April is Occupational Therapy Month

April 2019

Occupational therapy is a familiar term, especially for those who have had suffered serious injuries or illnesses that affected motor skills.

But what does an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people do the things they want and need to do in their everyday lives. This can be an any stage of life, from young children to older adults. As The Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., puts it on their website (https://www.aota.org), “occupational therapy practitioners ask, ‘What matters to you?’ not, ‘What’s the matter with you?’”

Your doctor determines your need for the help of an occupational therapist. The first appointment would be an evaluation to determine your needs and goals. This meeting involves the patient and immediate family along with the therapist.

A customized program of therapy is developed to improve your ability to perform daily activities and to reach your goals. As the therapy progresses, an outcomes evaluation will be performed to ensure goals are being met or to adjust to an intervention plan.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in patient recovery. If you’re working with an occupational therapist, be sure to thank her or him today!