The Carer’s Diary – It’s okay to lean in

“I’ve never really been on the other side of the healthcare system until recently. My daughter had multiple stays in hospital and underwent numerous investigations while waiting for a diagnosis and treatment plan. I watched my baby girl for three months in constant pain which left me feeling helpless. 

As a health professional, I have always felt one of my biggest strengths was advocating for clients to ensure their care was client centred and they were seen as a whole person. So when it came to this role in my personal life, I didn’t think this was going to be a challenge. But, I was mum. 

I was mum who was now in a highly emotional state with my flight or flight response on constant alert. I was sleep deprived, my usual responsibilities kept demanding from me, and I kept trying to pour from an empty cup. All the while navigating the health system as a family member and be the emotional support my family needed me to be. 

So what did I learn from this? It’s okay to lean into your support network. Whether this be family, friends, neighbours, health professionals, or an act of kindness by a stranger – just lean in. 

Leaning in looks like: 

  • Say YES to the chicken soup you’re offered for your family.
  • Say YES to the friends or family wanting to sit with you at the hospital for hours.
  • Say YES to friends offering to include your other children in activities so they don’t miss out.
  • Say YES to the health professionals willing to sit with you to make sure you understand information – written information is valuable for later because verbal information can feel like information overload.
  • Say NO to things that are not important.
  • Say THANK YOU to friends and family who consistently check in. Just checking in with someone sounds simple but is a powerful tool.

And my take home message, being there for your loved one doesn’t mean fixing them, it is merely being with them on their health journey. I couldn’t take away my daughter’s pain but I could distract her, advocate for her pain management, and simply listen empathetically”. 

Occupational Therapy Fee Schedule

Initial assessment
Comprehensive initial assessment, formulation and management plan
$290.99
Hourly rate
Existing client session
$193.99

NDIS Access Application Process

OT Assessment for NDIS Access Application
NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA)
What’s involved
OT Assessment OT Recommendations (Brief)

Full FCA Assessment (as per NDIS guidelines)
OT Recommendations (Comprehensive)

What you’ll receive
Letter of support
Full FCA report (guide only, prices may vary depending on complexity)
Cost
$1357.93
$1939.90
Payment

Pay in three instalments:
1st instalment = $452.65
**prepayment of 1st instalment due prior to initial appointment**
2nd instalment = $452.64
3rd instalment = $452.64

Pay in three instalments:
1st instalment = $646.64
**prepayment of 1st instalment due prior to initial appointment**
2nd instalment = $646.63
3rd instalment = $646.63