Occupational Therapy Brisbane

20/11/2025

🛁 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲.

Grab rails are a simple but vital safety feature in bathrooms and toilets. But not all rails are made the same — and some can actually increase your risk of falling.

Here’s what to know before you choose:

⚙️ Safety first – Fixed grab rails, installed into the wall, provide secure, load-bearing support. Suction bars depend on smooth surfaces and can fail without warning.

🏡 For renters or travellers – Portable suction bars can help in temporary settings, but they shouldn’t replace a properly installed grab rail when safety is key.

🧰 Get professional advice – An occupational therapist can recommend and guide safe installations that suit your space, needs, and goals for independence.

Falls are one of the biggest threats to independence — but also one of the most preventable.

👉 Read more about the difference between grab rails and suction bars here:
https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/grab-rails-vs-suction-bars/

17/11/2025

When a neurological diagnosis changes what you can do — who helps you shape the life you still want to live?

At Occupational Therapy Brisbane, we work with you to rebuild skills, adapt tasks, and protect the things that matter most — your home life, hobbies, work, and independence.

Here’s how neurological occupational therapy can make a practical difference:

🧭 Start with a detailed assessment
We explore how movement, sensation, thinking, and mood affect your daily activities, so therapy targets what truly matters to you.

💪 Restore, protect and maintain function
Through evidence-informed neuro-rehabilitation, we help you recover lost skills and maintain your abilities for as long as possible — with clear, achievable goals.

⚙️ Change the task, not the goal
We teach new ways to do familiar things — or introduce assistive devices and environment changes — so you can keep doing what you love.

🌱 Rebuild confidence for everyday life
Whether it’s returning to driving, managing self-care, or reconnecting with your community, therapy is designed to enhance your independence and well-being.

If you’d like practical, person-centred support for Parkinson’s, stroke, dementia, MS, brain injury, or other neurological conditions, we’re here to help.

Visit the link to learn more about our OT Neuro Services 👉 https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/neurological-occupational-therapy/

13/11/2025

🚗 𝐈𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭?

If you or someone you care about has noticed memory changes, you’ll know how confronting it can be to think about driving. The truth is — it’s often the unexpected moments on the road that test our cognitive fitness the most.

Changes in reaction time, decision-making, or spatial awareness can make driving more stressful and, at times, unsafe. But losing confidence doesn’t have to mean losing independence.

Our latest blog unpacks:
✅ How mild cognitive impairment can affect driving performance
✅ 7 signs a cognitive driving assessment may help
✅ Practical strategies to stay safe and confident behind the wheel
✅ When it might be time to plan for life beyond the car

💡 Take our FREE Self-Assessment: 15 Warning Signs Driving Is Becoming Difficult — it’s a great first step in understanding your driving safety.

👉 Find the Self-Assessment and full article here to learn how to stay safe and independent on the road: https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/navigating-the-road-ahead-how-mild-cognitive-impairment-can-affect-older-drivers-and-how-to-stay-safe/

10/11/2025

𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 “𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧” 𝐚𝐧𝐝 “𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚” 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

We assume rehab is for stroke, injury, or acute recovery. Once dementia is diagnosed, the conversation often shifts to “support” and “management.”

But a new review (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faieta et al., 2023) makes a clear case: rehabilitation should be part of standard dementia care — particularly in the early stages.

Rehabilitation isn’t about reversing disease. It’s about optimising function, slowing decline, and giving people tools to participate in daily life with dignity.

Restorative approaches help people regain or maintain independence where possible.
Compensatory approaches (from assistive tech to environmental supports) allow safer, more meaningful routines when full recovery isn’t feasible.

Evidence even points to benefits for behavioural symptoms and secondary health issues.

In Australia, occupational therapy is already being embedded into dementia pathways — showing measurable improvements in function, safety, and family confidence. The lesson? Timing matters. Rehab is most effective when initiated early, not when decline is advanced.

If we only reach for medication and “support services,” we miss a critical window. Rehabilitation is not an optional add-on. It’s a core part of dementia care.

👉 For our care, support and health navigators: start the conversation earlier. Ask about function, daily life, and pathways that integrate rehabilitation.👉 For referrers: start the conversation earlier. Ask about function, daily life, and pathways that integrate rehabilitation.

