It’s clear a stroke can change your life in an instant. But after the hospital, after the rehab, the question that many survivors have is, “How do I get on with my life?”. One such service to help is NDIS Occupational Therapy for stroke survivors, which can make a big difference for everyday life. Here’s what you can expect from an NDIS OT.
In this article you'll learn:
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
What are the common disabilities associated with stroke?
The disability from a stroke will change over time. The type of stroke can also have different impact depending on the location of the stroke. So, how it affects one person will be different to the next.
Acute or early phase at the hospital: This is where the changes after a stroke can rapidly change
This is followed by the rehabilitation or subacute phase of your stroke symptoms. This is time where you continue to optimise the recovery after being in the acute hospital.
Lastly, and we feel often neglected, is the lived, long term experience of your stroke at home. We say neglected, because many folk stop doing the activities or continued application of recovery principles at home. This can have pronounced effect over the long term.
It’s here in this life long phase that people experience the highs and lows of their stroke symptoms and it’s impact on your quality of life. From physical disabilities to cognitive disabilities or mental health disability it may show up in your life as:
Reduce ability to do daily activities, like trouble with fine motor skills, like using utensils or writing, difficulties with bathing and dressing
Change in your ability to communicate with others around you be it from change in articulating the words or expressing the words
Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body causing a change in walking skills and other functional movement skills like getting in and out of chair
Reduce ability or loss of ability to drive or complete complex activities of daily life with supervision or support.
Can you access the National Disability Insurance Scheme after a stroke?
Yes, if you’ve had a stroke and are living with a permanent disability and under the age of 65 years of age you may be eligible for NDIS support. The NDIS can help you access quality services you need to live as independently as possible, including OT.
In short, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers support and services to help people living with disabilities after a stroke overcome the challenges of daily life and to help live life on their own terms.
How can the NDIS help with disability after a stroke?
The NDIS offers a range of support and services for people living with disabilities. At OT Brisbane we’ve been working with people to achieve their stroke recovery goals, and the service people commonly use are:
Home modifications, like installing grab rails or wheelchair ramps, to make your home safer and easier to navigate
Assistive equipment and technology, such as voice-controlled devices or special software, to help you do everyday tasks
Life skills programs, to help you learn new skills and become more independent
What can an NDIS OT do for a person living with disability after a stroke?
The goal of NDIS OT is to help you live as independently as possible, and to give you the skills you need to enjoy life to the fullest. What this means for one person, will be different to the next person.
You can expect your occupational therapist to start with an initial assessment. The purpose of this initial functional assessment is to understand you, your goals, your strengths and also the frustrating challenges you experience on a daily basis.
An NDIS OT can help you learn new skills and develop strategies to cope with the life challenges after a stroke. Your OT may work with you with these type of outcomes in mind:
Improve your mobility and strength
Enhance your ability to do everyday tasks, like cooking and cleaning
Improve your fine motor skills, like using utensils or writing
Develop strategies to cope with fatigue
Explore assistive technology, therapeutic supports and other aids/specialised equipment that can make life easier
And much more!
What are practical examples of OT Goals For Stroke Survivors?
Here are some practical examples of the kinds of goals you might work on with an NDIS OT:
Regaining strength and mobility in your arm or hand
Learning to use a wheelchair or other mobility aids
Improving your balance and coordination
Improving your fine motor skills, like using utensils or writing
Improving your memory and thinking skills
Developing strategies to cope with fatigue
All with a view to maximise your ability to do Activities of Daily Living ( bathing, dressing, feeding, other daily tasks, etc) to more complex activities like household management, meal preparation, medication management and more, or safe driving skills.
Your NDIS OT will work with you to create a personalised plan that fits your needs and goals.
You’d likely appreciate that starting line with an OT, begins with an initial assessment. This is an initial consultation with an OT where they will assess your needs and develop a plan to help you achieve your goals. Here’s what you need to do to arrange an OT assessment:For Plan Managed – NDIS Plans
If you’re Plan Managed, work with your NDIS support coordinator to let them know that you’re interested in NDIS OT services.
Short list with your Support Coordinator to find an OT who is experienced in working with stroke survivors and within the NDIS.
Contact the therapy practice and see if they are a good fit for your goals
Schedule an appointment with your OT for your assessment.
For Self Managed NDIS Plans or People Looking for NDIS Access Request OT Assessment
Search and short list OTs who is experienced in working with stroke survivors and within the NDIS.
Contact the therapy practice and see if they are a good fit for your goals
Schedule an appointment with your OT for your assessment.
It’s as simple as that! We’ll often request, with your permission, an up to date medical summary and any recent reports that have been completed by your team.
Ready To Work With An NDIS OT
From comprehensive OT assessments and tailored therapy action plans, your OT will work with you to help you to live life better. From improving your ability to daily activities to developing strategies to cope with fatigue, your OT will work with you every step of the way.
So, if you’re considering accessing the NDIS or you already have an NDIS plan and are seeking an OT, pick up the phone and give us a call today at 1300 783 200. Our friendly team is ready to help you start your journey to a brighter, more independent future- – call Occupational Therapy Brisbane, today.
