Occupation therapy or OT aims to improve people`s ability to perform everyday tasks – specifically, people who are having difficulties. Occupational therapy is the use of specific activities or aids to help people who are recovering from a mental or physical illness. OT is a healthcare profession that focuses on maintaining or developing the daily living and working skills people need.
People who benefit from this kind of therapy are individuals with cognitive, mental, or physical impairments.
Definition – Royal College of Occupational Therapists
According to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in the UK:
“Occupational therapy, often referred to as OT, is a healthcare profession that focuses on developing, recovering, or maintaining the daily living and working skills of people with physical, mental, or cognitive impairments.”
Definition – American Occupational Therapy Association
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.:
“Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).”
“Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.”
Who can occupational therapy help?
OTs can help people with practical tasks if they:
- Have a physical disability.
- You are recovering from surgery or an illness.
- Have a learning disability.
- Getting older and more fragile.
- Have a mental health problem.
Occupational therapist
We refer to an occupational therapist as an occupational therapist. They work with people of all ages. Occupational therapists can examine all aspects of a client’s daily life at work, school, or at home.
Occupational therapists look at activities that a person finds difficult and help them find other ways to do them.
Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists often refer to the people they treat as “clients” rather than “patients”. The word “customer” can also refer to a “customer” with whom the seller has a business relationship. relationship. In this article, the word simply means “patient” of the occupational therapist.
Occupational therapy – adaptation and support
Occupational therapists help clients with disabilities use special equipment such as wheelchairs. They also help them choose and use aids to dress, eat, walk, and more.
Occupational therapists sometimes visit clients’ homes and workplaces.
They help clients adjust to living or working environments so they can do more things on their own. In other words, they help people become more independent at home or at work.
Occupational therapy – changing duties
An occupational therapist can help patients by showing them new ways to perform tasks. They may also design new ways for patients to enjoy recreational activities.
Often, occupational therapists advise people on alternative tools or methods to achieve their goals.
Occupational therapy – skill development
If a client has difficulty getting dressed, an occupational therapist can help improve some basic skills. For example, better motor function can make it easier to put on and take off pants and shirts. For example, occupational therapists can help clients use physical exercises to become stronger. Certain exercises can also improve dexterity.
There are other types of exercises, such as mental exercises, that can improve a patient’s reasoning skills.
Examples of how occupational therapy can help
- Hit replacement
After hip replacement surgery, some people may find it difficult to get in and out of the tub. Installing grab bars in the bathroom can make this task easier.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain. The joints also swell. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may find it extremely difficult or impossible to lift small objects.
Special clamps or, for example in the kitchen, a vegetable peeler with a wide handle, can make these tasks easier.
If anyone has difficulty turning the faucet (UK: faucet), special faucet turning tools can be attached.
- Difficulty reaching
People, as they get older, sometimes find it hard to reach things, such as in the top drawer of a cupboard in the kitchen. There are many options to choose from to make this task easier or achievable. An extension clamp is an option.
An occupational therapist may recommend moving the cabinet lower. This may involve replacing them.
