Occupational Therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals. The basic goal of an OT is to assess a client’s needs and formulate plans for treatment and support.
Can Occupational Therapy Help?
There is often confusion regarding what an OT does. Part of the confusion might be because OTs work with such a diverse array of individuals. One day, an OT might help someone recovering from a serious car accident. The next day, someone born with mobility challenges. In fact, many OTs work with children with physical and cognitive impairments, while others work to assist elderly clients. No matter the age or limitation, OTs helps clients carry out their daily tasks.
Where do OTs Work?
OTs often assist clients in their workplaces by making job site visits to provide ergonomic consultations. However, they also work in hospitals, physical rehabilitation clinics, schools, and even private residences.
What do Occupational Therapists do?
An OT’s own daily tasks are also wide-ranging. But a relationship with any usually begins with an initial assessment and a report to determine and better communicate a client’s needs.
From there, an OT proceeds to organize home support and physical rehabilitation programs, implementing return to work strategies, ordering assistance equipment, and even suggesting major building modifications, like wheelchair access rams. They also provide proper education on body positioning, posture, sleep hygiene, and more.
What Services can Occupational Therapists Order?
The great thing about OTs is they can help get you nearly whatever services will help you most.
They work with large networks of medical professionals when formulating rehabilitative or compensatory programs. This includes doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, kinesiologists, massage therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, home cleaners, equipment stores, home renovators, employers, and more.
With so many skills and abilities, the key is to find an occupational therapist with experience compatible with your needs. It is also important for the therapist’s personality to be a good fit with yours since you will work together for as long as it takes you to achieve your lifestyle goals.