About
My name is Lisa-Jane Drefke
Welcome! I'm Lisa Drefke, a dedicated occupational therapist with the goal of empowering individuals to live their fullest lives. With a genuine passion for helping others through personalised care and therapeutic support.
I believe that every individual possess the unique strengths and capabilities, and my roles is to unlock their potential.
My journey into occupational therapy began after a long history in education, specialising in Health & Physical Education and Food Technology. I became fascinated in the intricacies of human behaviour and how meaningful activities could improve the well-being for students.
My approach is centred around collaboration, empathy and holistic care to meet participant goals and improve overall health outcomes of the individual.
I specialise in working with both children and adults facing challenges such as sensory processing disorders, fine and gross motor difficulties, and supporting independence with activities of daily living. Every session is an opportunity to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore, learn and grow.
Services
These services play a crucial role within the NDIS framework by guiding the allocation of appropriate funding and services to help participants achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. All services are priced in line with the NDIS Price Arrangements and Price Limits 2023-2024.
FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENT
A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is a thorough evaluation to assess an individual's ability to perform daily tasks, engage in work or school-related activities, and navigate their environment. By analyzing physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects, this assessment provides a clear picture of an individual's strengths and challenges. It serves as a roadmap for creating a personalised plan to improve independence, enhance overall functioning, and maximise quality of life. This assessment offers insights and strategies tailored to individual needs, helping them confidently overcome obstacles and achieve their NDIS goals.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
This is a comprehensive assessment to evaluate and recommend appropriate assistive technology (AT) solutions. This includes assessing the participants abilities, collaborating with stakeholders, exploring various technology options, customizing devices, providing training, and ensuring compatibility with the person's environment. The goal is to enhance independence, participation, and quality of life by integrating AT that aligns with the individual's NDIS goals. Documentation and ongoing support are integral to the process, which empowers individuals to make informed choices and optimize the benefits of assistive technology.
SENSORY ASSESSMENT
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An evaluation to understand how an individual processes sensory information from the environment. This involves using standardised tools and observations to identify sensory preferences, sensitivities, and challenges. The goal is to create a profile of the participant's sensory processing patterns and determine how these impact daily functioning, emotions, social interactions, and participation in activities. The assessment process often involves collaboration with the individual, their family, and caregivers to ensure a holistic approach to addressing sensory processing challenges.
HOME MODIFICATIONS
This involves making environment changes to enhance accessibility, safety, and independence. These modifications are tailored to accommodate the specific needs of the participant, allowing them to better engage in daily activities and navigate their home environment. This involves assessing the participants functional abilities, challenges, and goals to recommend and plan appropriate home modifications. The goal is to create a living space that supports the individual's independence and improves their quality of life. These can be minor changes or complex.
occupational therapy role
The NDIS provides funding to eligible participants to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life. Occupational therapists play a crucial role by providing assessment, intervention, and support to individuals with disabilities, which may include:
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Assessment: to understand the individual's strengths, challenges, and goals. We evaluate the person's functional abilities, daily living skills, mobility, communication, and other relevant areas to determine their specific needs.
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Intervention Planning: we develop personalised intervention plans tailored to the individual's goals and needs to enhance the person's ability to engage in daily activities and participate in their community.
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Skill Development: occupational therapists provide training and therapy sessions to help individuals develop or improve skills necessary for independent living, such as dressing, bathing or cooking.
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Assistive Devices and Equipment: we assess the need for assistive devices and equipment that can enhance the individual's independence and quality of life. We recommend, prescribe, and assist in obtaining appropriate aids such as mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive tools.
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Environmental Modifications: occupational therapists suggest modifications to the person's living environment or workspace to make it more accessible and conducive to their needs. This could include recommendations for home modifications or ergonomic workplace adjustments.
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Therapeutic Activities: we engage individuals in therapeutic activities and exercises that target specific skills and goals. These activities may include sensory integration techniques, fine and gross motor skill development, and cognitive interventions.
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The Iceberg Theory for Human Behaviour
This theory suggests that visible behaviours and actions are just the tip of the iceberg, representing only a fraction of a person's thoughts, emotions, and underlying motivations. A significant portion of an individual's psychological and emotional experiences remain hidden beneath the surface, influencing their actions in complex and often unconscious ways.
© 2023 Lisa-Jane Drefke Occupational Therapy