When to request Occupational Therapy for an NDIS participant
Occupational Therapy can help when a participant needs support with everyday function, home safety, equipment, routines, skills or NDIS reporting.
Request OT when daily tasks are becoming difficult, when equipment or home changes may be needed, when safety is a concern, or when a participant needs a report such as a Functional Capacity Assessment for NDIS planning.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy, often called OT, helps people do the everyday activities that matter to them. This can include showering, dressing, cooking, moving around the home, getting into the community, using equipment, building routines and taking part in meaningful activities.
For NDIS participants, OT can also help explain support needs in a report so families, support coordinators and planners can better understand what is required.
Common reasons for OT referral
- Functional Capacity Assessment.
- Assistive technology or equipment recommendations.
- Home safety and access review.
- Falls prevention and daily routine planning.
- Support worker strategies and goal planning.
- Progress reports or plan review reports.
- Daily living skills such as meal preparation, hygiene routines, organisation or community participation.
- Advice when needs have changed after illness, injury, hospital admission or a change in living situation.
What is a Functional Capacity Assessment?
A Functional Capacity Assessment looks at how a participant manages everyday activities and what support may help. The OT may consider mobility, personal care, domestic tasks, communication, routines, cognition, safety, equipment and the participant’s goals.
The report can help explain what the person can do independently, where they need support, and what recommendations may improve safety and independence.
What information helps an OT referral?
A good OT referral includes the participant’s goals, plan dates, current supports, relevant history, risk notes, preferred communication style, any existing reports and any urgent reporting deadline.
If the participant needs equipment, home modifications or a plan review report, say that clearly in the referral so the team understands the reason for the request.
Common OT questions
Does OT only help with equipment?
No. Equipment is one part of OT, but OT can also help with daily routines, safety, skills, independence, worker strategies, home setup and functional reports.
When should I ask for a Functional Capacity Assessment?
It may be useful before an NDIS plan review, when support needs have changed, when there is a safety concern, or when clearer evidence is needed about daily living support.
Can OT help support workers understand what to do?
Yes. OT recommendations can help support workers understand safe ways to assist with routines, transfers, equipment, communication and daily living goals.
Is OT an emergency service?
No. OT is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services. For urgent health concerns, contact the appropriate medical service.
OT is about helping the person function better in real life — at home, in the community and with the routines that matter to them.
Submit an OT referral or call Due Care Services. The team can help explain what information is needed before the referral is reviewed.
Refer for OTCall 0406 371 523