Navigating the journey of ageing with a loved one can be a complex and emotional experience. As a family member or primary carer understanding the signs that indicate the need for additional support and knowing how to access appropriate services are essential in ensuring the health and happiness of your loved one. Our informative content is designed specifically for family members and primary carer of Older Adults aged 50 and older, providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions.

Through our comprehensive guides, FAQs, and detailed service descriptions, we aim to empower you with the tools to recognise the early signs of cognitive and physical decline, understand the benefits of Occupational Therapy, and effectively engage with healthcare professionals. From identifying when to seek a GP referral to implementing practical strategies for daily living, our content is here to support you every step of the way. By staying informed and proactive, you can help your loved one maintain their independence, safety, and quality of life. To Learn more about  different aspects of these services and how to go about it we've created some step by step instructions, guides and FAQ's below.
Click on the links to navigate to the section of the page or scroll down
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​Guide on Step-by-Step for Clients and Family Members
Guide on Recognising the Need for an Occupational Therapist
Guide on How to Engage with an Occupational Therapist
Guide on What to Look for During Daily Activities
​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Practitioner Referral Process

Comprehensive Assessment and Intervention
Upon referral, we arrange to meet with the primary carer to conduct an Initial Carers Assessment to obtain the primary carer’s perception of their care recipient's current and future needs, the proposed assessments to be conducted with their care recipient and the therapeutic interventions that may be implemented. Post-assessment, we collaborate with the client and their primary carer in developing a holistic, person-centred care plan. All stakeholders e.g., the client, the primary carer and referring General Practitioner will receive a copy of the Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Report and Care Plan
 
To ensure seamless access to our comprehensive Occupational Therapy services, follow these step-by-step instructions to obtain a General Practitioner (GP) referral.
Step-by-Step Guide for Clients and Family Members
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1. Identify the Need for Occupational Therapy:
Discuss the health concerns or functional limitations that the client is experiencing with their primary carer or family members.

2. Consult with the GP:
Schedule an appointment with the client’s General Practitioner (GP) to discuss the need for Occupational Therapy services.
During the appointment, provide the GP with a detailed overview of the client's health condition, including any specific issues such as cognitive impairment, mobility challenges, or need for home modifications.

3. Request a Referral:
Ask the GP for a referral to our Senior Occupational Therapist. The referral should be part of the Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), which allows for rebates from Medicare.

Ensure the referral includes the necessary details:
  • A copy of the Medicare Referral Form (Chronic Disease Management Plan - Code 10958)
  • Patient’s contact details and address
  • Next-of-kin’s contact details and address
  • List of current medications
  • Results of prior Cognitive Assessments or reports (if available)
  • Patient’s past medical history and relevant medical reports

4. Submit the Referral:
Once the GP has provided the referral, submit it to our office. This can be done via email or in person with our Senior OT specialist.

5. Initial Interview and Assessment:
Upon receiving the referral, our Senior Occupational Therapist will arrange an initial interview with the primary carer to discuss the proposed assessments and interventions.
The initial interview will cover the client's health history, current concerns, and goals for therapy.

6. Conduct Assessments:
Our therapist will conduct comprehensive assessments in the client’s home to evaluate their functional capacity, home environment, cognitive abilities, and any specific needs such as equipment prescription or home modifications.

7. Develop a Detailed Report:
Following the assessments, a detailed report will be compiled. This report will include findings, recommendations, and a proposed care plan.

The report will be shared with the client, their family, the multidisciplinary team, and other relevant stakeholders.

8. Collaborate on Care Plan:
Based on the assessment report, our therapist will collaborate with the client, their family, and healthcare providers to develop a holistic, person-centered care plan. This plan will address the client's needs, preferences, and goals, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.

9. Implement and Monitor Care Plan:
The care plan will be implemented with regular follow-ups and adjustments as needed. Our therapist will provide ongoing support and reassessment to ensure the client's needs are continually met.

Important Notes

Private Billing and Rebates
Our services are privately billed, and patients can claim rebates through their private health insurance, DVA, or Medicare upon GP referral under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (Code 10958).
Required Referral Information:
  • Medicare Referral Form
  • Patient’s contact details and address
  • Next-of-kin’s contact details and address
  • List of current medications
  • Results of prior Cognitive Assessments or reports
  • Patient’s past medical history and reports
Our Senior Occupational Therapy services are dedicated to improving the lives of older adults by providing expert care, support, and resources tailored to their unique needs. We are committed to helping our clients maintain their independence, enhance their quality of life, and navigate the complexities of the aged care system with ease.

Have a question? or need more information

For any questions or assistance during the referral process, clients and family members can contact our office directly.
​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or Click on the link below to fill out the form
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR OLDER ADULTS ENQUIRY FORM
Recognising the Need for an Occupational Therapist
Signs to Look Out For: What It Might Mean

Cognitive Decline: What it might mean
1. Memory loss affecting daily activities.
Implication: This can indicate early stages of dementia or other neurocognitive disorders.
Relevant Services: Cognitive Assessments & Retraining, Dementia Care Education.

2. Difficulty concentrating or following conversations.
Implication: May suggest cognitive impairment due to ageing or neurological conditions.
Relevant Services: Cognitive Assessments & Retraining, Symptom Management.

3. Problems with planning or solving problems.
Implication: Often seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Relevant Services: Cognitive Assessments & Retraining, Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).

​4. Confusion about time or place.
Implication: Can be a sign of significant cognitive decline, requiring professional assessment.
Relevant Services: Cognitive Assessments & Retraining, Aged Care Assessment Team Referral.
Physical Limitations: What it might mean
1. Difficulty with mobility, such as walking or climbing stairs.
Implication: Indicates potential musculoskeletal or neurological issues.
Relevant Services: Home Assessment & Modification Prescription, Adaptive Equipment Prescription, Falls Prevention & Assessment.

