In this episode, Coral sits down with occupational therapist Lani Davies to explore the realities of delivering OT services in regional and rural communities. From gravel driveways to being swooped by magpies while writing her notes, Lani shares the creative, flexible, and deeply human side of rural practice. If you’ve ever wondered how OTs navigate limited resources, long travel days, and community-led solutions, you’ll love this episode.

Together, Coral and Lani explore the challenges and triumphs of supporting older Australians in regional and remote communities. You’ll hear stories of scooter trials using a neighbour’s equipment, enlisting another client to teach someone to use a lift, and the power of local knowledge in getting things done. This conversation offers practical insights and plenty of heart. Older people in rural areas should still receive the support, equipment, and modifications they need, even when resources are limited.

In this episode:

• Lani’s journey from aspiring nurse to passionate OT
• The logistics of supporting clients across Gympie and surrounding rural areas
• Strategies for efficient travel and client scheduling in remote locations
• Creative scooter trials using a neighbour’s equipment
• Barriers to accessing suppliers and therapists in rural towns
• The importance of community connections in rural OT practice
• A lift trial arranged between two clients in the same town
• The impact of limited tradie availability on home modifications
• Navigating provider requirements for multiple quotes in remote areas
• Physical access to equipment matters for older rural residents
• Lani’s reflections on collaboration, resourcefulness, and rural resilience

Connect with Lani Davies and Forbes Care:

• LinkedIn
• Forbes Care Occupational Therapy website

Connect with Coral Wilkinson: 

• Instagram 
• LinkedIn 

Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:

• See Me ACN website
• Facebook
• Instagram

More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: 

Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.

We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.

Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.

Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. 

Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.

Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. 

We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.

 Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones. 

Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pharmacy Guild