An ageing parent may benefit from an OT assessment when everyday activities become difficult or a familiar routine no longer works comfortably. The starting point is a respectful conversation about what has changed and what help they would welcome.
Age alone does not determine someone's support needs. Look at specific tasks, their preferences and the environment. An OT can explore practical concerns, while new health symptoms or sudden changes may require medical assessment through the appropriate service.
Changes in personal care
A parent might avoid using the shower, take much longer to dress or ask for help with a task they previously managed. Ask which part is difficult and whether discomfort, effort, the setup or another factor contributes.
Avoid deciding on equipment before understanding the activity. A product may seem helpful to a family member but be unsuitable for the person's space or preferences. An assessment can help clarify the actual need.
Changes in meals and household routines
Notice whether meal preparation, shopping or household activities have become harder. A change may reflect difficulty reaching materials, managing the sequence, sustaining effort or obtaining help. It should not automatically be attributed to unwillingness or poor motivation.
Choose a concrete example for discussion. 'Would you like help finding an easier way to prepare lunch?' is more useful than announcing that someone is no longer coping at home.
Activities they have stopped doing
Ask about hobbies, outings and tasks the person would like to continue. They may have stopped because the activity is tiring, access is difficult or arranging assistance has become complicated.
An OT can explore the activity and environment together. The aim is not to restore every previous routine regardless of preference. It is to understand what matters now and what support could make participation more manageable.
Assistance that is becoming difficult to sustain
Family members may provide a substantial amount of help without a formal plan. Write down what is provided, how often and what happens when the usual person is unavailable. This can reveal a need to review the arrangement.
With consent, an OT can discuss practical support and identify questions for the wider team. Recommendations should fit the person's needs and available assistance, rather than assuming family can take on any additional task.
Starting the conversation
Use observations and invite the person's perspective. Ask what feels frustrating, what they are already doing to manage and whether they would like another opinion. Give them time to consider the idea.
Helpful approaches include:
- Talking about one activity rather than every concern at once.
- Explaining the purpose of an OT visit in plain language.
- Asking which goals the person wants to prioritise.
- Discussing who they would like involved.
- Avoiding changes to the home without their agreement.
If there are questions about consent or decision-making, seek appropriate professional advice. A family concern does not automatically give someone authority to make every decision for another adult.
Preparing for a home assessment
Collect a few examples of activities that have changed. Include the support already in place and any equipment that is no longer useful. Tell the provider about access, communication preferences and whether a support person will attend.
Ask what the assessment covers, whether a report is included and what the next steps might be. A general home assessment may identify the need for another service or more specific assessment.
Common questions
Does an OT assessment mean moving into aged care?
No. An OT explores function and practical needs. Decisions about living arrangements depend on the person's preferences and circumstances and may involve other assessment processes.
Can we enquire before our parent agrees to a visit?
You can ask about the service in general. Consent and appropriate involvement need to be addressed before an assessment of the person is arranged.
What if the change happened suddenly?
Sudden confusion, weakness, a fall-related injury or another acute concern needs appropriate medical attention. Do not wait for a routine OT appointment to address an urgent health change.
Can funding be discussed?
Yes. You can enquire about private OT or discuss an assessment with an existing aged care provider. My Aged Care can explain access to government-funded aged care services where relevant.
Make a referral describing the person's goals, location and the daily activities they would like help with.