About Us
Why we do what we do…
People with disability, those who are aging, and people preparing for the transition through life’s stages often become aware of environmental barriers within their home environment. Whether it be multiple steps to access the home, a shower over bath that is difficult to transfer into, or kitchen cupboards and appliances that are difficult to access.
Regardless of the problem there is often a solution.
Housing stock in Australia has not traditionally been designed for accessibility, usability and in some cases, safety. Architects and designers aren’t to blame, it is often because of our environment, climate and terrain that our houses are designed the way they are. This does not mean we cannot make them more accessible, liveable, safer and more user friendly.
Our aim is to do exactly that – make changes to the home that that remove the barriers that prevent people from living ordinary lives. Why should someone have to move to a new house when their current home can be modified to suit them?
Your Choice Occupational Therapy Home works directly with you and the builder to design a suitable living environment.
Owner and Occupational Therapist
Jamie Matveyeff
Jamie Matveyeff is a senior Occupational Therapist who has developed a passion for integrating assistive technologies (AT) and innovative design into the built environment to maximise security, safety, and independence for the consumer.
Jamie has over 20 years experience in a wide variety of acute and community health settings including acute medical, surgical orthopaedics, spinal cord injury, palliative care, geriatrics, acquired brain injury, and home modifications. He has worked within the Australian and British healthcare systems.
With the changing tide of the health care system and consumer directed choice now at the forefront of health service delivery, Jamie saw the opportunity to use his experience and skill set to create future proof home design for individuals in need.
Professional Experience
Prior to founding Your Choice OT Home Modification Services, Jamie worked for LifeTec Australia for 10 years. He was responsible for managing and overseeing the operational delivery and expansion of LifeTec Australia’s Homes for Life services.
When LifeTec Australia received approval to provide the assessment and recommendations for the NDIS Complex Home Modifications (one of only a few hand-chosen providers given the ability to deliver this service), Jamie coordinated the delivery of these services across all rolled-out locations in Queensland and into northern NSW.
More recent government implementation of the NDIS Complex Home Modifications program aims to expand upon traditional home modifications. This more holistic approach included the integration of good design, structural modification, home automation, smart assistive technology (SAT), telecare and telehealth home monitoring in addition to more traditional assistive technology (AT) and home design solutions.
Prior to founding his own business, Jamie was also responsible for the management of the Spinal Cord Injury Response Major Home Modification program (SCIR PHMp). This was a Government funded program to modify the homes of individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries across the state of Queensland.
Education and Training
Since starting Your Choice, Jamie has lectured and tutored at university teaching the new generation of Occupational Therapists the importance of design in the home and community environments. He demonstrates how to make positive changes for people accessing their homes and the community.
Additionally, Jamie has provided professional development workshops, webinars and presentations relating to home modifications for the general public and other health care professionals as well as presenting at national conferences on the topic of Home Modification.
Sarah Boase
Office Administration
Sarah joined the team at the start of 2021. With a background in a variety of areas of business, she works behind the scenes to support and streamline the processes to keep the Occupational Therapist in the field supporting our clients as efficiently as possible.
Being a mother to 2 children who live with disabilities, she can relate to our clients and bring a level of understanding from the participants perspective.
Sarah is the first point of contact at YCOT, she will be able to discuss the process with you and how best to move forward in the way that is best suited to your needs.