Common Support at Home Funding Myths That Delay Client Support
Australia’s Support at Home program was introduced to help older people receive the services, equipment and home modifications they need to remain safe and independent at home. However, misunderstandings about how the funding works can lead to unnecessary delays. A client may be told to wait while money accumulates, an equipment request may be postponed…
The Link Between Confidence and Ageing in Place: Why It Matters for Occupational Therapists
For many older adults, home is much more than a place to live. It’s where memories have been made, routines have been established, neighbours have become friends, and a sense of independence has been built over decades. It’s no surprise that most older Australians want to remain in their own homes for as long as…
What to Do After a Near Fall: A Practical Plan for Older Adults and Families
A foot catches on the edge of a rug. A knee suddenly gives way. You feel dizzy after standing up and grab a chair just in time. You did not fall, so it may be tempting to carry on and forget about it. However, a near fall can provide an important opportunity to identify a…
Rebuilding Confidence After a Fall: Strategies for Occupational Therapists to Support Independent Living
A fall can leave more than bruises or broken bones. For many older adults, the emotional impact lasts much longer than the physical injuries. Even after the body has healed, confidence often doesn’t return as quickly. Everyday activities that once felt routine—walking to the mailbox, shopping for groceries, or taking a stroll through the neighbourhood—can…
Staying Connected During Winter: How Regular Contact Supports Older People Living Alone
Winter can be an isolating time for older people living alone. Cold weather, rain and shorter daylight hours may make it harder to attend social activities, visit friends or complete everyday errands. Family members may also assume an older relative is staying safely at home without realising how little contact they have had with other…
The Questions Every OT Should Ask Before Recommending Assistive Technology
Choosing assistive technology is rarely as simple as matching a product to a diagnosis. Two people with similar health conditions may have completely different routines, priorities, home environments and attitudes towards technology. A device that works well for one person may feel impractical, uncomfortable or unnecessary to another. This is why a successful recommendation begins…
How Fear of Falling Changes Everyday Behaviour
Falls are often discussed in terms of injuries, hospital admissions, and recovery. While these are important considerations, there’s another consequence that can have an equally significant impact on an older person’s quality of life. It’s fear. As someone who has spent years working with Occupational Therapists, healthcare providers, and families supporting older Australians, I’ve learned…
Why Confidence Is the Foundation of Independent Living
Independent living is often discussed in practical terms. Can someone prepare meals, manage medicines, move safely around the home or attend appointments without assistance? These abilities matter, but they are only part of the picture. A person may still be physically capable of doing many everyday activities yet gradually stop doing them because they no…
Why Confidence Matters Just as Much as Physical Ability
When discussing independent living, conversations often focus on physical ability. Can a client transfer safely? Can they prepare meals? Can they manage personal care or navigate their home independently? These are important questions, but they don’t tell the whole story. A client’s confidence can be just as influential as their physical ability. In fact, two…
Winter Safety at Home: Simple Ways Older Australians Can Reduce Everyday Risks
Winter can make home feel like the safest place to be. However, colder temperatures, wet pathways, reduced daylight and extra electrical cords can introduce risks that may not be present during the warmer months. For older Australians, even a small slip or a short period without adequate heating can have serious consequences. This does not…