Alison Barrow

CURRENT ROLE:

At Living to the Max, I provide Occupational Therapy services for NDIS, Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Home Care Package, and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) clients. My role includes conducting assessments and delivering interventions that enhance clients’ quality of life, ensure their safety, and support their independence.

As a community-based OT, I visit clients in their homes, offering personalised recommendations based on their unique needs and goals. This can include ADL therapy, home modifications (both minor and major), assistive technology prescriptions, pain management, falls assessments, and upper limb therapy. I am also accredited to perform FIM Functional Capacity Assessments, providing standardised evaluations to support clients in reaching their full potential.

What I enjoy most about my role is building strong relationships with my clients and helping them achieve their goals. I find it incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact Occupational Therapy can have on a person’s wellbeing and independence.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, exercising, and keeping my German Shepherd puppy, Loki, entertained.

EXPERIENCE:

I graduated from the University of South Australia in 2020 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. After completing my final clinical placement with Living to the Max, I was thrilled to join the team in 2021. My placements included experience at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and Carers and Disability Link, where I developed a manual for social skills and emotional regulation groups for children with Autism. Before becoming an OT, I worked as a Disability Support Worker, where I enjoyed building rapport with clients and helping them achieve their goals.

Since joining Living to the Max, I have actively pursued professional development in areas such as seating, pressure care, assistive technology, and home modifications. I am also a credentialed Functional Independence Measure (FIM) assessor. Recently, I was appointed as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representative at Living to the Max, a role that allows me to organise fun and educational events to promote awareness and celebrate the uniqueness of everyone within our community.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• ADL (Activities of Daily Living) Assessments
• Compensatory Strategies
• Assistive Technology (AT) and Equipment Prescription
• Home Modifications (Minor and Major)
• Falls Assessment and Education
• Continence Assessment and Management
• Pressure Care Assessment and Management
• Powered Mobility Prescription
• FIM Functional Capacity Assessments