By Janet Ceraldi, OTR
This month we are going to shine a spotlight on occupational therapy. Since April is occupational therapy month, we are going to answer common questions about who, what, when, and why an occupational therapist (OT) can help one become more functional in activities they need to do to take care of themselves and loved ones.
Who are they? An occupational therapist (OT) and an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) are part of a rehabilitation team with physical therapy and speech pathology in many settings. They are skilled health care professionals who use research and scientific evidence to ensure their interventions are effective. OT’s are a vitally important part of the team that help people across the lifespan participate in activities they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday tasks. Evaluations done by OT take into consideration the whole person and customize an approach for interventions to increase independence for:
- aging persons who may fall in their home due to disease progression or recovering from surge
- an adult/child who was injured and needs home adaptations due to a temporary or permanent disability
- a child with a disability to participate in school and social situations
- people who suffer from a neurological disorder such as MS, Parkinson’s, ALS, Stroke
- individuals with spinal cord injuries to learn compensatory techniques
- orthopedic injuries
- low vision issues
- recommending and training on medical equipment for personal activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing, homemaking
What is occupational therapy? One of the most common statements OT’s hear is “I don’t need an occupational therapist because I am retired”. This misconception brings a smile to every OT’s face, because the “job” they actually train people for is everyday life. Your life is made up of “occupations” defined as meaningful everyday activities. These occupations may include meal preparer, hair washer, tooth brusher, laundry folder, grocery shopper, shoe and sock donner and so on. Everyone has occupations from child to adult. We don’t think about them till we have trouble completing our tasks due to illness, aging, disease progression or injury. Occupational therapy helps people to become as independent as possible in their daily activities.
Where can I get occupational therapy? OT’s work in a variety of different facilities and settings such as skilled nursing facilities, schools, hospitals, clinics, home health, private practices and community centers.
How do I schedule an occupational therapist? Your doctor will be able to give you a referral for OT services. Look on the computer for private practices in your area.
When do I need occupational therapy? If you or your family member have ever been diagnosed with a new health condition, you can be asking yourself “now what”? How will I get someone to help me? You may have an aging parent who wants to stay in their home and there are concerns of safety, a child with autism who is having trouble in school or someone who had an injury and may face temporary or permanent disability. Occupational therapy can answer the “now what? “ question. An OT will focus and customize their treatment plan on your activities of daily living, your goals and increase independence. In short, occupational therapy can help you live life to its fullest no matter your health condition, disability or risk factors.
Why would I need occupational therapy? Trauma, chronic progressive illnesses, a surgery or mental disorder can make participating in our daily occupations very difficult and interrupt our life and relationships. For example, a stroke can paralyze one side of our body and make walking to the bathroom impossible for a time. Neurological disorders can throw off our balance. Injuries to our arm can make dressing painful. An evaluation of a person’s physical and cognitive abilities will give the therapist the information needed to develop an intervention plan. The OT will always include your input in the treatment plan so you can achieve your goals of getting back to life as independently as possible.
This is why an occupational therapist is an asset on your team and gets center stage this month; they can look at your home environment and your physical ability, and find ways to maximize your safety, function and independence in your home.
References: https://www.AOTA.org>About-Occupational-Therapy