April is National Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational therapy (OT) is a unique type of skilled therapy that is often misunderstood and often gets confused with physical therapy. Most people don’t realize the important role that occupational therapy practitioners play until they or someone close to them needs OT. 

Occupational therapists enable people of all ages to participate in daily living while promoting health, well being, and participation. Depending on the age of the patient and treatment setting the focus for occupational therapy can vary. The theme tends to focus on activities of daily living (ADL) but that can vary for babies, children, adults, and geriatic populations. ADLs can involve reflexes, development skills, play, dressing, bathing, toileting, community engagement, and cognitive skills. Occupational therapy services are provided in a client’s home, community setting, hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, primary care offices, and schools.

The first occupational therapy session includes a personalized evaluation to discuss your history, life experience, and your interests. During the evaluation it is important to identify what you value and to talk about activities that are important to you. An intervention plan is then established to help improve your ability to perform daily activities and goals are made. 

Occupational therapy focuses on overcoming dysfunction by acquiring or rehabilitating a specific skill or tasks that can improve participation in life activities. Occupational therapists can provide recommendations for the follow: 

• Activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, and eating)
• Adaptive equipment (shower chair, or equipment to make daily tasks easier)
• Caregiver and family training
• Planning and maximizing daily routines
• Returning to work, school, and leisure activities
• Techniques to aid in memory, concentration, and executive functioning (e.g., planning and prioritizing, functional cognition) 
• Falls prevention, home safety and accessibility  

One of our skilled occupational therapy practitioners can help you achieve your goals. For more information on whether occupational therapy services are right for you contact our office.