Assistive technology assessments can easily become product comparisons. How long does the battery last? Is the device waterproof? Does it have automatic detection, voice control or location tracking? Can family members access it remotely? These questions matter, but they do not tell an occupational therapist whether the client will actually use the product. A device … read more
You notice that your parent has become less steady on the stairs. They have missed a few doses of medication, left the stove on or stopped driving at night because their vision is not as clear as it once was. You want to help, but every attempt to discuss safety ends the same way: “I’m … read more
The most advanced assistive technology is not always the most useful. A device may look ideal during a demonstration yet remain untouched once it reaches the client’s home. It may require too many steps, feel uncomfortable, interrupt an established routine or solve a problem the client does not consider important. For occupational therapists, choosing assistive … read more
The arrival of spring often brings a welcome change. The days become longer, the weather begins to warm and gardens, walking tracks and community spaces feel inviting again. For older Australians who have spent more time indoors during winter, spring can provide the motivation to return to walking, gardening, shopping, social outings and other outdoor … read more
Fall prevention often begins too late. An older adult falls in the bathroom, trips on a step or loses their balance outdoors. Only then does everyone start checking the home, reviewing medications and asking whether their strength or vision has changed. But the best time to reduce fall risk is before the first fall happens. … read more
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 … read more
A 74-year-old widower, Arthur, who lives independently and takes his dog, Max, for a walk every Sunday morning at a popular bushwalking/trekking area. His daughter, Claire, lives about an hour away. She has always worried about her father being alone outdoors, especially since he refuses to give up his morning walks. After hearing about another … read more
Every winter, Mr. Daniel wore the same blue sweater. It was old. The sleeves were slightly stretched, and one of the buttons had been replaced with a different one. His daughter, Anna, had given it to him twenty years ago. She had bought it with her first paycheck. “It’s not much, Dad,” she had said. … read more
Every evening at 4 p.m., Mrs. Reyes made two cups of tea. One for herself.And one for her husband, who had passed away five years earlier. She set his cup on the table anyway.It was their time. Her daughter, Liza, lived an hour away. They talked almost every week, but Liza was always rushing—work, kids, … read more
Every afternoon, Mr. Thomas sat in the same chair by the window. He was 82, and his wife had been gone for three years. His children called often. They visited when they could. But life had become busy for everyone. One Sunday, his daughter called. “Dad, I’m sorry. We can’t come today. Maybe next weekend?” … read more
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 … read more
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 … read more