Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages, helping them to carry out the activities that they need or want to do in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
British Association of Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists (OT’s) work to break down the barriers which hold back individuals in carrying out their day to day activities. OT’s not only look at the physical effects of ageing, injury or disease, but also address the psycho-social, community and environmental factors that influence functional ability.
An OT will try to find out why you cannot do what you would like or need to do and, depending on your situation, an OT may assess the following areas:
- What you can and cannot do physically e.g. your strength, coordination and balance
- What you can and cannot do mentally e.g. your memory, organisation skills and coping strategies
- What materials you need to participate in the occupation e.g. assistive technology, furniture, cooking utensils, clothes and computers
- The social and emotional support available to you in your home, school, work and community
- The environment you are having difficulty in e.g. home, school, work or community