Clients
Diane provides occupational therapy to people who have challenges with completing ADL, and has a special interest area of working with people who have multiple and complex needs. The aim of therapy is to help people achieve optimal function in ADL, engagement in meaningful social and recreational activities, and participation in the community.
Below are some examples of how various conditions and experiences may impact on a person's ability to conduct their ADL, or to participate in social and recreational activities.
Below are some examples of how various conditions and experiences may impact on a person's ability to conduct their ADL, or to participate in social and recreational activities.
Mental health
Some people develop cognitive impairments as a result of schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder. The cognitive impairment may affect their ability to conduct their ADL, for example they may neglect personal care or household cleaning. Diane looks at how the person can be supported to do these activities themselves, or what amount or type of support is required to maintain their home.
Sometimes people who have mental health conditions may become socially isolated, or not have meaningful activities to fill their time. Diane helps to find activities that people are interested in and link people into those activities. At times this involves changing aspects of the activity to suit the person.
Sometimes people who have mental health conditions may become socially isolated, or not have meaningful activities to fill their time. Diane helps to find activities that people are interested in and link people into those activities. At times this involves changing aspects of the activity to suit the person.
Acquired brain injury
Diane works with people who have an ABI as a result of accident, assault, or alcohol or substance use. Sometimes people have an ABI that has not been diagnosed and it impacts on their ability to manage their ADL. Some examples of these are difficulty with planning and organising, or making impulsive decisions.
Intellectual disability
Someone who has a mild intellectual disability may manage most aspects of independent living, but experience difficulties in certain areas, such as budgeting or managing problems that arise. Diane can help to identify the person's strengths, ADL they have difficulty with, and make recommendations for how they can manage these tasks.
History of homelessness
When people who have been homeless transition into housing, they may have difficulties managing ADL they have not had to do for a while. Alternatively, difficulties with ADL may have contributed to their homelessness in the first place. Diane helps people develop the skills they need to maintain housing and helps them link into activities. She has also written a manual to assist homelessness support workers address difficulties with living skills. People who have experienced homelessness have also often experienced trauma and Diane practices trauma-informed care.
Multiple and complex needs
Diane is highly experienced at working with people who have multiple and complex needs and is able to consider the interplay of these needs and the impact on ADL. Sometimes people 'fall through the cracks' because they are unable to comply with the requirements of the service, such as remembering to attend appointments. Sometimes when people have had negative experience of services they may avoid contact with services and decline help. Diane is highly experienced in working with people who are difficult to engage and provides service which is person-centred, trauma-informed, and flexible.
Behaviours of concern
People who display behaviours of concern sometimes do so when they are not given opportunity to use their full abilities. Diane works with people who have behaviours of concern, focusing on how to positively engage them in ADL, support them to be as independent as possible, and assist them to be meaningfully occupied.
Alcohol or substance misuse
People who have histories of alcohol or substance misuse may find that their daily routine and social networks have been based upon these. Diane can help to create new routines, find different ways to spend time and explore new social opportunities.
History of offending
When people have been incarcerated for lengthy periods and have not had opportunity to practice some ADL skills, such as bill paying and budgeting, they may need assistance to relearn these when released. They may also have lost their social networks and not have things to occupy their time. Diane can help by assessing what areas a person needs support with, as well as helping find meaningful ways to fill their time.