Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to start your journey with occupational therapy.
What is Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps patients become more independent in performing daily activities after an illness or injury. Occupational therapists offer a variety of practices to support your unique needs:
- Adjusting things in your home or workplace to be more accessible
- Concentration and memory exercises
- Creative and manual exercises
- Learning skills for activities, school, or work
- Movement and perception exercises
- Practicing activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Strategies to meet personal goals
- Structuring a healthy daily routine
- Using adaptive equipment or medical aids such as a prosthesis or walker
The Benefits of Occupational Therapy
After putting in the time and effort through occupational therapy, patients experience a variety of benefits:
- Enhanced concentration, executive function, and memory skills
- Improved basic motor skills, dexterity, mobility, and strength that help to promote fall prevention
- Improved pattern detection, perceptual vision, and visual awareness
- Reduced need for prescription drugs, surgery, or lengthy recovery if physical therapy eliminates pain or heals the injury
- Reduced stress and improved mental health
- Reduced urinary incontinence
When to Start Occupational Therapy
People often start occupational therapy when they have a chronic condition, disability, or are recovering from an injury, surgery, or trauma, such as:
- Amputation, joint replacements, or prostheses
- Bone fractures
- Burns
- Cancer
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays or disorders
- Hand injuries
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sports injuries
- Strokes
- Traumatic brain injuries
Next Steps for Occupational Therapy
Patients typically begin their journey with occupational therapy by:
- Starting Now: If you feel you are unable to enjoy your lifestyle as independently as possible, that’s the right sign to seek help. Check if your insurance or state requires a referral from a doctor to see an occupational therapist. Or you might do a screening with an occupational therapist to have an introduction to your journey.
- Exploring Options: Look at how your Medicare or Medicaid plan supports occupational therapy, then find the occupational therapist that meets your needs, such as location and specialization.
- Preparing for Day One: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and bring your list of doctors and healthcare providers, medical history, symptoms, glasses or hearing aids, and questions you may have for your first appointment.
- Making Plans: The initial occupational therapy sessions involve a comprehensive evaluation and assessment to better understand your unique condition. The occupational therapist may even observe the environments you frequently interact with, such as your home and workplace, to assess your needs. Then you can work together to create a customized treatment plan that supports your goals and preferences.
Discover your path to wellness through one of six dimensions in the Way of Wellness!
At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.