Occupational therapist Kate Purslowe has worked in the aged care sector since 2012 in residential aged care and transition care, and has also worked with the NDIS. She is currently the Allied Health Coordinator at Brightwater Group and a sessional academic at Curtin University. Kate brings a deep and practical understanding of the aged care system, service delivery, and is presenting at OTA's upcoming event CPD Empower Perth on the topic:

Applying the New Aged Care Quality Standards in Occupational Therapy

Q: Why is it so important for OTs working in aged care to build their professional networks and connections?

Kate: Working in aged care as an occupational therapist is very rewarding and a real privilege. In particular, this setting can give you a little more time to really get to know people – to hear their stories, understand what’s meaningful to them, and tailor interventions that have a significant positive impact.

But I am aware that sometimes being an OT in residential aged care or home care can be very isolating and lonely. For example, working as an OT in a residential aged care facility, you might work two to three days a week, and there may be very limited crossovers with other OTs, and access to good clinical supervision can be very limited.

This type of workshop gives clinicians the opportunity to build connections, perhaps find mentors or find other clinicians within the industry that they can connect with and ask questions, and be able to form those relationships that will support them to be better.

Q: Who should attend the Workshop Stream you are presenting in Perth?

Kate: The workshop is for OTs at any career stage who are working with older people, especially in residential aged care.

It is suitable for early career OTs who need to quickly understand the requirements of the Standards, right through to experienced OTs working in multidisciplinary teams who need to understand both the intent and implications of the updated Standards, and embrace the opportunities they will provide.

Q: Are organisations ready for the upcoming changes to the Aged Care Quality Standards?

Kate: The updated Standards are a significant source of anxiety for many organisations. They form part of a series of reforms coming in November, including the new Aged Care Act and the Home Support Program. Keeping pace with these changes is a major challenge.

This CPD Empower Workshop is a unique and timely opportunity that will equip OTs not only to strengthen their own practice, but also to take this knowledge and understanding back into their organisations.

Q: What can OTs expect from the CPD Empower Perth workshop on 17 September?

Kate: Participants walk away with an in-depth understanding of the updated Quality Standards, particularly Standard 5 (Clinical Care), Standard 6 (Mealtime Management) and Standard 7 (Residential Environment).

They will be equipped to feel confident about applying best-practice principles within the constraints of aged care, and to start thinking laterally about areas such as multidisciplinary practice.

I am excited to explore evidence-based insights with Workshop participants that will make a real difference in people’s lives, and spark ideas about how we can better advocate for the role of occupational therapy within the aged care sector!

Read more about CPD Empower Workshop Stream:

Applying the New Aged Care Quality Standards in Occupational Therapy

CPD Empower Perth 17 September 2025

About CPD Empower

Designed for both experienced clinicians and those ready to stretch themselves, CPD Empower brings OTs together for high-impact, face-to-face learning that’s immersive, practical, and genuinely rewarding.

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