Occupational Therapists (OTs) are helpful for much more than workplace recommendations. Injuries delaying a return to work are not the only reason to seek the help and advice of an OT. Occupational Therapists are able to perform a number of services to help adults and children reach their maximum functional potential. OTs can help you return to the things you used to love doing. With their support, you can feel like your usual self after experiencing a physical or cognitive setback.
Reports and Recommendations
Occupational Therapists can assess injuries and provide legal documents, including Cost of Future Care assessments and Functional Capacity Evaluations. These reports give the OTs a chance to evaluate your current capacities and determine how to progress your treatment plan, helping you realize a successful recovery.
- The Cost of Future Care (CFC) assessment: assess what kind of costs you will have to pay for your care needs and the equipment that may be necessary throughout your recovery. They will consider all manner of medical documents and opinions to help create a treatment plan that will be most beneficial to you.
- A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE): involves meeting with the OT so they can perform testing to observe your functional abilities and limitations. After learning about your circumstances, OTs can make suggestions to improve your daily abilities. This process will help you return to your activities or work safely and comfortably. They can also help you to understand how your current status will support your job demands, how you can improve your function, and whether a different vocation may be better suited to your abilities.
However, OTs can also complete regular assessments to help make you aware of your functional abilities and areas that need improvement. These assessments provide recommendations or adjustments to your treatment plan as you move through your recovery. OTs make suggestions to maintain function after an accident or injury, and they can provide recommendations for your treatment plan.
Services Provided by Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists are willing to visit clients outside the home. They will even travel to you for in-home care or a convenient workplace assessment. This service can be especially beneficial for those with mobility issues, seniors, or people suffering from conditions, such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease. OTs will also make hospital visits so they can help you transition back to your home and routine when you are discharged. This service can be helpful for people who have been recovering from an injury or surgery in hospital.
Aside from general assessments of your abilities and limitations, and recommendations to improve function, OT services also include return to work programs. These programs can help people overcome injuries and other obstacles when they are trying to return to work. OTs can perform worksite visits to observe the limitations affecting your workplace performance. Then they will make recommendations to overcome them. They will also communicate with your employer to ensure a smooth transition back to the workplace. Furthermore, OTs can perform ergonomic assessments to ensure that you have a workstation setup that allows you to maintain proper form. These adjustments can help you to avoid symptom aggravation at work. OT observations can help to provide you with recommendations to ensure that you have the best equipment and supports for your recovery.
Occupational Therapy Services for Children
Occupational Therapists are able to treat any age group, including children. OTs can help treat children that have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, and other conditions. However, they can also assist with undiagnosed children who are experiencing difficulties with various tasks. OTs will provide support for fine and gross motor skills, self-care, engagement in social situations, and other developmental considerations. These services can help any child reach their maximum potential. OTs will also provide advice for parents and other caregivers to allow them to best support children who are in need of some extra assistance.
Is Occupational Therapy Right for Me?
Occupational Therapists can recommend OT services that will help you improve your function, repair your injuries, and return to work. They can also suggest diverse types of treatment. OTs can collaborate with other healthcare professionals and members of your care team to ensure that everyone is on the same page, working to establish the most beneficial plan for your personal recovery.
In this way, Occupational Therapy services are tailored to your personal needs. Each client is different and OTs are able to assess your needs and provide you with the support you need to work towards your recovery. If you have recently been injured, have experienced pain or symptom aggravation at work, or have a child that is struggling with their functional abilities, then consider Occupational Therapy to help you manage these concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you.
