Occupational Therapy in the Clinic, School and At Home
Occupational Therapy in the Clinic, School and At Home
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on the things you want and need to do in your daily life. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities to promote wellbeing, health and your ability to participate in the vital activities in your life. This includes any meaningful activity that a person wants to accomplish, including taking care of yourself, your work and family; going to school; and volunteering, among many others.
An occupational therapist helps people with illness or injuries return to those activities that give meaning to their lives. We begin with basic activities such as bathing, self-care, dressing, childcare, cleaning the home, cooking and laundry. That said, that is only the start.
OTs work with people in a range of roles: students, people in the workforce and retirees. Each individual has different interests and needs and must be treated as an individual with their own special set of interests and values.
For example, if a person is a carpenter and loses a finger in a work-related injury, an OT will work with this person on wound care, swelling control, range of motion, sensory retraining and functional strengthening so that he or she may be able to return to work.
Sometimes, adaptive methods and equipment may be required. OTs can make orthotics for protection during the healing process or to help in regaining use of the person’s hand. An OT will use tools and activities to closely simulate, and actually complete, the tasks required of the person at home or work.
OTs are available to treat people with many different illnesses and injuries, including, but not limited to:
When working with the ageing population, physical decline along with cognitive and safety issues in the home or behind the wheel of a vehicle are generally of concern. OTs work closely with the referring doctor and can do an assessment to test the skills required to drive a vehicle or move safely around the home.
Occupational therapy is about achieving short-term goals and promoting long-term independence, quality of life and wellbeing. Occupational therapists provide follow-up care, support and adjustments to treatment plans as clients progress and their needs change.
For all of us, the activities that bring happiness to our lives are a vital part of who we are. OTs help people identify those interests and develop techniques so they can continue to take part in those activities, despite their psychological, physical, cognitive, social or emotional limitations.
Occupational therapists are dedicated experts who help individuals overcome obstacles, reach their potential and live life to the fullest. Whether it is recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition or adapting to a disability, occupational therapists are there to give guidance, support and expertise every step of the way.
If you are looking for our other occupational therapy services, contact us online or give us a call.
If you are looking for our other occupational therapy services in Perth, contact us online or give us a call.
