Arrangements (Medicare), DVA (referral must come from GP/Medical Specialist)

OT Waiting List LCHS Occupational Therapy has a waitlist according to the DHS Decision & Priority Tool. Waitlist time frames fluctuate according to service demand. Priority 1 – Urgent referral. (Palliative care, pressure care risk, carer stress). Priority 2 – Falls risk, reporting difficulty with access to shower, toilet. Priority 3 – requesting scooter, equipment, modifications.

OT fees Fees apply for the initial assessment, report writing/applications and subsequent visits in line with the Department of Health Victoria guidelines Depending on the funding source (HACC/Full Cost/Medicare/DVA) fees and costing's may differ

Referral pathway to OT Self referral by an individual or family member Referrals through electronic referral system, S2S, fax or phone call from external service providers. LCHS staff can complete internal referrals through S2S.