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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is about helping you live the life you want — as independently and safely as possible. Our Perth-based OTs work with people of all ages experiencing physical, neurological, cognitive, or environmental challenges, providing practical strategies and solutions that make a real difference in everyday life. From home modifications and assistive technology to functional assessments and daily living support, we focus on removing the barriers between you and the activities that matter most.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Enabling Independence in Daily Life

Occupational therapists are allied health professionals who specialise in helping people participate in the activities — or “occupations” — that are meaningful to them. This includes everything from getting dressed and cooking meals to working, studying, and engaging in community life.

At Nexus Health Group, our OTs take a holistic approach — considering not just your physical abilities, but also your home environment, cognitive function, and personal goals. We work closely with our physiotherapy and exercise physiology teams to deliver integrated, whole-person care that helps you build confidence and independence over time.

OT Can Help With:

Neurological conditions (stroke, MS, Parkinson’s)
Spinal cord and acquired brain injuries
Ageing-related functional decline
Physical disability
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Developmental conditions and delays
Environmental and accessibility barriers
Complex seating and positioning needs

What We Offer

Our Occupational Therapy Services

Every service we provide is tailored to your individual circumstances — your condition, your home environment, your goals, and your lifestyle. Below are some of the key areas our OTs work across.

Functional Capacity Assessments

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) provides a thorough, objective evaluation of your ability to perform everyday tasks — from self-care and mobility to household duties and community participation. Our OTs use standardised assessment tools combined with real-world observation to build a clear picture of your current function, identify barriers, and make evidence-based recommendations. FCAs are commonly used for NDIS plan reviews, Support at Home eligibility, and care planning.

Home Modifications

Your home should support your independence, not create barriers to it. Our OTs conduct comprehensive home assessments to identify safety risks and accessibility challenges, then provide detailed recommendations for modifications — from simple grab rail installations and threshold ramps to major bathroom renovations and kitchen redesigns. We prepare full reports with specifications that can be used by builders and submitted for NDIS or other funding approval.

Assistive Technology & Equipment

The right equipment can transform daily life. Our OTs assess your needs and recommend assistive technology solutions — including manual and powered wheelchairs, shower chairs, hoists, pressure care equipment, and specialised cutlery or dressing aids. We handle the full process from assessment and prescription through to trials, fitting, and training so you can use your equipment safely and effectively.

Transfer & Manual Handling Assessments

Safe transfers are critical for both clients and carers. Our OTs assess how you move between surfaces — bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to car, chair to toilet — and develop tailored transfer plans that minimise injury risk. We also train support workers and family members in safe manual handling techniques, and recommend equipment such as slide sheets, transfer boards, and ceiling hoists where needed.

24-Hour Postural Care

For people with complex physical needs or limited mobility, body positioning across the entire day and night is essential for preventing pain, pressure injuries, and postural deterioration. Our OTs assess seating, lying, and standing positions and prescribe specialised equipment — including sleep systems, custom wheelchair seating, and standing frames — to support your body 24 hours a day. We work closely with physiotherapists to ensure positioning goals align with your broader therapy plan.

Daily Living & Self-Care Support

Activities like showering, dressing, cooking, and managing medications might seem simple — but when injury, illness, or disability affects your ability to do them, they can become overwhelming. Our OTs work with you to develop practical strategies, adaptive techniques, and routines that restore your confidence and independence. We may also recommend aids and environmental changes that make these tasks easier and safer over time.

Our Approach

How Occupational Therapy Works at Nexus

We make it easy to get started. Whether you’re referred by a GP, support coordinator, or come to us directly, our process is designed to be straightforward and collaborative from day one.

Initial Consultation & Assessment

Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment — often in your home — where we evaluate how your condition affects daily activities, review your living environment, and understand your personal goals. We may use standardised tools alongside clinical observation to build a complete picture of your needs.

Personalised Plan & Recommendations

Based on your assessment, we develop a tailored therapy plan that may include hands-on therapy sessions, equipment prescriptions, home modification recommendations, and strategies for daily tasks. We provide detailed written reports that can be shared with your NDIS planner, GP, or support coordinator as needed.

Ongoing Support & Review

Your needs will change over time, and our support adapts with you. We schedule regular reviews to monitor progress, adjust recommendations, trial new equipment, and coordinate with other members of your care team — including our in-house physios and exercise physiologists — to ensure your therapy stays aligned with your evolving goals.

Common Questions

Occupational Therapy FAQs

Who benefits from occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is suitable for people of all ages who are experiencing difficulties with daily activities due to physical disability, neurological conditions (such as stroke, MS, or Parkinson’s disease), acquired brain or spinal cord injury, ageing-related decline, or developmental conditions. If something is limiting your ability to participate in everyday life — whether that’s self-care, work, study, or community involvement — an OT can help you find practical solutions.

Is occupational therapy funded by the NDIS?

Yes, occupational therapy is one of the most commonly funded services under the NDIS. OT falls under the Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living category. We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants. Our team can also assist with preparing evidence and reports for NDIS plan reviews and access requests. OT services can also be funded through DVA, Support at Home, Medicare (via a GP care plan), and private payment.

How long does a Functional Capacity Assessment take?

The duration of an FCA depends on its complexity and purpose. A standard assessment typically involves one to two face-to-face sessions (each 60–90 minutes), followed by report preparation. More complex assessments — such as those involving multiple environments or extensive standardised testing — may take longer. We’ll give you a clear estimate of timeframes and costs before we begin, so there are no surprises.

What’s the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy?

While both disciplines are part of allied health, they focus on different things. Physiotherapy primarily addresses movement, strength, and physical function — helping you move better. Occupational therapy focuses on your ability to participate in everyday activities — helping you live better. In practice, there is significant overlap, and the two work best together. At Nexus, our OTs and physios collaborate closely, which means you benefit from both perspectives without needing to coordinate between separate providers.

Do you provide services in my home?

Yes. Many of our OT services are best delivered in your own environment — particularly home assessments, home modifications, equipment trials, and daily living support. Seeing how you function in your actual living space gives us much more accurate and useful information than a clinic-based assessment alone. We provide mobile services across the Perth metropolitan area and can also conduct appointments at your workplace, school, or day program where appropriate.

Ready to Live More Independently?

Whether you need a home assessment, equipment recommendation, or functional capacity evaluation — our OT team is here to help you take the next step.

Book an OT Assessment