Occupational therapists (OTs) play an essential role in aged care, helping older people regain skills, stay independent, safe, and engaged in activities that give life meaning.
Whether it’s supporting someone to maintain skills needed for cooking and dressing, recommending home modifications, or prescribing mobility aids, OTs enable older Australians to live well at home for longer.
With Australia’s ageing population on the rise, the demand for skilled allied health professionals — especially those with a strengths-based, person-centred approach — is only set to grow.
OTs are uniquely positioned to support the government’s focus on helping people age in place through restorative and reablement-focused models of care.
“OTs work with anyone who’s experiencing an illness, disability, or an injury that’s impacting on their ability to engage in their day to day lives. We’re constantly problem solving with the people we work with and to help them overcome the barriers preventing them from doing the things they want to do,” shared OTA Chief Occupational Therapist Michelle Oliver.
“Supporting people to be able to engage in activities that bring their lives meaning is where OTs shine.”
Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), the peak body representing over 30,000 OTs nationwide, is at the forefront of advocating for the profession. It champions better conditions for OTs, drives recognition of their value, and ultimately works to improve outcomes for the individuals and communities they serve.
Alongside its strong advocacy, OTA also provides its members with expert practice advice, a supportive peer network and access to a growing library of evidence-based training.
All content in the OTA CPD library is developed by occupational therapists, for occupational therapists and other interested allied health professionals, ensuring it’s relevant, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.
With growing demand and opportunity, now is the perfect time for OTs and other allied health professionals to sharpen their skills and expand their impact through continuing professional development (CPD) training.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned clinician, OTA makes it easier to meet your target of 20 hours of CPD annually with quality learning tailored to the realities of occupational therapy practice.
You can access everything from foundational modules and webinars to hands-on workshops and short courses. Current aged care offerings include:
OTs can also enjoy brand new content this June, including live and recorded workshops or self-directed courses and modules on demand, covering topics such as complex home modifications and generative AI.
“Professional development through OTA is more than ticking a box for registration — it’s about staying current, capable, and connected. Our CPD supports clinical excellence by helping occupational therapists stay on top of emerging research, adapt to new technologies, and navigate evolving health systems,” Ms Oliver added.
“From improving clinical reasoning to boosting cultural responsiveness, CPD helps therapists deliver safer, more effective, and person-centred care.
“It also encourages critical reflection, supports career progression, and connects practitioners through a vibrant community of shared learning. Whether through live workshops or flexible on-demand modules, OTA’s CPD helps OTs thrive — for themselves, their clients, and the future of the profession.”
Earlier this year, OTA launched its Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working with Older People (Aged Care), a major investment in the professional development of OTs.
Developed to fill a critical gap in aged care, the framework highlights the broad and often underutilised potential of occupational therapists.
OTs offer a wide scope of support, from client assessments and goal planning to managing physical and cognitive changes, as well as fostering opportunities for meaningful engagement and social interaction or promoting non-pharmacological interventions.
Beyond clinical care, OTs can contribute to the overall aged care workforce, upskilling personal care workers through education and training, and enhancing the workforce’s capacity to deliver high-quality care.
Christina Wyatt, OTA Professional Practice Advisor – Aged Care, said many aged care providers don’t realise how they can truly utilise OTs and their highly valuable skills, experience and resources.
“This Framework can be a useful tool to explain what you can expect from an occupational therapist at different stages in their expertise and clinical pathway,” she shared.
The Framework is also invaluable for aged care organisations, clients, and stakeholders to understand the value of OTs and how their diverse services contribute to the health and well-being of older adults.
In conjunction with OTA’s evidence-based CPD library, advocacy work, support networks, and more, the Framework provides impactful insights for an in-demand workforce.
If you’re an OT or allied health professional working in aged care, Occupational Therapy Australia’s events, live CPD and on-demand library are your go-to sources to access evidence-based training specific to the aged care sector.
Visit the OTA website for their full range of CPD offerings to help you evolve your practice and take the next step in your career.
