Meet OT student Jessica
Indigo is lucky to be able to support many future occupational therapists throughout their study; every year we greet the first years on their tour of our Experience Centre, and we have also hosted many third and fourth years on their three and eight-week placements.
This year, we were fortunate to support fourth year OT student Jessica on her eight-week placement. Under the wing of Indigo OTs Christy and Simone, Jess was able to practice her occupational therapy skills and see the wonderful work that our OTs do with our aged care clients.
What was a typical day like on your placement?
My typical day at Indigo started with prioritising tasks for the day, reviewing any visit planning, and reading through any relevant notes. Afterward, I would head out for home visits in the community, depending on the day's schedule. My tasks typically included observing assessments and carrying out interventions to assist clients in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), helping clients to maintain or improve their safety and independence. After each visit, I would document the client's progress, discuss the intervention plans with my supervisor, and create necessary documentation to communicate with others involved in the process.
What types of clients did you work with, and what areas did you work in?
I worked with clients aged 65 and older, who were accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Program through the My Aged Care system. The majority of my work was in a community setting, conducting home visits, and some telehealth appointments. The clients I worked with presented a variety of challenges, and I assisted in finding equipment and home modification solutions tailored to their specific needs.
What has been the most rewarding experience you've had?
The most rewarding part of my placement was seeing the tangible improvements in clients' safety and independence. It was truly fulfilling to witness their gratitude for the services provided, knowing that our work had made a significant difference in their quality of life at home
Were there any surprising moments or things you didn't expect?
One of the most surprising aspects was the vast availability of equipment and the creativity involved in adapting home modifications to meet the unique needs of each client. I didn't expect there to be such a broad range of solutions or the innovative approaches taken to customise interventions.
What's the most important or helpful thing that you've learned on placement?
The most important thing I learned during my placement was the significance of personalised interventions. Every client has different needs and goals, so it's essential to adapt solutions to their specific circumstances. This experience taught me how to approach complex challenges with a creative and client-centred mindset.
What is one piece of assistive technology (AT) that you discovered while at Indigo, and what has been your favourite piece of AT?
One piece of AT I discovered at Indigo was the anti-tremor, battery-powered spoon. It features a 360-degree stabilization system that detects the difference between intentional hand motion and an unconscious tremor. This technology is fascinating and an incredibly creative solution for individuals with hand tremors.
My favourite piece of AT, however, is the Breezy BasiX Wheelchair. This wheelchair has so many awesome features that support a range of clients. From its durable build to customisable adjustments, it’s designed to provide comfort and functionality for people with varying mobility needs. The fact that it offers both reliability and versatility makes it a standout choice for many individuals, giving them the support they need while maintaining independence.
What has been your favourite part of your time here at Indigo?
My favourite part of the placement has been being part of a team that is committed to providing high-quality service to clients while continually learning and developing professionally. The collaborative environment made my experience all the more enjoyable and meaningful.
What was it like working with your supervisor, the other OTs, and the other staff at Indigo?
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a welcoming and supportive team. Everyone at Indigo, from the OTs to the physiotherapists and other staff, were friendly and eager to share their knowledge. My supervisors were particularly patient and dedicated to guiding me throughout my placement. Their willingness to teach and share insights into the field of home modifications and assistive technology was invaluable. I learned far more than I ever anticipated, and I am so thankful for the mentorship and experiences I gained.
