Exploring occupational therapy practice in Australian residential aged care facilities: A cross-sectional survey.
Donna RooneyTammy AplinSally BennettDorcas Simin GuiTheresa ScottPublished in: Australian occupational therapy journal (2024)
This paper highlights the influence of government funding and organisational policies in limiting occupational therapists' scope of practice and their ability to fully address the occupational needs of residents. Occupational therapists and the profession in general should be aware of factors in aged care funding models, and their application, that restrict occupational therapy practice and inhibit residents' function and advocate for change where needed. With the introduction of the Australian National Aged Care Classification funding model replacing Aged Care Funding Instrument, future research should explore potential changes to therapists practice following the implementation of the new funding model.