Meet Occupational Therapist Jacelyn Goh
Being able to help people find meaning and purpose in their lives is what gets occupational therapist Jacelyn Goh out of bed every morning.
Jacelyn says that for many people, it’s the little things in their day that makes life meaningful.
“For some, it’s basic things like being able to brush your teeth, get yourself to work, have a meaningful occupation or give back to society.”
When Jacelyn starts her new role as an occupational therapist at Bupa’s new state-of-the-art therapy centre, which opened this week, she’ll be helping people do just that.
“I’ve helped someone walk down the aisle after he had a massive stroke, another person I helped them have their first trip to the zoo after a major car accident. No one day is the same and everyone has different goals, but to have people come up to me at the end of the day and say to me ‘Jace you got me to where I am,’ that is incredibly rewarding.”
Jacelyn says many people don’t understand what occupational therapy involves.
“Occupation doesn’t just mean a job; it means anything you do in your daily life that gives you meaning or gives you a routine,” she says.
“If you have a disability or injury that stops you from doing any occupation, that’s where we come in and analyse what needs to be done and help you get your independence back.
“It’s the small wins that make a big difference to people’s lives and that’s what keeps me going.
“It’s a bit crazy and full on, but I like it. It keeps me on my toes.”
Jacelyn had been working as an OT in Singapore for six years, and moved to Australia four years ago.
She says she can’t help notice the big differences in the two countries’ health systems.
Singapore, she says, has good health literacy but doesn’t have free healthcare. Meanwhile, Australia is now rolling out the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“I thought it would be a good chance to come over and look at the different systems, and experience the Australian way of life,” she says.
“The NDIS is still in its infancy stage but it’s exciting.
“The whole theory behind the NDIS is at the heart of what I do as an occupational therapist, which is to find meaning in your life and give people control of their health and choice of care.”
Jacelyn is building on her decade’s experience as an OT, and is currently doing her Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Occupational Therapy).
She joins Bupa Therapy’s intradisciplinary team of clinicians alongside speech pathologist Kirsten Toll and physiotherapist Vicky Cook.
“It’s very refreshing that everyone has come into the Bupa Therapy team with the same purpose. We’re focused on the person and helping them achieve their goals,” Jacelyn says.
“I think the whole concept and the amount of work Bupa has put in will make it an amazing service and I’m happy to be part of it.
“I love the fact that we can change lives and make a difference.”
Bupa Therapy is now open, get in touch to book an appointment or a tour here.
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