Being an Occupational Therapist (OT) is more than a profession; it’s a rewarding commitment to improving the quality of life for others. At Healthcare Australia (HCA), our Occupational Therapists bring energy, compassion, and skill to every interaction, making a positive impact on patients’ daily lives.
This article takes you through a typical day in the life of Athena Chan, an HCA Occupational Therapist working in aged care. From morning workouts to patient care and team collaborations, discover what it’s like to foster independence and make meaningful connections every day.
Starting the Day Right
6:30 AM – Energising at the Gym
Athena begins her day bright and early with a visit to the gym. “Exercise in the morning boosts my energy and sets the tone for the day ahead,” she shares. Spending about 45 minutes to an hour at the gym helps her clear her mind and focus as she gears up to support her clients.
After her workout, she returns home briefly to get ready for work. This structured morning routine sets a positive and energised pace for the hours ahead.
8:00 AM – Arriving at the Facility
Athena’s workday officially kicks off at 8 am when she arrives at the aged care facility. After putting away her belongings and preparing her workspace, she joins her fellow OTs for a handover.
“This is our time to review progress notes and plan the day,” says Athena. Knowing her clients’ latest updates is essential for tailoring treatments to their needs. It’s also an opportunity to collaborate with her team, ask for advice, and align on interventions if needed.
Caring for Clients
9:00 AM – One-on-One Therapy Sessions
Once clients finish breakfast, Athena begins her therapy sessions. A typical morning might include treatments like soft tissue massage, post-surgery rehabilitation, or muscle-strengthening exercises. These sessions are practical, but for Athena, they’re also about connection.
“My clients enjoy hearing about life outside the facility. It’s a way to bring a sense of normalcy and excitement to their day,” she explains. Sharing everyday stories fosters trust and helps brighten the atmosphere, especially for those who might not often venture into the community.
10:00 AM – Morning Tea with Colleagues
A quick morning tea break is time well spent with teammates. The facility offers a welcoming staff room equipped with tea, coffee, and snacks to refuel energy levels.
Even brief social interactions with colleagues can brighten the workday. “We talk about everything from parenting to finance. It’s great to be part of such a supportive and easy-going team,” says Athena. These mini-breaks create a sense of camaraderie, making the workplace feel positive and inclusive.
12:00 PM – Lunchtime
By midday, Athena heads to the staff room for her lunch break. This halfway point of the day offers a moment to recharge, reflect on morning sessions, and prepare mentally for the afternoon ahead.
Focusing on Progress
4:00 PM – Documentation
Athena reserves the end of her shift for documentation work. Her goal is to process all required paperwork in one go, which allows her to focus entirely on clients during therapy hours.
Whether it involves taking attendance for treatments or preparing detailed progress notes, documentation ensures every session is tracked and contributes to long-term care plans.
Example Tasks Include:
- Writing notes for a wheelchair assessment.
- Completing a post-fall review form.
- Recording attendance for regular treatments.
By managing these responsibilities efficiently, she ensures a seamless handover for the next staff members while staying organised.
4:30 PM – Wrapping Up
Athena finishes her workday by 4:30 pm, feeling accomplished. With her tasks wrapped up and her clients cared for, she heads home knowing she’s contributed to meaningful improvements in their lives.
Life Beyond Work
6:30 PM – Social Volleyball
Evenings are Athena’s time to unwind and socialise. Whether it’s participating in team sports like volleyball or catching up with friends, she believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“Playing volleyball with my friends helps me de-stress and brings laughter after a full day of work. It’s also a great way to stay connected outside of the workplace,” shares Athena.
8:00 PM – Relaxing at Home
The evening ends with some quiet time. A hot shower and a home-cooked meal allow Athena to relax and prepare for restful sleep. Staying connected to her family overseas through video calls also ensures she feels grounded despite the distance.
11:30 PM – Bedtime
Before she falls asleep, Athena spends a few minutes winding down with social media or YouTube. “It helps me relax and makes sure I’m all set for an energised tomorrow,” she says. Athena’s day is a perfect blend of structure, compassion, and balance, reflecting her commitment to both her clients and her self-care.
A Career Full of Opportunity
Working as an Occupational Therapist with HCA offers not only professional growth but also a supportive environment where work-life balance is prioritised. Athena’s story highlights the values HCA fosters in every aspect of care. From meaningful patient relationships to a thriving, team-oriented workplace, being part of the HCA family makes every day fulfilling.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, HCA is here to help. Explore your potential and make an impact by joining our team of Allied Health Professionals.
To learn more about working with Healthcare Australia, reach out to us today for support in finding the perfect role.
