Emma’s role on the road

Emma Miller has been down some rocky roads but it’s all part of her role as a Grampians Health occupational therapist.

Emma makes a weekly trip from Horsham to visit clients in all corners of the West Wimmera region, including Edenhope, Harrow, Apsley and every district in between. She cares mainly for community-based clients who are registered with My Aged Care and referred through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

Some of her trips can take her to isolated farms where she has to rely heavily on directions from others because there are no road signs or satellite navigation. She has never been lost and is not phased by her adventures because her focus is solely on getting the right support for each
client.

“Occupational therapists need to visit clients at home so we can see how they are coping in their regular environment,” Emma said.

“That way we can tell what equipment or home modifications they might need to make life more manageable.

“Our role is really to help people to be able to live at home for as long as possible and that includes looking at fall prevention strategies as well. Some of my clients live in very isolated areas which can make it even more important that they are safe and managing life at home.”

The trips to Edenhope for Emma are never boring. She generally carpools with several other Horsham-based Allied Health colleagues including fellow occupational therapist Caitlyn Glover who cares for paediatric patients.

The team base themselves at the Edenhope Health and Wellbeing Hub each Tuesday. Anyone who has previously been treated by an OT can make an appointment using their existing referral by contacting the hub.

Grampians Health Chief Operating Officer Ben Kelly said Emma and her Allied Health colleagues were helping to provide specialist care closer to home for the Edenhope community.

“This is a wonderful example of how Grampians Health delivers care that is responsive to local community needs,” she said.