April 7, 2023
Disabilities, illnesses, and injuries can often cause difficulties in daily living. Activities such as bathing, getting dressed, cooking, or driving may be challenging, and these limitations can become barriers to engaging in valued tasks and interests. Occupational therapy is a beneficial resource for addressing these challenges and improving capabilities.
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are healthcare professionals who work with people of all ages to help them live more independently and participate in activities that are meaningful to them. Occupational therapy practitioners help their patients accomplish their goals through a variety of methods, including:
- Planning effective daily routines
- Demonstrating exercises that will help increase mobility
- Developing techniques to aid concentration, memory, and executive function.
- Identifying alternatives and solutions for accomplishing certain tasks (for example, helping a patient who may not be able to drive learn to navigate the public transportation system)
- Recommending appropriate adaptive equipment such as eating aids, shower chairs, or walkers, and teaching the patient how to use the equipment
- Recovering and improving the patient’s skills through the therapeutic use of daily activities
- Intervening with preventative measures or exercises to reduce the risk of future illness or injury
- Assessing the patient’s home and work environment, and recommending modifications to improve the functionality and accessibility of the spaces
- Educating a patient’s family or caregivers about how to care for and accommodate the patient
April is Occupational Therapy Month and is a great time to show appreciation for the occupational therapy practitioners who help people live their lives to the fullest. If there is an occupational therapy practitioner in your life, take the time to thank them this month!