Where mobile OT works best
- Home and equipment assessments. The OT sees the actual bathroom, steps, kitchen and bedroom, so advice fits your space.
- Daily living skills. Practising tasks in the place you do them, such as cooking or showering, is more realistic.
- Limited mobility or fatigue. No travel, parking or waiting rooms.
- Sensory sensitivities. Familiar surroundings can make assessments more comfortable and accurate.
- Children. Observing play and routines at home gives a natural picture of what is happening.
- Carers and family. It is easier for the people who support you to take part.
Where a clinic can suit
- Therapy that needs specialised equipment, such as a large sensory gym or particular treatment tables
- Group programs
- People who prefer to keep therapy separate from home
| Mobile OT | Clinic-based OT | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Your home or community | Therapist's rooms |
| Travel for you | None | Required |
| Home assessment | Done in person | Usually needs a separate visit |
| Travel charge | Billed within NDIS limits | Not usually charged |
| Wait times | Often shorter | Often longer |
What about cost?
Provider travel is billed separately, up to 50 per cent of the hourly rate. For some people that is offset by the time, cost and effort saved by not travelling, and by sessions that target the home environment directly. See our guide to NDIS session costs.
Making it work
- Ask to group visits so travel is shared
- Consider telehealth for some follow-ups
- Choose a time when you have energy and, if needed, when a carer can be there
Arrange a home visit
Exercare's occupational therapists visit you at home across Melbourne, with no waitlist. One NDIS intake form gets you started.
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. Support at Home clients can talk to their care partner about allied health in their budget. Start with our first visit guide or questions to ask when choosing an OT.
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
Is mobile OT as effective as clinic OT?
For home-based goals it is often more effective, because the OT works in the real environment. For some specialised treatments a clinic may suit better.
Does mobile OT cost more?
Provider travel is billed separately, capped at 50 per cent of the hourly rate. Many people find it balances out against their own travel time and costs.
Can I do some sessions by video?
Often yes, where it suits your goals. Telehealth is claimed at the same hourly limit.
Does Exercare see children at home?
Yes. Our occupational therapists work with adults and children across Melbourne.
Where does Exercare travel?
Our occupational therapists visit clients across Melbourne.