Occupational Therapy

General Information

Description of Service

Occupational Therapy aims to help individuals develop, regain or maintain skills necessary to remain independent following an illness, injury or disability. Activities include tasks such as showering, eating, cooking, shopping and working. The Occupational Therapy Department at Maroondah Hospital provides services to the Emergency Department, Inpatients, Pre-Admission Clinic, Falls and Balance Clinic, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Outpatient Hand Therapy.

Services Provided

• Assessment of a patient's ability to manage at home independently or with support
• Provision of aids and equipment to assist with safety and independence
• Retraining and education for patients experiencing difficulties with self-care and daily activities.
• Home Assessment to promote safety and independence on discharge
• Assessment of patients with cognitive and memory deficits
• Hand Therapy for upper limb injuries
• Relaxation/Energy Conservation techniques
• Educating patients regarding home safety and falls prevention
• Referral to community agencies

Access to Occupational Therapy

Inpatients of Maroondah Hospital may be referred to Occupational Therapy by a doctor, nurse or other member of staff for assessment and treatment.

Outpatient services are provided to patients of Pre-Admission Clinic, Falls and Balance and Plastics Clinics. We also provide education during the Cardiac Rehabilitation group.

Career as an Occupational Therapist

Information on training as an Occupational Therapist can be obtained from the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, or from the universities listed below.

Links

• OT Australia - The Australian Association of Occupational Therapists
  www.ausot.com.au
  
• Charles Sturt University Occupational Therapy –
  www.csu.edu.au/courses/undergraduate/occupational_therapy
  
• Deakin University Occupational Therapy –
  www.deakin.edu.au/courses/search/course.php
  
• La Trobe University Occupational Therapy –
  www.latrobe.edu.au/occtherapy
  
• Monash University Occupational Therapy –
  www.med.monash.edu.au/occupationaltherapy/