Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists offer a variety of services to improve function and help promote independence.

 

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What is Occupational Therapy?

 

Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession that works with patients across the lifespan, with a variety of health needs and in many diverse settings. This involves ongoing assessments to understand what activities you can do, any current limitations, your goals/motivations and also to offer advice/techniques about how to do something more easily and safely. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities they want, need to do or are expected to do in everyday life.

 

GSHS Occupational Therapy Services include:

 

Community:

• Assessment of your home environment.

• Assessment of day-to-day tasks.

• Equipment prescription (shower stool, pick up stick etc.).

• Minor home modifications (grab rails, ramps, etc.).

• Falls prevention strategies.

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Paediatrics:

• Assist children to develop skills necessary for learning, play and self-care.

• Fine and gross motor skill development.

• Behaviour, emotional regulation and sensory intervention.

• Self-care development.

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Hand Therapy:

• Assessment and rehabilitation of upper limb conditions such as fractures, arthritis, scar management and tendon injuries.

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Occupational Therapists are also involved in providing services within the hospital, including inpatient wards to help prepare you for a safe hospital discharge, residential aged care and

group programs. Group programs include Falls Prevention Program, IMPACT (Pain

Management and Chronic Conditions), CARDIAC, and BREATHE.

 

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How to Access the Service:

 

If you are under 65 years old, referrals can be made by service providers (GP, shire council, other health professionals, kinder teachers, maternal child health nurse, or paediatrician). You can also self-refer by contacting our intake team directly.

 

Referrals can be made via the telephone, email, fax or post as follows:

 

Phone:    5654 2737

Email:     gateway@gshs.com.au

Fax:        5667 5634

Address: Gateway Intake Service, GSHS, Private Bag 13, Leongatha 3953.

Contact hours: 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

 

If you are over 65 years old, you need to be referred through My Aged Care. You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask to be referred to Gippsland Southern Health Service.

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Fees:

There may be a fee for this service as per our current fees policy. NDIS participants will be charged as per the pricing guidelines.