Elderly woman preparing food

About Independent Spaces

Each individual, their functional needs, goals and home space is unique.

We complete our assessment in line with your goals to create a solution for you.

It’s our passion at Independent Spaces to support you remaining in your own space at home independently or with family/loved ones

Sometimes it is simple equipment that can make such a difference. We are skilled in matching equipment or home modification solutions to meet your needs to support your independence. We service anyone in the Auckland region over the age of 16 years old who may have a disability, health or age condition affecting their ability to manage efficiently, safely or independently with daily function and activities. We are currently not accepting ACC clients or referrals for driving assessments/vehicle modifications.

What Are Community OT Services?

In a community setting, an occupational therapist focuses on supporting individuals and groups within the community to enhance their quality of life and promote well-being at home. They work with a diverse range of people, including children, adults, and older adults, who may be dealing with disabilities, injuries, or psychological health challenges.

Expert education and advice to improve daily occupational performance.
Personalised rehabilitation programs aimed at enhancing functional abilities.
Professional guidance for home modifications and creating accessible living environments.
Targeted pain management techniques to improve comfort and mobility.
Comprehensive assessments and recommendations for wheelchairs, seating, and support for daily living tasks.
Cognitive screening to assess and support mental function.
Effective fatigue management strategies, lifestyle modifications, and occupation adaptations.

In this context, an OT might help older adults to adapt their homes for safer mobility and independent engagement in activities of daily living. This can include showering, toileting, getting in and out of bed, meal preparation, laundry, driving.

They collaborate with local healthcare providers, social services, and community groups to provide holistic care and promote access to resources and opportunities. This approach not only addresses the individual’s needs but also strengthens the broader community by fostering participation, reducing barriers, and supporting social inclusion.

We at Independent Spaces are experienced Community Occupational Therapists, with a heart to support your independence at home.

Who We Support

Older Adults

At Independent Spaces, we support older adult clients who are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their daily routines.

Our Occupational Therapists use targeted exercises and rehabilitation techniques to make everyday tasks like dressing, eating, and bathing easier to perform. We also work with clients to improve fine and gross motor skills, strength, dexterity, and range of motion. Additionally, we conduct comprehensive housing assessments to evaluate whether your home meets your functional needs and to identify any necessary modifications or adaptive equipment that could enhance mobility and safety within the home.

  • Are you concerned about falling at home and feel you need additional support?
  • Do you need help identifying functional needs and potential home modifications?
  • Are you struggling with basic self-care tasks like showering, toileting, cooking, getting in and out of bed, navigating stairs, or moving around your home?
  • Do you need advice on installing ramps or handrails?

Our approach focuses on function and rehabilitation to help elderly individuals maintain independence in performing personal daily activities without the need for external assistance.

Alternatively, sometimes the provision of a simple piece of equipment (adaptive aid) can slightly alter the way in which you complete a daily task to support safety and independence. We provide the tools, strategies, and recommendations to keep them safe and reduce the need for hospitalisation or institutional care wherever possible.

Who We Are

Independent Spaces was Founded by Jasmine Fitzgibbon

Jasmine is an experienced New Zealand registered Occupational Therapist (NZROT) with accreditation in:

  • Housing (Basic Modifications)
  • Housing (Complex) Modifications
  • Personal Care & Household Management (equipment)
  • Wheeled Mobility and Postural Management level 1 (wheelchairs and pressure cushions)
  • Wheeled Mobility and Postural Management – Lying (positioning aids and sleep systems)

Her Tertiary Qualifications Are:

  • Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) – AUT, Auckland, NZ
  • Bachelor of Science (Human Biology) – Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

Jasmine brings years of experience from working in the community team at ADHB/Te Toka Tumai and as an Occupational Therapist in Australia. She has a special passion for assisting the older population and those with neurological conditions.

Jasmine is passionate about helping people stay safe and independent in their daily lives. She loves solving problems and supporting individuals to engage in both essential and meaningful tasks. 

Jasmine understands the importance and sentimental value of remaining in your own home, and she is dedicated to finding solutions that make this possible. The Covid-19 pandemic was affirming that there is no place quite like home to age.

She noticed a significant need for private OT’s with Ministry of Health funding accreditations in the Auckland community. This realisation led to the creation of Independent Spaces during parental leave with her first child Louis. Independent Spaces is dedicated to efficiently serving and supporting Auckland families to be well equipped at home.

Independent Spaces would love to work with you to understand what your functional needs are, and work toward a solution to make home a safe and sustainable environment for you.

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