Meet Melanie, an Occupational Therapist based in Melbourne, VIC, who makes a difference in the lives of her participants every day. Her journey into occupational therapy is fuelled by her desire to help others find joy and fulfilment in completing every day tasks.
Melanie’s day begins with a flexible start, thanks to the supportive work environment at LiveBig. The morning typically begins with Melanie settling into her laptop around 9:00 am. She blocks out time to tackle administrative tasks, such as replying to emails, following up on NDIS plans, generating Service Agreements, booking participants, and updating case notes from the previous day. This time is also used to prepare for the day’s sessions, making resources, doing research, and updating Therapy Plans.
By 11:00 am, Melanie is ready to hit the road. As a mobile Occupational Therapist, she travels to various locations, including schools, community centres, and participants’ homes. Sessions typically last 45 minutes for ongoing participants or 75 minutes for initial consultations, with adjustments made based on the Service Agreement.
After her first session, Melanie disinfects any materials used and travels to her next participant. She completes her case notes for the first session while taking a mental break in her car, possibly enjoying a coffee if there’s time.
The afternoon is filled with more client visits. By 2:30 pm, Melanie is on her way to her second and third appointments. Her last participant of the day is often a child who has just finished school. The flexibility of her schedule allows her to manage her time effectively, ensuring each participant receives the attention they need while also giving Melanie the space to recharge between sessions.
By 5:00 pm, Melanie is driving home, grateful to be heading against the traffic. Once home, she schedules reminder text messages for the next day’s participants, ensuring everything is in place for the following morning. With no obligation to work overtime, Melanie leaves any remaining case notes for the next morning, enjoying the balance that LiveBig offers in her work life.
One of Melanie’s most memorable experiences involves helping a participant who struggled to organise his wardrobe. Despite several attempts by home staff and other clinicians, the issue persisted. It wasn’t until Melanie discovered that the participant couldn’t read words that a solution was found. She worked with him to implement picture labels, allowing him to organise his wardrobe independently. This small change made a significant difference in his daily life, highlighting the power of thoughtful, personalised occupational therapy.
Melanie chose to work in this industry because of her intrinsic love for everyday tasks and the fulfilment she finds in helping others accomplish them. The variety in her caseload keeps her constantly learning and challenged, making every day at LiveBig both exciting and rewarding.
To find out more about LiveBig and the services we provide, contact us today.
If you are interested in a career with LiveBig, view our careers page.
