Occupational therapy is provided to people after an individualized evaluation of their needs. An examination of the home, school or workplace is also conducted and accordingly the occupational therapist recommends specialized equipment. They provide training and guidance to the family members and caregivers. They also work out a plan that will enable the individual to fit well into the social, school or work environment despite the problems they are facing. Therapists work in hospitals, schools, special schools, private & corporate enterprises, daycare centers, clinics, rehabilitation centers and even visiting the patients’ homes.
Who are benefited by occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is provided to people who have a physical or mental problem since birth and to children with learning and developmental issues like autism spectrum disorders. People who have work related injuries from occupations like lathe machine operators or army personnel who has lost a limb can be helped to regain skills. People with sudden serious illnesses like stroke, brain injury, heart attack or an operation like hip surgery can be taught to take care of their personal needs. Occupational therapy can help people with arthritis, multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to live better. People with Alzheimer’s, drug abuse and eating disorders also gain from the assistance provided through occupational therapy.
What kind of assistance is provided?
Occupational therapy can help children with disabilities to participate in school functions & proceedings and makes them more comfortable in adapting to social situations. Through occupational therapy the individual will be able to rehabilitate after an injury or an operation. Some people might have to re-learn everyday skills like gardening and cooking which they might find difficult to handle after their physical or mental issues. Old people might have to be taught about how to keep a schedule or they might need to get training to drive a special vehicle because of vision and judgmental problems. Occupational therapists teach patients how to keep their joints flexible, increase motion and flexibility through physical exercise and how to conserve energy. Through occupational therapy the patient is taught to use a walker safely and to get in and out of bed without help, carry out their bathing and toilet activities etc.
Why Occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy helps people to improve their ability to carry out daily tasks with confidence so they can live with dignity in the society. The individual is trained to use equipment and to manoeuver it through various environments. Occupational therapy helps people with mental and physical disabilities to continue with a regular routine, and are taught how to handle their finances, especially old people so that they are not dependent on others. It helps people to restore skills that could have been affected or which are on the decline because of the disability. Through therapeutic use of occupations, exercises and activities including recreational activities it is possible to train the people in self-care, health care and home management and psychological welfare if issues prevail in these areas.
Occupational therapy improves quality of life for people with health problems; mental and physical impairment and old age.
