If you’ve noticed that you or a loved one is having a difficult time performing daily tasks, such as picking up objects or getting dressed for example, an occupational therapist (OT) could help. Working with an occupational therapist can help improve motor skills needed to perform daily tasks.

The goal of OT is to improve or prevent the worsening of a condition or to improve quality of life resulting from an injury, surgery, or illness. In this article we will review the goals of occupational therapy and how it can help.

What are the goals of occupational therapy? 

The goal of OT is to improve your overall daily activity, improve quality of life, and impart knowledge on how to maintain your health and well-being. This will include:  

• Providing an initial assessment and prepare a specialized therapy plan.
• Designs and provides hands-on care that’s tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
• Teach mobility and strengthening activities along with the use of adaptive equipment as needed.

• Educate caregivers on how to help someone who is undergoing OT.
• Goals and monitoring
  • Set goals and assess progress as you work to achieve them.
  • Maximize a patient’s ability to safely and effectively perform daily tasks.
  • Promote independence and productivity.

How an occupational therapist can help?

OT may be recommended when a condition or illness affects your ability to do various day-to-day tasks. Some examples of conditions a OT can help with are:

• recovery from an injury or surgery
• pain management 
• neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis,  cerebral palsy, or recovery from a stroke
• joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 
• hand conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome 
• developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disorders, and intellectual disabilities
• psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety

With the support of an occupational therapist, you will develop skills to be independent and managing day to day activities. The therapist objective as you begin therapy will be to establish a personalized treatment plan and training in the use of adaptive equipment.

An Occupational Therapist Also Help Caregivers

Caregivers are part of the care giving team. The OT will guide caregivers through the rehabilitation process and offer helpful support and direction such as:  

• Instruct both patient and caregivers on all modifications and adaptations that is used during rehabilitation sessions.
• Inform and instruct caregivers of the purpose and proper use of adaptive equipment.
• Provide OT activities to do at home.
• Guide how to help manage daily details which may include appointments, medications and lifestyle. 

• Communicate updates on the latest research and treatment plans.

• Educate caregivers on ways to reduce the risk of caregiver burnout and promote self-care.

An occupational therapist will determine the patient's level of function relative to the diagnosis.   A treatment plan will be devised, which may include retraining of certain activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, dressing, and so on. Support and guidance will also be a part of the rehabilitation services as provided by a occupational therapist.

Should you or a loved one be in need of occupational therapy contact Church Home LifeSpring to learn more about our rehabilitation services.