Helpful Tips and Resources for Occupational Therapy and Independence
Welcome to Cas Health’s Blogs and Resources! Here, we share practical tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice to support better living, improve independence, and empower our community. Whether you’re a client, carer, or fellow OT, there’s something here for everyone—let’s grow together!
Types of Plan Changes: NDIS Review, Reassessment or Variation
NDIS Cuts 2026: “This bill will cost lives”
NDIS News Analysis | Cas Health Occupational Therapy | Updated 8 October 2026 NDIS Cuts 2026: “This bill will cost lives” NDIS funding cuts are rolling out across affected plans. Extra care at home is not automatic, and the high support needs safeguard has limits. For families already providing unpaid support, who fills the gap? […]
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Dementia Care at Home
Aged care occupational therapy · Dementia Dementia Care at Home As an occupational therapist, I often see families trying to manage situations that used to be simple but are becoming increasingly difficult. Showering may turn into an argument. Getting dressed may take much longer. A walking aid that was previously used safely may suddenly become […]
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How Your Environment Shapes Everyday Life
What Happened to Griffin the Service Dog After Graduation?
How to Open a Jar With Weak Hands: Practical Tips From an Occupational Therapist
Why Good Assistive Equipment Ends Up in the Garage
What Happens Now That the NDIS Bill Has Passed? Key dates for NDIS participants and providers
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 passed Parliament on 19 August, with the first changes beginning on 27 August. As an occupational therapist, I understand the uncertainty this brings. While most participants can continue using their current plans and supports, it is important to understand what is […]
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How Can Occupational Therapy Help With Sleep?
By Daniel, Occupational Therapist at Cas Health Occupational Therapy Everyone knows that sleep has a cruel sense of humour. The harder you chase it, the faster it runs. It is 2 am. Your body is exhausted, but your brain has opened twenty mental tabs. Tomorrow’s appointments. An unfinished email. Something awkward you said years ago. […]
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TAC Occupational Therapy in Melbourne: Cas Health
A transport accident can sometimes turn ordinary things into the hardest parts of the day. Things you used to do without giving them a second thought like having a shower, cooking a meal, getting dressed, or simply leaving the house may suddenly require far more energy, planning and willpower than they did before. It can […]
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Occupational Therapy for Retirement Living
In 2024 – 25, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counted 4.5 million retired Australians aged 45 and over. The retirement-living sector estimates that about 250,000 older Australians now live in retirement communities. Most appear pleased with their choice. A 2024 national survey of more than 4,000 village residents found that almost 85% were satisfied or […]
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Mobile occupational therapy · Melbourne’s northern suburbs Mobile Occupational Therapy in Epping, Wollert & Lalor Cas Health provides home-based occupational therapy for adults across Epping, Wollert, Lalor and nearby northern suburbs, supporting NDIS, Support at Home, TAC and privately funded clients. Cas Health Occupational Therapy Clinical guidance from Daniel Castrucci, Occupational Therapist 8-minute read The […]
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Disability Pride Month 2026: What is Disability Pride Month?
Disability Pride Month, observed each July, recognises disability as part of human diversity. It is a time to acknowledge identity, community, and culture, but also to confront a persistent problem: we have long treated disability as something to be hidden or fixed. The month asks us to look more closely, not at what is “wrong” […]
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NDIS Price Guide 2027: Key Changes for Participants, Providers and Occupational Therapy
The NDIS price guide 2026–2027 has just been released. The NDIS price guide 2027 introduces changes to how supports are priced, claimed, and described across the Scheme. The updated NDIS Pricing Schedule takes effect from 1 July 2026. The changes may affect both participants and providers. Participants may see differences in how plan funds are […]
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Occupational Therapy After Traumatic Brain Injury: Rebuilding Everyday Life
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change life in ways that aren’t always obvious. While physical injuries may heal, many people continue to experience challenges with memory, concentration, fatigue and managing everyday tasks. These changes can affect work, relationships and independence long after the initial injury. Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping people return to […]
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Different Types of Occupational Therapists and What They Do
Occupational therapy helps people do the everyday activities they need or want to do. When illness, injury, disability, or aging makes life difficult, an OT steps in. They look at what a person is struggling with, what matters most to them, and what changes can help them live more safely and independently. For many people, […]
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What Is Occupational Therapy?
