Skyridge Occupational Therapy

Skyridge Occupational Therapy is an independent occupational therapy practice providing mental health OT, NDIS OT, aged care equipment reviews, residential aged care reviews and Mental Health First Aid training.Mental health OT is currently offered by telehealth and is not geographically restricted. Services include focused assessment based work and ongoing therapeutic support, depending on the referral, goals and funding arrangement.Referrals and enquiries are welcome from individuals, families, GPs, referrers and organisations.Skyridge Occupational Therapy is based in Central Victoria. Services available across Mount Alexander Shire and surrounding areas, including Greater Bendigo, Central Goldfields Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and nearby communities by arrangement.

How to get started with a Mental Health Care PlanStep 1:Book a 30 minute appointment with your GP and advise you would like to explore mental health care plan options. Your GP will usually want to understand what has been happening and what kind of support you are seeking.Step 2:For referrals to this service you can provide the following details to your GP:Canon O’Saurus
Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Skyridge Occupational Therapy
Medicare Provider Number: 5685176B
AHPRA Registration: OCC0001868664
Step 3:You or GP can email the referral directly to:[email protected]Making contactYou can also contact Skyridge Occupational Therapy yourself using the form below.FeesMental health OT rate: $180 per hourMedicare rebates may be available for eligible referrals. Clients are usually required to pay the full fee and claim the Medicare rebate after payment.

Accredited Mental Health First Aid TrainingSkyridge Occupational Therapy provides Mental Health First Aid training through Mental Health First Aid Australia.Mental Health First Aid training helps participants recognise when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem, offer initial support, listen without judgement, and guide the person toward appropriate professional help.This training is suitable for workplaces, community organisations and teams who want to build practical confidence in responding to mental health concerns. It is not therapy or crisis treatment. It is a structured, evidence informed training program designed to improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma and strengthen early support.Participants who complete the course will be eligible to complete the Mental Health First Aid assessment and become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider.

Limited Scope NDIS OTSkyridge Occupational Therapy may accept limited scope NDIS referrals where the request relates to psychosocial disability, mental health, daily functioning, low cost assistive technology or functional capacity assessment.This service is designed to provide responsive OT input with a clear agreed scope and outcome. Accepted referrals are usually completed within 4 weeks of referral acceptance.This service may include:* low cost assistive technology recommendations within 1 hour of Castlemaine
* basic equipment review for daily living, safety, sensory needs or participation
* functional assessment related to psychosocial disability or daily functioning
* change of circumstances Functional Capacity Assessment
* general Functional Capacity Assessment where the person is waiting for an external provider for ongoing support
* brief written recommendations or reports
* short periods of goal focused OT input
Ongoing psychosocial OT support may be considered on a case by case basis, depending on fit, funding, availability and goals.NDIS referrals are accepted by enquiry only so the scope, funding, goals and timeframe can be checked before booking.This service does not include long term general case management, support coordination, major home modification assessment, complex housing reports, complex equipment prescription or high cost assistive technology applications.Any variation to scope or timeframe will be discussed on a case by case basis before the referral is accepted.FeesNDIS OT services are charged in line with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements where applicable.Standard OT rate: $193.99 per hourBillable time may include appointments, telehealth, reports, clinical notes, document review, equipment research, quote review, liaison, emails, phone calls, travel and other agreed work related to the participant’s goals.

Residential Aged Care Equipment & Wellbeing ReviewSkyridge Occupational Therapy offers independent occupational therapy review for people living in residential aged care.This service is for families who are concerned that their loved one may not have the right equipment, seating, positioning, mobility support or daily care setup to support comfort, dignity, safety and wellbeing.Residential aged care homes have responsibilities to provide safe and suitable care, services and equipment. However, families may still feel unsure whether current equipment is appropriate, whether it meets the person’s individual needs, or whether further review is required.Is this service a good fit?This service may be helpful if you are concerned about:* increased wheelchair use
* wheelchair fit, comfort or posture
* chair comfort, seating position or sliding forward
* hoist use, transfer safety or sling fit
* falls risk or unsafe mobility
* pressure areas, skin risk, or time spent in bed or in a chair
* showering, toileting or personal care equipment
* whether mobility aids are still suitable
* a recent decline in function, comfort or confidence
* your loved one appearing uncomfortable, withdrawn or less engaged in daily life
* whether current equipment is meeting their individual needs
What the review may includeThe review may include:* discussion with family about current concerns
* review of relevant background information
* visit to the aged care facility
* observation of the person in their environment
* review of equipment, seating, positioning, mobility and daily care setup
* brief written recommendations
* follow up communication with family
* liaison with the aged care facility, where consent is provided
Following the review, families receive clear written recommendations. With consent, I can also liaise with the aged care facility to discuss recommendations, support care planning, and assist families to communicate concerns clearly and constructively.What this service does not includeThis is a responsive, time limited secondary consultation service. It does not replace the responsibility of the residential aged care provider, and it does not provide long term case management.This service may be useful when families want an independent OT perspective before requesting changes, raising concerns, or seeking further review within the aged care home.Fees and Service AreaResidential Aged Care Equipment & Wellbeing Reviews are offered as a standard 5 hour review block.A free 15-minute discovery call is available to briefly discuss the concern, location, consent requirements and whether this service is suitable.Standard review block: $1,050This includes travel within Mt Alexander Shire.Reviews outside Mt Alexander Shire may be available by negotiation, depending on location, travel time and availability.If additional work is required, this will be discussed before proceeding. Additional time is charged at $210 per hour.Additional work may include a more detailed written report, extended liaison with the facility, follow up review, or support with more complex concerns.This service is arranged by enquiry rather than online booking, so the scope of the review can be confirmed before an appointment is made.

Community Based Aged CareSkyridge Occupational Therapy offers practical, time limited support for older people living at home.This service is focused on short engagement assessment and recommendations, particularly where assistive technology or simple equipment may help a person manage daily activities more safely and independently.Services include:Assessment for shower chairs, over toilet frames, mobility aids or daily living equipment
review of functional needs following a change in health or mobility
recommendations to support safer personal care, transfers or household tasks
short-term occupational therapy input under a Home Care Package or private arrangement
This service does not include major home modification assessment, builder liaison, complex housing reports, or long term client management. It is designed to be short term and responsive.Aged care referrals may be accepted through Home Care Packages, private payment, or other agreed funding arrangements.

The Parlour RoomThe Parlour Room is a private mental health occupational therapy service offered through Skyridge Occupational Therapy.
The Parlour Room is available to self referred clients by enquiry only.
If your enquiry relates to The Parlour Room, please complete the contact form below.