This comprehensive program includes a suite of 5 interactive, evidence-based e-learning modules providing the foundational knowledge needed to excel and truly make a difference in your work with older people. Each module is specifically crafted to lay the groundwork for occupational therapists embarking on their careers in this area, or for experienced OTs seeking to upskill, transition into this dynamic practice area or are returning to practice after a break.  This learning experience will prepare you to deliver services that are evidence based, ethical, and culturally sensitive across various practice environments. 

Aligned to the OTA Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists Working with Older People (Aged Care), these self-directed eLearning and development modules will assist occupational therapists in focusing their scope of practice on working with older people to build foundational knowledge and skills. These Modules have been developed by OTs for OTs.

Module 1: Knowledge of aged care systems and common conditions associated with ageing. This module provides crucial information about the aged care system, covering relevant legislation, frameworks, and funding models. It explores positive ageing, life transitions, and occupational therapy models of practice. Learners will also engage with principles of cultural humility and safety, preparing them to consider the unique needs of culturally diverse and marginalised individuals, deepening their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through reflection on colonisation and intergenerational trauma. 

Module 2: Assessment, Goals Setting, and Outcome Measures This module delivers essential knowledge and skills related to comprehensive assessment, planning of needs, goal setting, and outcome measures. It equips practitioners with skills to utilise a variety of assessment tools (formal and informal) to develop sound clinical understandings and plan interventions. Learners will build skills to critically evaluate assessment tools, adapt approaches for diverse settings, respond to changing presentations, and use assessments to support outcome measures while maintaining a strong focus on client-centred approaches and integrating the views of carers, advocates, and the wider care team. 

Module 3: Occupation-Focused Interventions and Therapeutic Strategies This module delivers knowledge and skills in occupation-focussed interventions and therapeutic strategies. Learners will deepen their grasp of evidence-based practice and core intervention principles, exploring diverse approaches including restorative, rehabilitative, and compensatory methods. Through supporting evidence and practical case studies, practitioners build competence in critical evaluation of therapeutic modalities and in tailoring therapeutic techniques, using reflective activities to integrate new knowledge for holistic and responsive practice. 

Module 4: Client Centred Practice and Continuous Improvement. This module equips occupational therapists with essential skills and knowledge in clinical supervision arrangements, feedback-informed practice, and reflective practice. Practitioners will discover critical frameworks and tools for professional growth, learning to harness guidance and mentorship to advance their capabilities. It highlights methods for understanding client experiences and progress, ensuring tailored interventions and robust therapeutic relationships. The module also explores advocating for clients, navigating complex care systems, empowering older individuals in shaping their lives, and enhancing professional expertise through targeted development and self-assessment. 

Module 5: Working in Aged Care Environments. This module is designed to enhance occupational therapists' skills and knowledge in effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, engaging with families, and partnering with care coordinators and other key individuals. Practitioners will gain insight into the unique contributions of various aged care professions and acknowledge the vital role and impact of family and informal caregivers, exploring strategies to support them. The module covers coordination and partnership roles, fostering collaboration with allied health assistants and complementary services. It addresses involving older individuals and decision-makers in goal setting and building knowledge of local community resources to connect older people with relevant external supports. 

The content covered by these modules relates to the capabilities outlined in the Occupational Therapy Australia Capability Framework for occupational therapists working with older people. 

Members who purchase this suite of e-learning modules will also unlock an interactive session on implementing what they've learned into their everyday practice.

After completing this program, you will be able to: 

• Develop a foundational understanding of the older person's experience and aged care landscape: Appreciate the life transitions older people may experience and their impact on identity, understand factors for positive ageing, and be familiar with the Aged Care Act, relevant legislation, and funding systems. 

• Provide culturally safe and inclusive services: Understand how to deliver culturally safe care to all older people, including specific considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and LGBTIA+ communities. 

• Master comprehensive assessment and goal setting: Utilise occupational-focused performance assessments, critically appraise various assessment tools, and apply outcomes to describe occupational identity, plan needs, and develop measurable, client-centred goals. 

• Implement diverse occupation-focused interventions: Understand and apply common occupational therapy approaches such as restorative, reablement, and activity adaptation, across various areas important to older people's occupational performance and participation. 

• Utilise outcome measures to evaluate practice: Be able to use assessment tools to support outcome measurement, evaluate clinical approaches, and track client goals effectively. 

• Drive professional growth through reflective practice and supervision: Develop understanding of supervision models, integrate feedback-informed practice, and regularly reflect on your own skills for ongoing clinical improvement. 

• Advocate for clients and manage risk effectively: Understand principles of advocacy, the interplay between duty of care and dignity of risk and confidently advise older people on potential risks while respecting their ultimate decisions. 

• Excel in collaborative and integrated care: Understand different aged care roles, collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, engage with families and carers, and build knowledge of community services to support older people's wellbeing. 

This program is suitable for: 
Early career OTs or more experienced OTs transitioning into roles where they work with older people. 

CPD HOURS: 
Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 21 hours

ACCESS: 
This program will take approximately 21 hours to complete. You may revisit the modules at any time within 6 months from purchase date and download documents embedded within the modules. 

REGISTRATION FEES & INCLUSIONS 

OTA Member: $ 1150
Non Member: $ 1600
(All pricing is inclusive of GST) 

Members must be logged in with username and password in order to register at the member rate. 
Not already an OTA member? Sign up today here to enjoy great savings on CPD courses, events, conferences and unlimited access to local and international research publications, special offers from our partners and more! 

OTHER PURCHASING OPTIONS

For organisations wishing to purchase multiple bundles of the Practice Essentials: Working with Older People, please contact info@otaus.com.au to discuss.

The Practice Essentials: Working with Older People Modules can be purchased separately, visit the product pages to find out more:
Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 | Module 5

DISCLAIMER 
All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions and changes. 
All workshop resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 
Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here  

CONTACT US 
Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878