Occupational therapy for acquired brain injury focuses on the everyday activities a person needs or wants to manage after the injury. That can include personal care, preparing meals, organising the day, managing money, getting around the community and returning to work, study or a valued role. An OT looks at how the injury affects those activities in the person's own home and routine, then works with them on practical next steps.
Ergo Therapy Group provides in-home occupational therapy across Melbourne and in Liverpool, NSW, including functional capacity assessments and life skills support. Please tell us your location and the support you need so clinician suitability and availability can be confirmed.
What is an acquired brain injury?
Healthdirect describes an acquired brain injury (ABI) as brain damage that occurs at any time after birth. Causes include head injury, stroke, lack of oxygen, infection, tumours, alcohol or other drugs, and some degenerative conditions. ABI is different from an intellectual disability or a mental illness.
Effects vary widely. Some people have physical changes such as weakness, poor balance or fatigue. Others notice changes in memory, attention, planning or communication, or in mood and behaviour. Many people experience a mix, and fatigue can affect everything else. Two people with similar injuries may have very different priorities and needs.
Healthdirect notes that rehabilitation takes time and that recovery can continue for years, while some effects may be long term. An OT appointment cannot promise a particular outcome or timetable.
How OT can help in daily life
Brain injury often affects how tasks are organised as much as the physical steps. Someone may be able to cook each part of a meal but struggle to plan it, keep track of timing or notice when something needs attention. Another person may manage well at home but find shopping centres or busy transport tiring and overwhelming.
An OT may explore:
- Personal care and morning or evening routines.
- Meal preparation, shopping and household management.
- Planning, memory and organisation strategies in real tasks.
- Managing fatigue across the day and week.
- Community access, transport and returning to activities.
- Equipment or home changes that make a task safer or easier.
The OT considers what currently helps, such as a support person, a phone reminder or a set routine, and builds on what works. Life skills training can involve practising agreed tasks in the settings where they happen.
Functional capacity assessments after ABI
For NDIS participants, a functional capacity assessment describes how the person manages daily activities and the support they need. After a brain injury, it is important that the assessment captures hidden difficulties, such as fatigue, reduced initiation or problems with planning, not only what the person can do on a good day in a quiet room.
Information from the person, family and other supports can help, with consent. Previous rehabilitation reports and neuropsychology assessments are also useful. The NDIA makes access and funding decisions; an OT report provides evidence but cannot guarantee a result.
Working with family and the wider team
Family and carers often notice changes the person may not. Their observations are valuable, but the person should still lead decisions about their goals where possible. Healthdirect also recognises that caring for someone with an ABI can be a significant adjustment, and carers need support too.
With permission, the OT can coordinate with the treating team so that recommendations fit with medical, rehabilitation and behaviour support advice.
Preparing an enquiry
Include:
- The everyday activity or report you need help with.
- The visit address and any access considerations.
- When and how the injury happened, if the person is comfortable sharing.
- Current treating professionals and recent reports.
- Funding to confirm, such as NDIS, Support at Home or private payment.
Our conditions page lists other areas we support.
Common questions
Is it too late for OT years after a brain injury?
Not necessarily. Needs change over time, for example when moving house, starting work or when supports change. Describe the current goal.
Can OT help with memory problems?
An OT can look at how memory difficulties affect daily tasks and explore practical strategies. Diagnosis and cognitive testing sit with the treating team.
What if there is a new head injury?
Call triple zero (000) for anyone with a head injury and a change in consciousness, such as slurred speech, seizures or being unable to be roused.
Make a referral describing the everyday activity, location and current supports you would like the OT to consider.