The role of the occupational therapist

When is the right time to engage an occupational therapist and what difference can they really make? In this episode, Coral sits down with Kelly Forbes from Forbes Care to explore the OT’s role in helping older people to live safely at home. From falls prevention to dementia support, Kelly shares real-world examples that highlight how small changes can have a big impact. A rail, a ramp, a touch lamp, or simply a different position in bed could improve someone’s independence at home.


Kelly discusses funding pathways such as GEAT and CHSP to help access important services and support.


What impressed us most? The way OTs assess not just the person, but the entire home, including who’s pushing the wheelchair, how transfers happen, and whether routines have been disrupted. It’s a holistic, practical approach that goes far beyond equipment. Occupational therapists see what you might not and guide you to options that will improve safety and security.


 In this episode:

• What occupational therapists do in community settings
• How OTs assess home safety after a fall
• Common and uncommon home modifications (including ramps, rails, and sensor lights)
• High-risk zones
• How OTs support older people with dementia
• The role of assistive technology in falls prevention and independence
• Personal alarm systems
• What a functional capacity assessment involves
• Why king single beds are standard under Home Care Package guidelines
• The GEAT program
• Support at Home and the Restorative Care Pathway may enhance OT services


Connect with Kelly Forbes and Forbes Care:

• LinkedIn (  / kelly-forbes-94656972  )
• Forbes Care Occupational Therapy website (https://www.forbes.care/)






Connect with Coral Wilkinson: 

• Instagram (  / coral_wilkinson_rn  )  
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/coral-see...)  


Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:

• See Me ACN website (https://seemeacn.com.au/)
• Facebook (  / seemeacn  )
• Instagram (  / seemeagedcarenavigators  )


  


More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: 


Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.


We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.


Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.


Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. 


Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.


Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. 


We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.


 Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones. 


Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.