Occupational therapists work with people who have limited ability to do everyday activities.

Their services include: 

  • functional assessment of everyday activities such as showering and dressing

  • cognitive assessments (standardised) to assess current cognitive status and potential safety implications

  • rehabilitation in the home or for people returning to work

  • equipment assessments for short- or long-term needs

  • home visits to assess safety

  • community assessments and interventions, such as the provision of equipment or an application to Enable New Zealand for housing modifications.

 

Referral criteria

People will be referred to occupational therapy services if they:

  • experience a deterioration in functional ability, due to hospital admission or a recent event

  • demonstrate cognitive impairment that affects their ability to function or be safe at home

  • live alone with limited social support

  • require environmental checks or home visits to assess safety

  • require equipment on discharge, needing long term funding.

 


Location and contact details

Inpatient support and outpatient clinics are available at Nelson and Wairau Hospitals.


Nelson

Nelson Hospital
Nelson Inpatients
Percy Brunette Block
Level 5
Phone: (03) 546 1801

Wairau

Wairau Hospital
Occupational Therapy
Allied Health
Hours: 8am - 4.30pm
Phone: (03) 520 9927 ext 1

 

Hip or knee replacement surgery - what to expect and how to prepare

We have two videos that talk you through getting prepared for hip or knee replacement surgery.

Click through to the Education: Hip or knee replacement surgery page to watch.