Expanding OT Services Across the South Coast: How Our Team Supports NDIS, Aged Care & DVA Clients

Occupational therapy is about more than just “occupations”—it’s about empowering people of all ages and abilities to do the things that matter most to them. Whether it’s getting dressed independently, returning to work, engaging in hobbies, or maintaining safety at home, occupational therapists work across many sectors to help individuals lead fuller, more independent lives.

At Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy and Shellharbour Occupational Therapy, we’re proud to announce expanded capacity across our NDIS, Aged Care, and DVA services. With more therapists, more flexible appointment options, and increased community outreach, we’re better equipped than ever to support our growing South Coast community.

Occupational Therapy Under the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds support for people living with disability to increase independence, participate in the community, and achieve meaningful goals.

Our OT team works with both children and adults under the NDIS to address a broad range of needs including:

🔹 Functional Capacity Assessments

We assess how a person manages daily tasks at home, in the community, or in work and education settings. These assessments inform NDIS funding and future planning.

🔹 Assistive Technology (AT)

We prescribe and support funding for a wide range of AT, from mobility equipment and bathroom aids to communication devices and environmental controls. Our team works closely with suppliers and NDIS planners to ensure timely approvals.

🔹 Home Modifications

We provide assessments and recommendations for minor and complex modifications, such as grab rails, ramps, stair lifts, or bathroom redesigns. Our OTs ensure homes are safe, accessible, and tailored to each client’s functional needs.

🔹 Skill Building & Therapy

We deliver regular therapy sessions to build life skills, support emotional regulation, increase sensory awareness, improve motor skills, and promote independence in personal care, cooking, budgeting, and community access.

🔹 Sensory & Behaviour Support

For neurodivergent clients or those with emotional regulation needs, we create sensory profiles, regulation plans, and support strategies that help clients succeed in home, school, or community environments.

🔹 Parent & Carer Education

We work closely with families, support workers, and schools to ensure therapy strategies are embedded into daily life—not just the therapy room.

Increased Capacity: Our growing OT team in Shoalhaven and Shellharbour includes therapists with advanced skills in functional assessments, AT, paediatrics, and complex case management. We now offer clinic, home, school, and telehealth appointments, and can support urgent reports or planning meetings across both sites.

Aged Care OT Services

As we age, maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life becomes increasingly important. Occupational therapists play a key role in supporting older adults—whether through Home Care Packages (HCPs), Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), or private services.

Our aged care services include:

🔹 Falls Prevention & Home Safety

We conduct home safety assessments and recommend modifications or equipment to reduce fall risk and improve mobility.

🔹 Cognitive Assessments

We assess cognition, memory, and executive functioning to guide safety planning, daily supports, and decision-making capacity.

🔹 Dementia Support

We provide strategies and tools to support people living with dementia, focusing on orientation, meaningful engagement, and carer education.

🔹 Reablement & Independence

We support older adults to regain confidence in daily activities like showering, dressing, cooking, or gardening through goal-focused therapy.

Increased Capacity: With more therapists across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, we now offer faster availability for HCP referrals and can collaborate closely with case managers, GPs, and aged care providers. Our OTs understand the specific needs of older adults and bring compassion and experience to every home visit.

DVA Occupational Therapy Services

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) funds occupational therapy for veterans to maintain safety, function, and independence in their homes and communities.

Our DVA services include:

🔹 Home Modifications & Equipment

We assess for and recommend home modifications, mobility aids, and personal care equipment that allow veterans to remain safe and independent at home.

🔹 Veteran Wellbeing

We support veterans in establishing routines, engaging in meaningful activities, and managing chronic health conditions or pain.

🔹 Support for Mental Health & PTSD

Our OTs are trained to provide trauma-informed strategies, routine development, sleep hygiene support, and sensory modulation to support veterans living with PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

🔹 Functional Support After Injury

We support rehabilitation and adaptation after injury or illness, including therapy to regain independence in daily tasks, work, or hobbies.

Increased Capacity: We now offer dedicated DVA appointments across both Shoalhaven and Shellharbour sites, with streamlined communication to DVA and contracted suppliers. Our therapists understand veteran culture and are committed to providing dignified, respectful care.

Why Choose Shoalhaven OT & Shellharbour OT?

With clinics in Nowra and Shellharbour, our teams are integrated across the South Coast and offer:

✅ Home, school, clinic, or telehealth visits

✅ Experienced, compassionate therapists

✅ Quick turnaround for urgent NDIS, aged care, or DVA referrals

✅ Collaborative care with GPs, support coordinators, and case managers

✅ Access to administrative support, allied health assistants, and equipment suppliers

We work with you to build capacity, not dependency—so you or your loved one can thrive at every stage of life.

Want to Make a Referral or Learn More?

📞 Call our team: (02)44216013📧 Email: admin@shoalhavenot.au🗓️ Online referrals: Make a Referral

We welcome referrals for clients of all ages and abilities—and we’re ready to meet the growing needs of our Shoalhaven and Illawarra communities.

Occupational therapy empowers people to live the lives they want. With more services, more therapists, and a stronger footprint across the region—Shoalhaven OT and Shellharbour OT are here to help you reach your goals.