Providing occupational therapy, coaching, education and support to people living with dementia and their caregivers.
About me
I am qualified occupational therapist who has experience in both the community disability and aged care spaces. I love the process of getting to know the people I am working with by spending time in their home environment to truly understand their strengths and challenges. My passion lies in working with people living with dementia to maintain their independence and support them to remain safe at home and in the community through education, skill development, and collaborative problem-solving together with care partners.
I have completed dementia-specific training, including the COPE Program, to enhance my knowledge and skills in providing evidence-based support to those I work with. I believe my own growth and development will always be an ongoing journey, as best practice in dementia care is always evolving. This ensures that I can provide the best possible care and support.
Crystal O’Donnell | Occupational Therapist
Work with me
I understand that the experience of dementia can be challenging for both the person living with dementia and their care partner, and I am committed to walking alongside you both on your journey. I believe you are the expert in your own lived experience and will meet you where you are at. We will work together to develop a personalised plan that addresses your unique needs and goals, with a focus on enhancing quality of life and well-being, ensuring you feel empowered and supported throughout your journey with dementia.
Services
What is the COPE program?
The COPE (Care of Persons with Dementia in their Environments) Program is an evidenced based program that supports individuals with dementia and their care partners.
Its primary focus is to provide care partners with the necessary tools to manage their own stress and develop effective communication and management strategies to address the unique challenges of caring for a person living with dementia. By doing so, the program aims to enhance the quality of life for both the person living with dementia and their care partner.
The COPE program encourages care partners to shift their perspective about changes in their loved one’s behaviour and mood, often associated with dementia, and view them as outward expressions of their experience with the condition. Studies have shown that the COPE program has been successful in improving the well-being of individuals living with dementia and their care partners, and even delay aged care placement.
Is the COPE Program for you?
COPE is a program designed to provide support for individuals with dementia who live at home and are experiencing changes in their functional ability or behaviour. The program also supports those who are providing care or support to the person living with dementia and facing stress or challenges in their caregiver role. Both the person living with dementia and their care partner are actively involved in the process and should be available throughout its duration to experience the full benefit of the program.
Program overview
The COPE program is typically delivered in a series of up to 10 individual sessions with a trained occupational therapist, with each session being around an hour long. The program begins with an assessment of the care partner’s needs and goals, followed by a series of sessions that focus on specific topics, such as communication, problem-solving, and stress management. The program also includes ongoing support and follow-up to ensure that care partners can implement the strategies learned.
Cognitive rehabilitation
Cognitive rehabilitation can play a vital role in assisting individuals living with dementia in maintaining their engagement in activities they love. In the earlier stages, dementia often poses challenges that affect daily tasks due to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired problem-solving abilities. However, it is important to recognise that the hesitation to engage in meaningful activities may also be driven by a lack of confidence or fear of making mistakes, rather than dementia itself.
Cognitive rehabilitation provides practical and evidence-based strategies that are tailored to the individual’s specific needs and to support the person to adjust to the cognitive changes experienced. It helps the person to identify and prioritise activities that hold personal meaning and find alternative ways to participate in them. Despite the difficulties associated with dementia, there is hope for regaining confidence and rediscovering joy in life.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How are occupational therapy services funded?
Occupational therapy services may be funded through a variety of sources in Australia, including the Home Care Package (HCP), Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Program, Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), Chronic Disease Management Plan and Private Health Insurance rebates. Please check with the individual program or service provider for specific information on funding options and eligibility requirements.
How can I be referred for services?
You may self-refer or request a referral from a Health Professional or Care Coordinator using the attached referral form.
Do you offer home-based occupational therapy services?
As a mobile service, all occupational therapy services are provided in the comfort of your own home. This means we get a clear understanding of areas impacting your safety and engagement within your physical and social environment which enables us to take a holistic approach to providing services to achieve the best outcomes possible.
What role do care partners play in the therapy process?
As care partners often spend a considerable amount of time with the person living with dementia, they are best placed to support them to continue to work on goals outside of therapy. The occupational therapist will provide education and coaching to enable the care partner to understand the diagnosis and how best to support the person to retain current skills so they can continue to engage in meaningful activities and live well with dementia.
Contact me
Get in touch
Crystal O’Donnell – Occupational Therapist