What Is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy (OT) helps people do the everyday activities that are important to their daily life, such as showering, dressing, cooking, working, studying, caring for family, participating in the community, and enjoying hobbies. When injury, illness, disability, ageing, pain, fatigue, mobility changes, or other health challenges make these activities difficult, an […]
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Thriving Kids Program: What Is This Really About?
With a lot of news and possible changes around the NDIS, reforms, etc., I bet most of you are feeling overwhelmed with all this information. We all are! I believe, almost all of us in allied health working in the NDIS space are closely watching the news, checking updates, and reading articles so we can […]
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NDIS Amendment Bill 2026: What Participants, Families and Providers Need to Know
Quick Summary The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 proposes changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013. The Australian Government says the Bill aims to protect the NDIS for people with permanent and significant disability, and for future generations who may rely on it. The […]
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Understanding compassion fatigue: is compassion really what makes us tired?
What is compassion fatigue? Compassion fatigue is commonly used to describe the emotional, physical and psychological exhaustion that can occur when someone is repeatedly exposed to the distress, trauma or suffering of others. Compassion fatigue is often described as the “cost of caring”, a phrase commonly used to explain the emotional strain that can come […]
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Occupational Therapy After Stroke: Recovery, Home Safety & Independence
A stroke can change life in a matter of minutes. One moment, someone may be driving to work, making breakfast, replying to messages, or planning their day. In the blink of an eye, they may struggle to speak clearly, move one side of their body, remember simple tasks, or walk safely through their own home. […]
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NDIS Overhaul: 160,000 Participants Face Cuts as New Eligibility Rules Tighten
NDIS Overhaul Explained Recent announcements about potential changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have raised serious concern across Australia. Reports suggest that up to 160,000 participants may no longer qualify for the scheme over the coming years. For many participants, this is not just a policy update. It is a question about daily […]
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How to Make a Shower Safe for Elderly at Home: OT-Backed Design Tips
Why Shower Safety Matters More Than Ever Showering is a daily routine but for many older adults and people with mobility limitations, it is also one of the highest-risk activities at home. Falls remain a leading cause of injury in older adults, with more than 1 in 4 people aged 65 and over experiencing a […]
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From 1 July, SIL providers must be registered.
From 1 July, SIL providers must be registered. From 1 July 2026, Supported Independent Living will move into a tighter regulatory framework under the NDIS. Under the reform, some providers delivering Supported Independent Living supports will need to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is a major change for the disability sector. […]
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What NDIS Funding Uncertainty Could Mean for Participants, Providers and Occupational Therapists
NDIS Reforms 2026: Policy Changes and Growing Uncertainty Independent MPs, led by Dr Monique Ryan, have raised public concerns about potential reductions in NDIS funding alongside broader reforms expected ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget. In a media release dated 9 April 2026, the group confirmed they had written to Ministers Mark Butler and Jenny […]
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A Safe and Enjoyable Getaway for Seniors and People Living with Disability
Making the Most of the Easter Long Weekend (April 3–6): The upcoming Easter long weekend in Australia (April 3–6) offers a wonderful opportunity to relax, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy a change of scenery. For older adults, NDIS participants, and families supporting someone living with disability, a successful trip often comes down to thoughtful […]
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How Occupational Therapy Can Help People With Music
Music-Based Interventions in Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy is all about helping people do the everyday activities that matter to them. That might mean getting dressed more easily, preparing meals more safely, managing routines at home, joining social activities, or building the skills needed for work, school, or community life. Occupational therapy can help people by […]
