So, what does this look like?
OTs can provide support in many different ways across the lifespan to people with different needs based on their disability or health condition, skills and life circumstances, and most importantly, their therapy goals.
They can support their clients to build their skills to increase their participation in everyday activities, including personal care tasks such as showering, dressing, grooming or household tasks such as cooking or laundry.
OTs can also work with their clients to build their social and emotional regulation skills to increase their ability to engage with others in the community. OTs often work with children with developmental delays to support them in building their foundation skills, including fine and gross motor skills, social and emotional regulation skills and sensory processing needs, which in turn enables children to more easily engage in play with their peers, and participate within the school environment.
OTs can also prescribe a wide range of assistive technology items and home modifications to support their clients in participating in activities meaningful to them and make their environments more accessible. This can range from small items such as adapted cooking utensils to larger items such as wheelchairs, beds and bathroom modifications.
These are just some of the many things that OTs can support their clients with to help them to work towards achieving their therapy goals and increase their participation and independence in their daily occupations.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about occupational therapy through HenderCare, call our Allied Health Team 1300 764 433.