Meet Kim! Our Occupational Therapist

Meet Kim, our Occupational Therapist (OT)! Kim is dedicated to helping clients maintain their independence by identifying meaningful daily activities, assessing potential barriers, and implementing tailored solutions. His role involves providing support, recommending assistive equipment, making environmental modifications, and offering education to enhance daily living and well-being. With a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, a strong background in allied health, and a genuine passion for making a difference, Kim takes a holistic approach to care—considering each person’s unique needs, environment, and daily occupations. Whether working with seniors in aged care or individuals in the community, his goal is to empower people to live as independently and meaningfully as possible.

Learn more about Kim in this Q & A!

How did you get into your chosen field?

I have always had a strong passion for sports and health. Throughout school, I was highly active, participating in various sports, including badminton, tennis, football, and martial arts. During this time, I experienced multiple sports-related injuries, such as bursitis and shoulder impingement, which led to frequent visits to physiotherapists.

Around the same time, a close family member was diagnosed with dementia, and I became deeply committed to supporting her in maintaining her independence and safety at home. Initially, I pursued studies in human movement, and through this journey, I discovered Occupational Therapy. I quickly realised it was the perfect career path for me, combining my interests in health, rehabilitation, and meaningful daily activities.

How long have you been an OT and what are your past experiences in allied health?

I have been working as an Occupational Therapist for 3 years. I began my OT career working in the public health sector in mental health. I then moved into a residential aged care setting where I really enjoy the work, as well as the demographic. This sparked my interest to explore the community aged care setting.

What’s one thing you’re most excited about in this new role with Altaira?

I am excited by the dynamic nature of this work, the flexibility it offers, and the opportunity to adapt to ever-changing environments and settings. Most importantly, I am passionate about making a meaningful difference by helping seniors maintain their independence for as long as possible in the comfort of their own homes.

What is your favourite way to move your body?

My favourite ways to move my body include yoga, cycling, boxing, and going to the gym.

How do you help people achieve their goals?

I help individuals achieve their goals by first engaging in a meaningful discussion to understand what is most important to them. From there, I identify any barriers or limitations preventing them from reaching their objectives. I also assess their strengths and available resources before collaboratively setting SMART goals within a structured timeframe. To ensure progress, I develop a clear action plan and provide ongoing support, regularly checking in to evaluate achievements and make necessary adjustments.

What is one thing that you wish everyone knew about OT?

I wish more people knew that Occupational Therapy is all about empowering individuals to live independently and meaningfully. We help people engage in activities that matter to them by addressing both physical and cognitive challenges. Through a holistic approach that considers the person, their environment, and their daily occupations, we support skill development, adaptation, and independence in both daily life and work.

What’s the most rewarding client success story you’ve experienced?

I worked with a client in a residential aged care setting who had experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and was living with Parkinson’s disease. Initially, she was unable to walk and required a stand lifter for transfers. However, after eight weeks of intensive Occupational Therapy, she was able to safely mobilise from her room to the garden and back using her four-wheeled walker.

How is an OT beneficial? 

As Occupational Therapists, we take a holistic approach by assessing a person’s functional, mental, and physical capacity while identifying available resources. We then provide tailored recommendations, including assistive devices, home modifications, and personalised strategies, to help them overcome barriers. Our goal is to enhance independence and safety, allowing individuals to continue engaging in the activities they need and want to do within their own homes.

What are you looking forward to most about working at this practice?

I’m looking forward to meeting incredible people, problem solving, and being able to help individuals overcome barriers to enhance their independence and quality of life. I value the chance to build strong relationships with residents, their families, and the multidisciplinary team. I am passionate about creating personalised care plans that address each resident’s unique needs while continuously learning and growing within the field of Occupational Therapy.

What are some of your hobbies?

My hobbies include going to the gym, cycling, boxing, spending time with family and friends, travelling, Banh Mi and Pho.

What’s your approach to helping clients?

• Conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine what is meaningful to the client and identifying their clinical needs.
• Identifying barriers that may be preventing them from achieving their goals.
• Taking a client-centred, collaborative approach by providing clinical recommendations and actively involving the client in the decision-making process.

Thank you Kim for sharing!

To learn more about our Occupational Therapy services and book a consult, click here: Occupational Therapy