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PURCHASING EQUIPMENT?<br />
WE RECOMMEND YOU SPEAK<br />
TO AN OT FIRST!<br />
A large part of an Occupational Therapist’s (OT) work is<br />
providing information, doing assessments and recommending<br />
and prescribing the correct equipment to match the<br />
individual’s needs.<br />
The wide range of equipment includes chairs and seating, rails<br />
and ramps, aids in the kitchen and bathroom, beds, computer<br />
access, scooters and so on. Every assessment is unique and<br />
correct prescription makes all the difference. To make a good<br />
selection, it is advantageous to know what equipment options<br />
are available and what different suppliers stock.<br />
Members and their carer or family need to be involved in the<br />
equipment assessment and selection process because they<br />
know what they require the equipment for, and how it will be<br />
used. It is this working together that leads to the best outcome.<br />
Funding of equipment is a separate issue to the assessment<br />
and selection of equipment. Funding bodies have different<br />
criteria on grant eligibility, which is usually based on income.<br />
Members who are not eligible for these funding grants often<br />
feel alone and disappointed when it comes to accessing<br />
equipment. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)<br />
subject to eligibility criteria, will hopefully resolve many of<br />
these issues for Members as it rolls out in the future.<br />
We also occasionally meet Members who have spent a lot<br />
of time and money on equipment but have not made a good<br />
selection, based on their needs.<br />
Our OTs can provide information, assessment and<br />
recommendations to Members and their families even when<br />
the equipment will need to be self-funded. We would like<br />
to help you get it right and to save you from unnecessary<br />
expense and frustration.<br />
Contact the <strong>MSWA</strong> Occupational Therapy Team via<br />
reception on 9365 4888 or email enquiries@mswa.org.au<br />
Rome<br />
wasn’t seen<br />
in a day<br />
Fold, Pack, Travel<br />
1300 622 633<br />
www.scootersAus.com.au<br />
WH20241/<strong>MSWA</strong><br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> BULLETIN SPRING 20<strong>16</strong> | 15