The first heatwave of the season has a habit of exposing small gaps that were easy to overlook during the cooler months. The air conditioner may not have been used since last summer. The client may no longer be able to read the buttons on the remote. Their medicines, mobility or support arrangements may have … read more
After a fall or near fall, an older adult may become more careful. They might use the handrail, slow down on uneven ground or ask someone to accompany them on unfamiliar routes. A certain amount of caution can be helpful. It becomes a concern when fear begins deciding where the person goes, how much they … read more
Assistive technology is often compared by looking at features. Does the device have GPS? Automatic fall detection? Voice activation? Remote monitoring? A mobile app? Medication reminders? Multiple contact options? These features may all have value. However, a long list of capabilities does not necessarily make a product more suitable for the person who will use … read more
One of the most important observations Occupational Therapists make is that confidence and physical ability don’t always decline at the same pace. In many cases, confidence begins to fade long before a person’s actual physical capabilities change. An older adult may still have the strength to prepare meals, walk around the neighbourhood, or do the … read more
Spring is a natural time to open the windows, clear out clutter and catch up on jobs that may have been put off during winter. It is also a good opportunity to look around the home for small safety problems that have gradually become part of the surroundings. A loose mat, dim hallway or uneven … read more
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 … read more
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 … read more
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 … read more
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 … read more
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 … read more
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 … read more
A personal alarm sits unopened on the kitchen bench. An emergency watch stays in its box. A pendant is tucked away in a drawer after only a few days of use. For many Occupational Therapists, these situations are familiar. Despite careful assessments and well-considered recommendations, some clients choose not to use the very devices designed … read more