FAQ'S
What services are available from Rocky Bay?
The Clinical Services program provides comprehensive team-based therapy services that may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and social work.
What can RB offer my child?
This is determined on a relative needs basis through assessment and discussion with families.
We use the Life Needs Model framework which says that a child’s needs change over time.
At differing points, needs will be greater and at other times needs will be less. So there will be differing levels of input according to the identified needs of the child over time.
Where gaps in services are identified, we work together with families to identify how gaps can be met eg through other community based services. Through collaboration and partnership we are able to achieve the best possible outcomes by pooling our knowledge and ideas.
How are services provided?
Initial assessments are undertaken and service expectations are negotiated with families.
Services are appointment based and negotiated on an individual basis through regular consultations with therapists and at service planning meetings with families.
We collaborate with families to explore needs, set goals and share responsibility for agreed actions. Some goals may require additional information or problem-solving to determine the next step. Therapists endeavour to assist where possible and may link to other services available in the community.
Services are provided flexibly by negotiation and may be centre based, in community settings eg at school, or at home. Key stakeholders may be included according to the family’s wishes.
If we have your permission, we are able to consult and collaborate with your child’s school and other health providers.
What are some examples of services my child may receive?
Services may include;
- Family centred service planning
- Working together with families to establish agreed goals
- Functional assessment and monitoring
- Therapy program development, training, monitoring and review
- Consultation with key stakeholders (eg schools and health providers)
- Recommendations and advice based on best practice
- Funding for CAEP equipment provision and home modification prescription Social and emotional support Recommendations for postural management
Will my child receive “therapy” at home and how often?
Our services aim to support families to embed recommended therapy activities into everyday routines. This is consistent with best practice research which shows this approach is more effective and more easily tolerated by children than having a “therapy” session.
No therapy service can replace the unique opportunities that exist within the child’s home or other natural environments. Programs are therefore developed to integrate and embed recommended activities into the child and family’s usual routines.
We offer to work with family members and other key figures in the child’s life so programs can be undertaken when opportunity permits within the daily routines of the child and family.
Therapists can monitor progress and check-in with parents at agreed regular intervals.
Hands-on therapy may be negotiated with your therapist to contribute to the overall agreed program goals. However on its own, this will not be an effective intervention and must be integrated into an overall recommended regular program.
What if we don’t have time for a therapy program at home or my child doesn’t like it?
Our therapists make recommendations based on best practice to maximise participation and independence. We work with families to problem-solve and develop strategies to integrate recommendations into daily routines. We will also highlight what the research tells us about the consequences of not following best practice guidelines.
We can work with families to develop strategies that encourage and support participation by children. Commencing routines early and regularly with your child and rewarding participation can greatly assist.
We also recognise that parents have expert knowledge about their child and are best placed to make decisions about their own family priorities and what is best for their child. As service providers we will always endeavour to work in partnership with parents to ensure the best outcomes and quality of life for their child, however ultimately, it is the parent’s choice about what is undertaken a home.
How does Rocky Bay services differ from hospital based therapy services?
Rocky Bay provides community based programs that aim to maximise children’s independence and participation by working together over the medium to long term. Our service model may be unlike hospital based therapy services which involve more short-term, acute interventions by allied health professionals.
We support the long term management, changing needs and key transition points for children as they grow and develop from early age, to school age, to young adulthood.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your medical professionals and other health professionals to ensure holistic care of your child.
How do I access services?
Therapy and Professional Services (TAPS) Program
The TAPS program is funded by the Disability Services Commission to provide comprehensive therapy services to pre-school age, school age and adult clients.
Services may include speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, and limited community nursing support.
Therapists and professional staff provide team-based support on a family and client centred basis to maximise each person’s independence and participation in the community.
The TAPS program is unique, offering seamless service transitions across the lifespan from early childhood to school age to adulthood; specifically for clients with neuromuscular conditions.
Services are available to children and adults throughout the Perth metropolitan area, subject to the DSC’s eligibility criteria.
Brochure – Eligibility for Specialist Disability Services
Brochure – Therapy and Professional Services (TAPS) Adults
Brochure – Therapy and Professional Services (TAPS) Children
For referrals and further information, please contact the Manager Therapy and Professional Services (TAPS)
Phone: (08) 9383 5111 Fax: (08) 9383 1230 Email: clinserv@rockybay.org.au Post: PO Box 53 Mosman Park WA 6912
School Age Therapy Services (SATS) Program
The SATS program is funded by the Disability Services Commission to provide comprehensive therapy services to school age children.
Services may include speech pathology, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
Therapists partner with families to provide support to children to maximise their independence and participation in the community.
Services are only available to children attending school (or are being home schooled) within the Fremantle Peel education districts, subject to program eligibility and access criteria.
Brochure – Eligibility for Specialist Disability Services
For further information, please contact the Manager School Aged Therapy Services.
Phone: (08) 9383 5111 Fax: (08) 9383 1230 Email: clinserv@rockybay.org.au Post: PO Box 53 Mosman Park WA 6912
