Your First Mobile Occupational Therapy Visit: What to Expect

Before the visit

• You or your representative complete one short intake form, and we confirm your funding
• We agree a time that suits you. Evening appointments can be arranged for occupational therapy
• We send a service agreement that explains what we will do, how we bill and how to cancel
• You do not need to tidy up or prepare anything special. We need to see your home as it really is

What to have ready

• Your NDIS plan or Support at Home approval details, if you have them
• Recent reports, discharge summaries or letters from your doctors and specialists
• A list of medicines and any equipment you already use
• A few notes about what is hard and what you want to change
• Someone you trust to join if you would like support

What happens during the first visit

1. A conversation. Your OT asks about your health, your routines and your goals. The aim is to understand what matters to you, not to tick boxes.
2. A look around. With your permission, the OT looks at the spaces you use: entry, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living areas. They watch how you move and manage everyday tasks.
3. Simple assessments. Depending on your goals, this might include questionnaires or a task such as making a cup of tea or getting in and out of the shower.
4. Early ideas. You often leave with quick wins, such as a different way to do a task or a simple piece of equipment to try.

The first visit usually takes around an hour or a little longer. It does not have to answer everything. It is the starting point.

What happens next

• The OT writes up goals and a plan, and we agree how often to meet
• Longer assessments such as functional capacity assessments, sensory assessments or assistive technology assessments are scheduled as needed
• If equipment or home changes are recommended, the OT writes the report and explains the options
• You can always ask questions, change goals or pause sessions

Where we visit

Our occupational therapists visit homes across Melbourne, including Templestowe, Lower Templestowe, Doncaster and Bulleen. See occupational therapy across the City of Manningham or the pages for Templestowe and Lower Templestowe.

Funding

Under the NDIS, occupational therapy is usually funded from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living Skills (Category 15). Equipment is funded from Capital – Assistive Technology (Category 05) and home modifications from Capital – Home Modifications (Category 06). Self-funded OT is limited to functional capacity assessments for people applying for the NDIS. For Support at Home clients, we can talk through what your approved budget covers. Our Support at Home OT guide has the details.

Evidence referenced in this article

• Occupational Therapy Australia.
• National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA): information for participants and providers.

Written by the Exercare allied health team. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology and NDIS occupational therapy across south-east and eastern Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions