What is occupational therapy? Definition and examples
Occupation therapy or OT aims to improve people’s ability to perform everyday tasks – specifically, people who are having difficulties. Occupational therapy is the use of specific activities or aids to help people who are recovering from a mental or physical illness. OT is a healthcare profession that focuses on maintaining or developing the daily living and working skills people need.
People who benefit from this kind of therapy are individuals with cognitive, mental, or physical impairments.
Definition – Royal College of Occupational Therapists
According to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in the UK:
“Occupational therapy, often referred to as OT, is a healthcare profession that focuses on developing, recovering, or maintaining the daily living and working skills of people with physical, mental, or cognitive impairments.”
Definition – American Occupational Therapy Association
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.:
“Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).”
“Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.”
Who can occupational therapy help?
OT can help people with practical tasks if they:
- Have a physical disability.
- Are recovering from an operation or illness.
- Have learning disabilities.
- Are getting older and frailer.
- Have mental health problems.
Occupational therapist
We refer to an occupational therapy professional as an occupational therapist. They work with individuals of all ages. Occupational therapists can look at all aspects of daily life in the client’s workplace, school, or home.
The OT professional looks at activities that a person finds difficult and helps them find another way to do it.
Occupational therapists, physical therapists (UK: physiotherapists), and psychologists typically refer to the people they treat as ‘clients‘ rather than ‘patients.’ The word ‘client‘ may also refer to a ‘customer‘ with whom the seller has a business relationship. In this article, the word just means the occupational therapist’s ‘patient.’
Occupational therapy – adaptations and aids
Occupational therapists help clients with disabilities use special equipment like wheelchairs. They also help them choose and use aids for dressing, eating, mobility, and many other activities.
Occupational therapists sometimes visit clients’ homes and workplaces.
They help clients adapt their home or work environment so that they can do more things on their own. In other words, they help people become more independent at home or work.
Occupational therapy – modifying tasks
An occupational therapist can help patients by showing them new ways to perform tasks. They may also design new ways for patients to enjoy leisure activities.
Often, the occupational therapist advises people on tools or alternative methods to achieve their goals.
Occupational therapy – developing skills
If a client finds it hard to dress himself, the occupational therapist might help him improve some basic skills. For example, better motor function might make it easier to put on and take off pants and shirts.
Occupational therapists may, for example, help clients use physical exercises to get stronger. Some exercises can also improve dexterity.
There are many other types of exercises, such as mental exercises, which may improve the patient’s reasoning abilities.
Examples of how occupational therapy can help
Hit replacement
After a hip replacement operation, some people may find it hard to get in and out of a bath. Fitting grab rails in the bathroom could make that task easier.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes pain in the joints. The joints also swell. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may find it extremely hard or impossible to lift small objects.
Special grabbing equipment, or, for example in the kitchen, a wide-handled vegetable peeler, can make those tasks easier.
If somebody finds it hard to turn the faucets (UK: taps), it is possible to attach special faucet/tap turners.
Difficulty reaching
People, as they get older, sometimes find it difficult to reach for things, for example, in the top shelf of a cupboard in the kitchen. There are many options to chose from to make this task easier or feasible. An extended grabber is one option.
The occupational therapist may advise moving the cupboards lower down. This might involve replacing them.