When we perform daily activities like meal preparations, dressing ourselves, driving to different places, we do not realise how easily we can get around. Whether it is conscious or subconscious, we are able to perform fine motor skills and other movement related activities efficiently. However, when people with certain injuries or illnesses face a potential inability to carry these activities out, is when there is a need for  assistance. This is where occupational therapy (OT) comes into play. What is OT therapy in short? It aids people in recovering and developing the skills needed every day while boosting one’s quality of life.

What is occupational therapy?

To describe occupational therapy – when an injury or an illness hinders the ability to perform daily activities like self-care, getting in and out of bed, preparing one’s meal etc. an occupational therapist helps in the recovery process to re-learn these activities through various treatment plans. Occupational therapy helps a person to adapt in a way that they can perform daily activities at tasks effectively by themselves. They can even take the assistance of tools or devices that are used in aiding to carry out these activities. Occupational therapy can be administered both in a home setting or at an in-patient facility.

What does an occupational therapist do?

An occupational therapist has received special training in this system of healthcare with proper licensing. Depending on each state’s criteria, they have to give national exams and training. So, what do occupational therapists do? Based on a person’s case history, they come up with specific treatment plans that help in carrying out tasks easily. They work with people of all age groups and cater each intervention plan based on the individual’s needs and requirements. They can help you in a number of ways like:-

1] Helping you in your recovery process.

2] Teaching you newer and easier ways of completing daily activities.

3] Help in adapting and building muscle strength, motor skills, speech and memory processes.

4] Aid you in using certain assistive devices that you can use at home independently.

Some therapists may choose to specialise in one area such as hand therapy, speech therapy or choose to work with a certain developmental group. It depends on what they get their professional training in.

Who needs occupational therapy?

There are several areas where occupational therapy is required. Neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, brain injuries etc. Visual and hearing impairments, cognitive impairments, behavioural disorders and a lot of areas. The activities that are generally day to day, leisure and mobility related activities along with sleep and social participation. These can include areas such as self-care, bathing and dressing, pet care, cooking, performance at school or work, managing home and/or finances etc.

Brilliant Life Services endeavours to create opportunities for and empower people with disabilities by providing sustainable and flexible services and support. Contact us and get assistance through our NDIS approved occupational therapy support.