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The Impact of Fuel Hikes on Allied Health Workers and Occupational Therapists in Australia
A Global Conflict with Local Consequences We don’t travel because it’s convenient. We travel because it’s necessary. The recent global fuel surge, driven by instability in the Strait of Hormuz, has pushed petrol prices sharply upward across Australia (ABC News, 2026). Rising fuel costs are affecting many Australians in real and immediate ways. For mobile […]
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Preparing for Your SIL or SDA Assessment: A Guide to NDIS Home and Living Assessments
For many people living with disability, finding the right housing and support can make a huge difference to independence, safety, and quality of life. Within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), there are several housing supports available, including Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). If you are preparing for a SIL assessment, […]
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Bed Sores Causes and Pressure Care: A Practical OT Guide
Pressure injuries commonly known as bed sores or pressure ulcers are a significant concern for individuals with limited mobility. As Occupational Therapists, we frequently work with clients who spend extended periods sitting in a chair, using a wheelchair, or lying in bed. Understanding bed sores causes, prevention strategies, and the role of assistive equipment is […]
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Dementia Home Care: Powerful Ways to Stay Safer & Supported (2026 Guide)
Understanding dementia at home: what changes and what stays possible Living with dementia at home can be both comforting and challenging. Home is familiar. The photos on the wall, the favourite chair, the morning cup of tea in the same spot, these things help many people living with dementia feel grounded. At the same time, […]
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Why is muscle important as we age: Your Longevity Organ Explained
Why is muscle important as we age As an occupational therapist with years of experience and who also spends time working out and exercising, I keep noticing the same pattern in my clients. The older adults who maintain enough strength, manage their daily activities and do daily exercise will recover better after illness. And most […]
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Ageing carer Burnout: Ways to Recharge and Reduce Carer Burden
What is a Carer? A carer is usually a family member or friend who provides unpaid support to someone living with disability, illness, frailty, or mental health needs. You might not call yourself “a carer”, just a partner, daughter, son, friend, or neighbour doing what needs to be done. But if you’re regularly helping with […]
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NDIS assistive technology repairs and replacement: an OT guide
When a wheelchair, shower chair or communication device stops working, it can suddenly shake your routines, your confidence and even your sense of safety. Life can shrink quickly when the things that help you move, wash, or communicate suddenly break down. In this OT-written guide, we unpack how NDIS assistive technology repairs and replacement actually […]
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NDIS Price Guide 2026: Critical OT Pricing Changes, Release Timing & What It Means
Why everyone’s talking about NDIS pricing right now If you’ve been hearing a lot about NDIS pricing lately, you’re not imagining it. Something bigger is on the table. The NDIA has opened consultation for the 2025-26 Annual Pricing Review, and it’s not just tinkering with numbers. This year’s review is exploring whether the current one-size-fits-all […]
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Occupational therapist in aged care: what OT’s actually do, falls safety, and when to call one
Does occupational therapy really matter as we age? I hear this question a lot throughout my career in aged care. As we get older, most of us expect to be supported by doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, lifestyle staff, support workers and other health professionals. They all do fantastic work: treating medical issues, prescribing medication, keeping people […]
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What Occupational Therapy Students in Australia Should Do Before They Graduate
Hi everyone! I’m Daniel Castrucci, a Melbourne-based occupational therapist working across community OT, the NDIS and aged care. If you’re close to graduating, you’re probably juggling placement hours, assessments, and that familiar question from lecturers, family, and supervisors: “So what area do you want to work in?” it can feel like you’re meant to have […]
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Will occupational therapy be replaced by AI?