Citation: Faieta, J., Ebuenyi, I. D., Devos, H., Reynolds, C. F., III, & Rodakowski, J. (2023). The Role of Rehabilitation for Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Practice and Priorities. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(23)00544-0/abstract

The World Health Organization describes rehabilitation as interventions that focus on addressing disability through optimizing functional ability for individuals living with various health challenges in their unique daily life contexts. Rehabilitation services are typically seeking to enhance functi...

06/11/2025

“𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐦 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲…”

You’ve noticed the subtle changes, repeated stories, forgotten appointments, or confusion that’s out of character. Knowing how (or when) to bring it up can feel overwhelming.

At Occupational Therapy Brisbane, we understand the worry, guilt, and uncertainty that come with that first “something’s not right” moment. Early, calm conversations can make all the difference, even if it turns out not to be dementia.

In our latest guide, written by Senior Occupational Therapist David Norris, you’ll discover:
✅ How to start a supportive conversation with your parent
✅ 10 early warning signs (and what not to do with them)
✅ Why early discussions can improve quality of life
✅ A ready-to-use GP letter template if your parent won’t raise it themselves
✅ How Occupational Therapy can help families navigate memory changes with confidence

It’s a tough topic — but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
👉 Read the full guide: https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/think-your-parent-has-dementiatherapist-shares-what-to-do/

03/11/2025

Ageing well doesn’t mean losing independence, an Aged Care OT can help you stay safe, capable and confident at home.

Occupational therapists at Occupational Therapy Brisbane work with you, your GP and care team to focus on the things that matter most, whether that’s staying in your home, getting back to everyday tasks, or making care easier for everyone involved.

How we can help:

1. Create a safer home: practical home-safety assessments and targeted modifications so daily tasks are easier and less risky.
Prescribe the right equipment: clinically recommended aids that protect independence (from mobility supports to everyday tools).

2. Optimise recovery: rehab and goal-led treatment after illness or injury, including support for neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia and Parkinson’s.

3. Support thinking & memory: tailored memory-health programs and strategies for people and their care teams to improve day-to-day function.

4. Hassle-free options: in-clinic, telehealth and mobile visits to residential care

If you or a loved one would benefit from a practical, evidence-based OT assessment, call us on 1300 783 200 to request an appointment or find out more via the link below:

🔗 https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/our-services/aged-care-occupational-therapy/

Referrals welcome from GPs and allied health.

30/10/2025

𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞? 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞.

Many stroke survivors tell us the hardest part isn’t the physical recovery — it’s the thinking changes that follow, especially with memory.

Forgetfulness, “brain fog,” and trouble learning new things can quietly impact confidence, relationships, and work.

In this blog, we explore:
✅ How common memory loss is after a stroke
✅ Why it happens — and what parts of the brain are involved
✅ Practical ways to support your memory and recovery
✅ 5 simple activities you can start today

If memory changes are holding you back, know there are ways forward.

👉 Read the full blog and download your FREE guide: “5 Activities To Help Your Memory After A Stroke.”
https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/memory-loss-after-stroke/

27/10/2025

𝐈𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞? 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 — 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬.

At Occupational Therapy Brisbane we offer a practical Cognitive Fitness to Drive assessment designed for older drivers and people with thinking or memory changes. Our in-room (off-road) assessment uses objective, evidence-based measures to map driving-related skills and provide a clear clinical report your GP and family can use.

• Who it’s for — typically people aged 70+ or adults with a change in thinking after illness or injury (not suitable for those with active mental health conditions).
• What we test — attention, memory, judgement and other skills that matter for safe driving, using the DriveSafe DriveAware protocol.
• What you get — an evidence-based report indicating the likely outcome of an on-road assessment to help guide decisions.
• Practical benefits — faster, more affordable clarity than waiting months for some public on-road services; supports GPs and families with a reliable clinical opinion.

To find out more, visit our website:
https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/our-services/ot-driving-assessment-screening/

23/10/2025

🚗 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥? 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰.

As we age, changes in memory, vision, reaction time, and physical ability can impact driving safety. Knowing when to seek an elderly driver assessment isn’t just about following the rules, it’s about protecting independence and wellbeing.

