If you are struggling to complete your daily activities, then occupational therapy can help. Occupational therapists focus on helping you do the things you want and need to do in your daily life. Through treatment interventions that use everyday activities, occupational therapy helps promote health, well-being, and supporting you with what matters most. Read on to learn what occupational therapy is, who needs the treatment, and the life-changing benefits.
How Does Occupational Therapy Work?
Occupational therapy enables individuals of all ages to participate in important living activities. This form of therapy teaches individuals how to participate in daily activities that are needed for their overall health and quality of life. Treatments can help those with physical or mental health conditions, as well as anyone having difficulty in their daily routines.
The services typically begin with an evaluation of your history, life experiences, and interests. During this initial consultation, your occupational therapist may work to learn what activities you value and may need some assistance with.
After learning how they can assist you, occupational therapists set up an intervention plan designed to improve your ability to perform daily activities and achieve your life goals. Throughout the treatment plan, the outcomes will be monitored to ensure the goals you’ve set are being met.
Who Needs Occupational Therapy?
Nearly anyone who struggles with doing daily tasks may need occupational therapy. It’s common for older adults, children, and those with medical conditions to use this treatment. If you have one of these health problems, occupational therapy can help you.
- Brain injury
- Stroke
- Arthritis or chronic pain
- Poor vision
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Mental health condition
- Behavioral issues
- Cerebral palsy
This list does not include every condition that occupational therapists help with. Regardless if you are diagnosed with a medical condition or not, consult with an occupational therapist to help you improve your participation in daily activities.
What Are Some Tasks Occupational Therapy Can Help With?
Occupational therapists will show you ways to complete activities that are needed for your health and life satisfaction. They can help change your movements so you can get work done, take care of yourself, complete needed work around the house, play sports, and stay active.
Other specific things occupational therapists can help with include:
- Eat without other’s help
- Enjoy leisure activities
- Bathe and get dressed
- Laundry and chores
- Office work
- Writing
- Social skills
Additional Support For The Patient’s Family
In addition to helping individuals with daily tasks and activities, occupational therapists will provide recommendations for family members to support their loved one. In treatment for the patient, occupational therapists will help the family show the family ways to support the patient, including:
- How to use adaptive equipment (shower chairs, or equipment to make daily tasks easier)
- Caregiver and family training
- Planning daily routines
- Fall prevention, home safety, and accessibility
Where Are Therapy Services Provided?
Therapy services are provided by licensed occupational therapists in homes, communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. You can work with an occupational therapy provider to determine a setting that works best for your treatment. Just remember, occupational therapy services can be provided wherever daily activities occur.
Occupational Therapy at Galloway Ridge
At the Center for Physical Rehabilitation, our licensed therapists create patient-centered treatment plans to help individuals in their daily lives. If you or someone you know is struggling to complete daily activities, we invite you to make an appointment and experience the benefits of occupational therapy. To schedule an appointment or book a consultation, call us at: 919-545-2633.
