By Nellie Botha
An accident, illness or mental health problem can cause severe disruption to a person’s occupation or to a vital role which the person plays each day e.g. being a parent. An occupational therapist evaluates your situation and sets goals that, once achieved, will allow you to resume your occupation or important role. The OT assists the patient with self-care, work or leisure by treating either the affected physical, affective or cognitive components. The OT may recommend adaptations or assistive devices or even new skills which will be learnt and practised together. Occupational Therapy (OT) enables people of all ages to do the daily activities they want and need to do.
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists in the UK states that OT is a ‘whole person approach’ to both physical and mental wellbeing. In essence:
“Occupational therapy provides practical support to empower people to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them. This support increases people’s independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life. “Occupation” as a term refers to practical and purposeful activities that allow people to live independently and have a sense of identity. This could be essential day-to-day tasks such as self-care, work or leisure. Occupational Therapists work with adults and children of all ages with a wide range of conditions; most commonly those who have difficulties due to a mental health illness, physical or learning disabilities.”
Here is a short, animated video about how occupational therapy benefitted different people with a variety of health problems.
If you require help please make an appointment with occupational therapist Nellie Botha today.