Occupational Therapist
Who is an Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist works with a client to help them achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of "purposeful activity or interventions designed to achieve functional outcomes which promote health, prevent injury or disability. and which develop, improve, sustain or restore the highest possible level of independence. Occupational therapists are concerned with the occupations of people and how these contribute to health. Specifically it is a person's occupational performance that influences their health and personal satisfaction of their individual needs.
Occupational therapy provides support to people whose health or disability makes it hard for them to do the things they would like to do. An occupational therapist can identify your strengths and difficulties, help with solutions, and help you to take part in everyday life.
Who can benefit?
Occupational therapy is used when someone is having difficulty with everyday tasks. An occupational therapist can identify your strengths and difficulties, such as dressing or getting to the shops, and will help you work out practical solutions. They are often called OTs.
An OT can help you maintain, regain or improve your independence by using different techniques, changing your environment and using new equipment.
OTs work with people of any age, including children and older people, to help them do things that ‘occupy’ their time. These can include:
> looking after yourself
> work or school
> social activities
> being part of your community.