Why you need to know what Occupational Therapy is.

Occupational Therapy (OT), what is it? Well most people who have never had or heard of OT before think that OT's "help people get back to work" or "we are just like a Physiotherapist", Although OT's can play a role in returning to work and our services can sometimes overlap with some Physiotherapy interventions, OT's can offer so much more to a person.

My personal description of an OT's role is 'someone who is concerned with the whole person perspective to increase participation and independence of activities of daily living that are meaningful to the participant.' Put simply, we help you get back to do the things you would normally do or want to do in your daily life, such as but not limited to driving, showering, toileting, mobilising, grocery shopping, managing your finances and so much more.

OT's do this through assessing three main areas, the Person, Environment and Occupations. Through assessment of all three areas we are able to ensure we have a more holistic approach to our interventions, therefore allowing us to make the required recommendations to increase independence and occupational performance with your meaningful occupations. This can be achieved through scripting of suitable and necessary assistive technology (AT), home modifications and ongoing therapy intervention.

OT's are responsible for scripting a vast variety of AT items such as but not limited to;

- Electric beds

- Powered and manual Wheelchairs

- Lift recliner chairs

- Electric Mobility Scooters

- Stair Lifts

- Bidets

- Compression garments

- Shower commodes

- Shower chairs and stools

- Toilet Aids

OT's are also responsible for the modification of the home environment should the home environment not support the participants care needs. Some examples of Home modifications are;

- Ramps

- External lifts

- Bathroom modifications (level access, larger showers, Hand Held shower hoses)

- Toilet modifications

- Kitchen remodeling

OT therapy can include, but is not limited to;

- Upper limb therapy

- Hand Therapy

- Money Management

- Cognitive Rehabilitation

Thank you for reading and we hope that this blog has provided a small but insightful understanding as to what services an Occupational Therapist can provide to help you or someone you know reach their goals in becoming more independent.

Thank you,

Gold Coast Health Therapy.