World Occupational Therapy Day highlights the importance of the healthcare professionals, and Juniper OT Ariya Pinnagoda is one of the dedicated team making a difference to the lives of customers.
Born in Singapore, Ariya saw firsthand the benefits of occupational therapy while growing up when a paediatric OT supported her younger brother who lives with autism.
“I got to see how an OT helped him to interact with the world, providing self-regulation strategies and communication strategies,” Ariya said.
“It could be a challenge for him in noisy, crowded environments, but he now loves being out and traveling and riding on the bus.”
When it came to studies, Ariya initially embarked on 18 months of pharmacy studies at the University of WA, but the prospect of a bit too much lab work in her future prompted her to change tact.
A shift to studying occupational therapy at Curtin University proved a great decision for Ariya as she thrives on the interaction with customers and supporting them achieve their goals.
“I really enjoy working in aged care and helping customers stay in their home as long as possible, and getting them back to their independence,” she said.
Part of the Juniper Home and Community Care team for the past two years, Ariya criss-crosses Perth’s southern suburbs assessing home safety for Juniper customers and introducing daily living aids to maximise their independence.
“It’s been very rewarding to support customers to stay at home, as being at home is very meaningful to a lot of people,” she said.
“It’s a very supportive environment working at Juniper – everyone is approachable, the team leaders, the managers and the rest of the team.
“If you have a tricky situation, you know you can always ask the team – everyone has such a range of experience.”
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