2. Frequent falls or fear of falling.
Implication: Sign of balance issues or muscle weakness, increasing risk of injury.
Relevant Services: Falls Prevention & Assessment, Balance Training, Conditioning, and Pendant Alarms Prescription.

3. Trouble with fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes or using utensils.
Implication: May be due to conditions like arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease.
Relevant Services: Upper Limb/Hand Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, Fine Motor Control and Dexterity Training.
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4. Unexplained weight loss due to difficulty preparing or eating food.
Implication: Could indicate physical or cognitive challenges affecting nutrition.
Relevant Services: Home Assessment, Adaptive Equipment Prescription.
Emotional and Behavioural Changes: What it might mean
1. Increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
Implication: Emotional health issues often accompany chronic illnesses or cognitive decline.
Relevant Services: Mental Health Support, Symptom Management, Dementia Care Education.

2. Withdrawal from social activities.
Implication: Can be a sign of depression or cognitive decline.
Relevant Services: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, Responsive Behaviour Strategies.
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3. Aggression, agitation, or wandering behaviour in individuals with dementia.
Implication: Indicative of advancing dementia requiring specialised care.
Relevant Services: Responsive Behaviour Strategies, Dementia Care Education.
Daily Living Challenges: What it might mean
1. Trouble performing personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, or grooming.
Implication: Difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) may indicate the need for intervention.
Relevant Services: Home Assessment & Modification Prescription, Adaptive Equipment Prescription.

2. Issues with managing medications.
Implication: Cognitive or physical impairments can complicate medication management.
Relevant Services: Cognitive Assessments & Retraining, Adaptive Equipment Prescription.

3. Difficulty maintaining a clean and safe home environment.
Implication: Can be a sign of declining physical or cognitive abilities.
Relevant Services: Home Assessment & Modification Prescription, Falls Prevention & Assessment.
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4. Challenges with cooking, shopping, or managing finances.
Implication: May indicate cognitive decline or physical limitations.
Relevant Services: Functional Capacity Evaluation, Cognitive Assessments & Retraining.
Caregiver Strain: What it might mean
1. Primary carers feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.
Implication: Indicates a high level of care burden, which can affect both the caregiver and the patient.
Relevant Services: Caregiver Support, Resources and Links to Service Providers, Advance Care Planning.

2. Difficulty managing the care needs of their loved one.
Implication: May suggest the need for professional intervention and support.
Relevant Services: Aged Care Assessment Team Referral, Palliative Care Resourcing.
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3. Physical or emotional health problems of the caregiver.
Implication: High levels of stress can impact the caregiver’s well-being.
Relevant Services: Caregiver Support, Symptom Management, Responsive Behaviour Strategies.
Guide on How to Engage with an Occupational Therapist
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Identify the Need:
  • Observe and document specific concerns or difficulties your loved one is facing.
  • Discuss these observations with other family members or primary carers to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
Consult with the GP:
  • Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s GP to discuss the observed issues.
  • Request a referral for OT services under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (Code 10958).
Prepare for the OT Assessment:
  • Gather relevant medical records, medication lists, and previous assessments or reports.
  • Make a list of questions and concerns you want to discuss with the OT.
Initial Interview:
  • Attend the initial interview with the OT, along with your loved one and other primary primary carers.
  • Discuss the proposed assessments and interventions.
Assessment and Reporting:
  • Allow the OT to conduct comprehensive assessments in the home.
  • Review the detailed report provided by the OT, which will include findings, recommendations, and a proposed care plan.
Implement the Care Plan:
  • Work with the OT to implement the recommended interventions, home modifications, and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Follow up regularly with the OT to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
Guide on What to Look for During Daily Activities

​Personal Care:
  • Difficulty with bathing, grooming, dressing, or toileting.
  • Neglect of personal hygiene.
Household Management:
  • Cluttered or unsafe home environment.
  • Unpaid bills, uncompleted chores, or spoiled food in the refrigerator.
Mobility:
  • Hesitation to move around the house or go outside.
  • Reliance on furniture or walls for balance.
Cognitive Function:
  • Forgetting appointments, taking medications, or recent events.
  • Getting lost in familiar places.
Social Engagement:
  • Withdrawal from social activities or community involvement.
  • Lack of interest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed.
Behavioural Changes:
  • Uncharacteristic mood swings, irritability, or aggression.
  • Increased anxiety or depression.​
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​What is an Occupational Therapist (OT)?
An OT is a healthcare professional who helps individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities through therapeutic techniques, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.

When should I consider seeing an OT for my loved one?
If you notice any signs of cognitive decline, physical limitations, emotional or behavioural changes, daily living challenges, or if you, as a caregiver, are feeling overwhelmed, it's time to consider an OT.

How can an OT help my loved one?
An OT can provide assessments, recommend adaptive equipment, suggest home modifications, offer therapy to improve cognitive and physical function, and provide caregiver training and support.

What should I expect during an OT assessment?
The OT will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your loved one's physical, cognitive, and emotional health, as well as their home environment. This includes discussions about daily routines, challenges, and goals.
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How do I get a referral for OT services?
Discuss your concerns with your loved one’s GP, who can provide a referral under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (Code 10958) for Medicare rebates.
List of Services provided by our Senior Occupational Therapist who specialises in Seniors.
Click on any of these links to navigate to the sections

Accessing our Perth services

Let's Work Together

​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  
Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 
Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT
NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US
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BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

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Y: Yangebup, Yokine​

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