#wearenorthern

Today we chat to Tye Robertson, a Grade 1, Occupational Therapist who has recently joined the Home and Community Care team at our Bundoora Centre.

Q. Firstly, your coffee order Tye?

Large cappuccino please!

Q. How would you describe your role?

As an Occupational Therapist Grade 1, I visit clients’ homes and communities to get an understanding of their occupational capabilities. This involves prescribing and trialling assistive equipment/aids, creating goals for activities of daily living, drawing diagrams for home modifications, understanding various funding services and processes, and doing a lot of paperwork!

Q. Any anecdotes to share in your short time here? 

From my time here at the Bundoora Centre, what stands out is how many times clients have offered me a coffee or cup of tea after a home visit. It makes my work feel extremely valued and satisfying, knowing that I have made an impact on their life.

Q. What are some of the challenges?

One of the challenges is learning about all the different types of equipment and assistive aids. It really is amazing how many different options for aids and equipment are available and how they all can vary. Likewise, understanding all the different funding services and processes. It is quite a lot to get your head around.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of this role?

The most rewarding part of this role is watching how you can make a significant impact in a person’s life that allow them to participate in activities that they previously struggled with. Also the monthly OT lunches are great!

Q. Your impressions on joining the Northern family?

My first impressions have been great as the team have been extremely welcoming and nice, and have made sure I have settled in.

Q. Lastly, tell us something that most people would not know about you? 

There are a couple… I have a large Nano Blocks (small Lego) collection. I got into Nano blocks during the COVID lockdown in 2020 and have been making small builds for the past four years. I wanted to really challenge myself by using the smaller bricks and test my patience and fine motor skills. I’d say the most complex model I’ve made is a Deluxe Dialga that was 1020 pieces and took a few days to complete in between my studies and work.

I also love playing and watching soccer. I am a fan of Manchester United.