Before recommending any of these items for use, talk to your client. Ask them about leisure activities they used to do. Are they happy with how they’re currently taking part in these activities? If not, what’s stopping them from participating? This conversation can help you identify what supports may improve their experience.

It’s also important to note that your client may need digital devices to use some of these items. For example, they may need a tablet or smartphone to access an audiobook.

This reablement strategy is about improving the abilities your client needs to do daily tasks by themselves:

·  Support your client to take part in a range of daily activities. For example, encourage them to partake in cleaning, shopping, and gardening. Doing these activities can help them get stronger and steadier on their feet. This is important for their ability to engage in leisure activities. Find out more about the health benefits of cleaning on our website.

·  Does your client have an ongoing condition? Do they have trouble moving around or are they at risk of falling? If so, you could consider referring them to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. These professionals can create balance and fitness plans for your client.

·  Support your client to learn new skills. For example, you could help them learn how to access audiobooks on their smart devices. You could also help them set up the Text to Voice function on their computer.

·  Support your client to learn digital skills. Telstra has some great resources for this purpose. They have self-guided lessons on cyber safety, sending emails, and using the Internet.

·  Help your client take part in activities that support good balance and hand health. LiveUp has tips for keeping hands healthy. It also has balance exercises for older people to try at home. It’s recommended to discuss these exercises with your client first. It would also be ideal if you could supervise your client while they complete the exercises to ensure they feel safe and comfortable. For more exercises to help your client build their balance and leg strength, check out Stay on Your Feet.

This reablement strategy is about changing how your client performs the task to make it safer and easier to complete:

·  Does your client have impaired vision or reduced fine motor skills? In that situation, you could encourage them to use large knitting needles or crochet hooks with thick wool. This can make it easier for them to see and handle the materials. Using high contrast materials could also help your client see them better.

·  Does your client have issues with concentrating or problem solving? If so, they might enjoy simplified puzzles like word searches with fewer boxes.

·  Does your client have reduced hearing but good vision? If that’s the case, they might benefit from using closed captions while watching TV. Closed captions are text displayed on a screen. They provide a written version of the spoken dialogue and sound effects in a piece of visual content.

·  Pens with a large grip can be easier to hold and reduce muscle fatigue while writing or doing word puzzles.

·  Online puzzles could be a good option for clients who have trouble writing.

This reablement strategy is about changing your client’s environment to make it easier for them to perform daily tasks:

·  Older people need more light than younger people to perform daily tasks. Your client could use a lamp to provide extra lighting, but they need to make sure that it shines on the task and not in their eyes.

·  Make the colours stand out more if needed. For example, put a different colour surface under a craft activity. This could include using black fabric under bright-coloured materials.

This reablement strategy is about informing your client of other support options:

·  Consider introducing your client to online quiz and game forums. These spaces could help them build their social network.

·  Support your client to find local clubs or organisations they can join. On LiveUp, they can complete the free healthy ageing quiz for advice on suitable clubs in their area.

·  If needed, connect your client with resources on cyber safety. The Australian Cyber Security Centre has useful resources on the basics of cyber safety. They also have downloadable guides on being more secure on the internet.

·  Support your client in finding stores that provide the items they need.

·  Assist your client with finding out more about products that interest them. For example, if they’re interested in the bowling arm, help them learn more about selecting, using, and adjusting the right one for them. Bowls Victoria has a helpful fact sheet for bowlers who are new to bowling arms.

This guide helps older people find and choose simple assistive items for all areas of life. These items are available in everyday online and offline stores. Occupational therapists also share tips on how to use these items the right way.

This guide introduces the benefits of AT and the role it plays in wellness and reablement. It aims to build awareness and product knowledge for home care providers. Access it as an eBook or download it as a PDF.

Our Sector Support and Development team researched and created these guides. They will help you understand key parts of wellness and reablement. They will also help you share the benefits of wellness and reablement with your clients. With these guides, you’ll be able to help your clients lead healthier, more independent lives.

LiveUp is an online healthy ageing guide. It offers free personalised suggestions for ageing well. Users can take the LiveUp quiz to find advice, activities, and assistive items for their needs. With LiveUp, users can feel empowered to age their way.

NED is the biggest database of assistive technology (AT) in Australia. It’s helpful for users, carers, and health professionals to find, compare, and buy AT. NED enables people of different abilities to live with greater independence.