OTs in Housing design creative solutions

Last updated: 
31 May 2023 1:35PM  
First published: 
31 May 2023 11:01AM

Jasmine is a passionate Occupational Therapist (OT) at the Maroochydore Housing Service Centre.

OTs play an important role in making sure social housing tenants can live safely and independently in their homes.

Maroochydore tenant, Steven, uses a wheelchair in his unit. Jasmine worked with Steven recently to make modifications to his home, such as lowered bench heights so he can cook in his kitchen, and putting even flooring and grab rails in his bathroom.

“Working with Jasmine has been really good. She’s come in and made it all possible. The level flooring in the bathroom has made a very big change for me. It’s better for my wheelchair and not uncomfortable for me anymore,” says Steven.

Jasmine also helped a family with a child in a wheelchair to be allocated public housing that was fully wheelchair accessible.

“The mother was in tears of joy and just couldn’t believe it. Her little boy, who’s nearly six, finally has independence to move around their home on his own. Before that, his mum had to carry him everywhere because their home had steps,” says Jasmine.

OTs are based in most Housing Service Centres across Queensland. Jasmine says she finds the job of an OT in Housing really satisfying.

“You’re able to see quite quickly the outcomes of your recommendations. It’s so rewarding to see what you sketched out come to life in someone’s home. It’s awesome to hear back from customers and hear how life-changing their modifications have been,” she said.

Find out more about opportunities for OTs in Housing.

Show transcript

[Jenneclair, Simon’s sister, speaking]

Simon's been here now for 15 days and in those 15 days, I've seen a huge change.

He's up at the crack of dawn. He’s up, he’s moving, he gets himself ready, comes out, makes a cuppa, feeds Tom, looks after Tom.

Those things were things he wasn't doing easily in the old house at all.

[Simon speaking through iPad]

I love that I can get in and out of my house easily. It is all on the flat.

I have access to all areas of my home easily.

[Jenneclair]

Our father had passed away a couple of years ago and Simon wanted to stay living in the family home. He'd been there for 47 years, didn't want to move.

He also then got his power chair, which increased his independence. And we discovered that the house wasn't suitable with that, with the power chair and he made the decision that he would be prepared to move.

[Simon speaking through iPad]

I love the wide hallway and open plan design.

I love that I can get into my kitchen and up to my sink. I'm looking forward to doing lots of cooking in my new kitchen.

[Jenneclair]

You can put your things in the sink quite easily now, too, can’t you?

[Simon speaking]

Yeah. Yep.

[Jenneclair]

He wanted a home that was going to be easily accessible, one that he could get, you know, get into the laundry and do his own laundry. He wanted to do that but couldn't.

[Simon speaking through iPad]

I love the path to the washing line. So, now doing my own laundry will be so much easier for me.

[Jenneclair]

Housing were excellent in being able to listen to Simon's needs and what Simon was wanting.

[Simon speaking through iPad]

I love the location. I'm close to the shops and will be able to go and get things I need on my own. I don't need to ask others to go and get things for me.

[Jenneclair]

He's got a new lease, definitely got a new lease on life. Really!

[Simon speaking through iPad]

I love that I can be independent.

I can do it.