Here’s what you should know:
1️⃣ Watch for Subtle Changes: Increased forgetfulness, slower reaction times, or avoiding night driving could signal a need for assessment.
2️⃣ Medical & Cognitive Checks Matter: Health conditions, medications, and cognitive changes can affect driving. A medical review by your GP or a Cognitive Fitness To Drive assessment can help clarify your driving abilities.
3️⃣ Stay Driving Longer: Regular vision and hearing checks, physical activity, healthy sleep and nutrition, and staying up-to-date with road rules help maintain independence on the road.
4️⃣ Plan Ahead: Preparing for future changes ensures continued mobility, even if driving becomes challenging.

Your driving independence is precious, but safety comes first. If you’re over 75, experiencing memory or thinking changes, or concerned about your driving skills, a professional assessment can give clarity and confidence.

Visit the website for more details: https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/your-concise-guide-to-elderly-driver-assessments/

20/10/2025

When thinking, memory or focus start to slip, everyday life can feel like hard work.

That’s where Cognitive Rehabilitation can make a difference.

At OT Brisbane, our Cognitive Rehabilitation team helps adults rebuild and protect their thinking skills after brain injury, illness, or neurological change.

We translate neuroscience into practical, everyday strategies that help people do what matters most.

Our programs support people living with or recovering from:

✅ Stroke or Acquired Brain Injury
✅ Concussion or post-COVID changes
✅ Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia or MS
✅ Brain tumour or other neurological conditions

We focus on:
🧠 Restoring skills — retraining attention, memory and problem-solving through targeted, evidence-based therapy.
🏠 Adapting routines and environments — making daily life safer, simpler and more consistent.
💬 Building compensatory strategies — practical tools and technology to support thinking and communication.
🌿 Preventing further decline — using coaching and brain health education to strengthen resilience and confidence.

📍 Services available in-clinic (Stafford), via telehealth (Australia-wide), and through mobile visits within 30 minutes of our clinic.

👉 If you or a loved one are navigating changes in thinking or memory, find out more below:
🔗 https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/our-services/cognitive-rehabilitation/

16/10/2025

𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐓 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 — 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮

NDIS paperwork can feel like a maze. But at its heart, an OT assessment isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about uncovering what will genuinely support your daily life and goals.

At Occupational Therapy Brisbane, our team focuses on:

✅ Highlighting your unique strengths and abilities
✅ Simplifying the NDIS process so it makes sense
✅ Creating practical, personalised strategies
✅ Connecting you with tailored supports — from mobility to memory, and beyond

You might benefit from an OT assessment if you’re:

🏠 Finding daily activities harder than before
🎯 Not making progress towards your NDIS goals
🔄 Experiencing changes in your condition
🌱 Exploring new support options
📄 Needing an objective, professional report for NDIS planning
🧠 Living with a neurological condition and wanting practical support

For us, it’s never just an assessment. It’s the beginning of a plan to live more safely, independently, and confidently.

👉 Read our full guide here:
https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/an-insiders-guide-to-ndis-occupational-therapy-assessments/

13/10/2025

A neurological diagnosis changes the path — but it doesn’t have to take away daily life.

At Occupational Therapy Brisbane, our Neurological OT team helps people find new ways forward, step by step. We don’t just look at the condition — we look at the person, their family, and their goals.

We support adults and families navigating:
✅ Stroke recovery
✅ Parkinson’s Disease
✅ Dementia care
✅ Multiple Sclerosis
✅ Motor Neurone Disease
✅ Acquired Brain Injury
✅ Other neurological conditions

Whether your aim is getting back into the kitchen, feeling safe behind the wheel, or simply managing the day with less stress — we’ll work alongside you.

Our programs focus on:
✅ Rebuilding everyday skills and confidence
✅ Modifying tasks and environments to reduce risk
✅ Supporting memory, attention, and upper limb strength
✅ Making the home safer and more supportive

📍 Services available in-clinic (Stafford), via telehealth (Australia-wide), and with mobile visits within 30 minutes of our clinic.

👉 If you or a loved one are navigating life with neurological change, find out more below:
https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/neurological-occupational-therapy/