What it feels like to be an occupational therapist in an AI-driven world Most days, your car doubles as a second office and your diary overflows with home visits, phone calls, notes and reports. As an occupational therapist living in this era, what keeps you going are the moments that actually change someone’s day, when […]
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History of Occupational Therapy: Powerful Milestones That Shaped a Modern Profession
Have you ever wondered where occupational therapy really began? Long before it became a recognised profession, people across ancient civilisations and wartime settings discovered that purposeful activity could heal, restore function, and rebuild lives. In this blog, we explore where occupational therapy started, how it evolved through early history and war, and why its foundations […]
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Christmas Gift Ideas for older adults and people living with disability
Choosing a gift for an older adult or a person living with disability often comes from a place of deep care. You want something that makes their days feel lighter, safer, or more connected, not just another item to unwrap. You’re hoping to give comfort, dignity, or a moment of joy, but it can be […]
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How Occupational Therapy Supports People Living With ADHD
Some days you forget appointments, lose track of time, or stare at a simple task wondering how to even begin. Not because you’re careless, but because your brain is constantly working against your best intentions. ADHD isn’t just being a bit distracted, it’s the daily exhaustion of trying to function in a world that doesn’t […]
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I-CAN v6 Is Replacing Functional Capacity Assessments: What Occupational Therapists Need to Know
The Australian Government and the NDIA have announced that I-CAN v6 has been selected as the base for developing the new NDIS Support Needs Assessment process for some participants aged 16 and over.The NDIA expects to introduce new framework planning from mid-2026 through a phased rollout, while the Government continues to develop the rules and […]
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Top 10 Home Modifications for Elderly Safety: OT-Recommended Home Safety Solutions
The best gift we can give our ageing parents and older loved ones this holiday season isn’t something wrapped under the tree. It’s the comfort, dignity, and safety of a home that truly meets their needs. For older adults living with mobility challenges, disability, or chronic conditions, everyday tasks can become exhausting, risky or isolating. […]
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The NDIS just saved, but at what cost?
The NDIS just saved, but at what cost? For the 12 months from June 2024, NDIS expenses came in around $600 million below the 2024–25 budget estimate, signalling slower-than-expected cost growth.While the numbers look good on paper, the reality on the ground tells a different story.Therapy rates haven’t moved since 2019, travel funding has been […]
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Still Looking for an Occupational Therapist Near You?
It’s Saturday afternoon.You’ve spent the past week in hospital, surrounded by nurses and doctors who guided you through those first fragile steps of recovery. Each day felt like a small victory, a reminder that you are still here, still capable, still given another chance to live. You couldn’t wait to go home. You thanked every […]
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Why Encouragement Matters in Occupational Therapy
As an occupational therapist, you might forget the words of encouragement you offer during a session but for your client, those words may be the turning point they will carry for a lifetime. That’s why one of the most important ingredients in any successful occupational therapy process isn’t equipment or exercise. It is encouragement. In […]
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What Does an Occupational Therapist Actually Do?
When most people hear the word therapy, they picture hospital corridors and equipment, places where recovery is measured in exercises and repetitions. But Occupational therapy rarely happens in those spaces. It happens in kitchens and bedrooms, in living rooms and sometimes the very backyard where you used to play your drums and make the community […]
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Understanding Functional Capacity Assessments: What to Expect from Your OT
If you’ve ever been asked to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment and thought, “What exactly is that?”, you’re not alone. For many NDIS participants and families, the phrase can sound clinical and intimidating. In truth, an FCA is one of the most empowering steps in your NDIS journey. It helps you and your therapist understand […]
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Top 5 Reasons support coordinators love working with Cas Health
Ask any support coordinator what keeps them up at night, and it’s usually the same thing: chasing providers for updates, waiting on overdue reports, and worrying if the recommendations will actually help their clients. At Cas Health, an Occupational therapy service in Melbourne, we get it. Our role isn’t just to provide therapy; it’s to […]
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Cognitive Decline Doesn’t Have to Mean Losing Independence
Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went there? For many older adults, these lapses become more frequent and sometimes frightening. In Australia, more than 425,000 people are currently living with dementia, and this number is projected to double by 2058 (www.dementia.org.au). Memory loss doesn’t just affect daily routines, it can […]
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Your Questions
Occupational Therapy is a form of allied health that works with individuals to improve and/or maintain their ability to participate in daily life and meaningful tasks despite their health condition and/or injury.
Occupational Therapy can help individuals who are experiencing difficulty with completing a task or occupation due to a physical, mental or cognitive health condition or injury.
An Occupational Therapist can work with you to improve your independence and capacity to participate in daily life and specific tasks that you might be having difficulty with or are unable to do due to a health condition or injury.
An Occupational Therapist will assess you and implement interventions that allow you to improve your function, such as prescribing you equipment, modifying your environment and/or teaching you strategies and educating you on how to complete tasks in a way that enables you to do it.
Both NDIS participants and Home Care Package recipients can access Occupational Therapy through their funding.
You can send us an enquiry for a referral directly by clicking here or by asking your home care package care manager or NDIS support coordinator to get in contact with us.