Occupational Therapy is used as an aid in recovery, from physical or mental illness, to obtain independent function and create new habits for independent living.  This form of therapy approaches the patients in a holistic manner.  It focuses on the individuals strengths to overcome the deficits that impair their ability to function at their usual activities of daily living. 

Occupational Therapy treatments focus on the ability to perform tasks that have diminished after an injury or illness.  Treatments are specialized to maintain, create or modify performance of personal care, home management, play and leisure.  Therapists concentrate on the individual; therefore, different environments in the patient’s life, the patient behavior within each environment, and the interaction of both are evaluated.  The therapists utilize crafts, purposeful activities, and adaptive equipment as aids for recovery.

 Who can benefit from Occupational Therapy Intervention?

People who experience one or more of the following:

Activities of daily living dependence.  The individual requires assistance due to physical and/or cognitive function loss in the areas of:

• Ambulation (mobility in the home & community)
• Stair Management
• Functional transfers/mobility

Functional Limitations.  The individual needs functional assessment and training, and environmental adaptation due to:

• Lack of sensory cues.
• Impaired attention span.
• Impaired strength.
• Coordination.
• Abnormal muscle tone.

Safety Dependence during activities of daily living due to:

• High probability of falling
• Abnormal aggressive / destructive behavior
• Loss of skin sensation
• Lack of environmental safety awareness
• Severe pain
•  Progressive joint contracture