October is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month, a time to recognize occupational therapists and raise awareness of the important work they do. But what exactly is occupational therapy? And who can benefit from it?

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy, or OT, helps people do as much as they can for themselves. It aims to keep people as independent as possible, by helping them overcome challenges to performing everyday tasks (known as “occupations”).

OT is a practical therapy that’s tailored to the patient and their needs and goals. These could be simple goals, such as shopping, cooking for themselves, or getting washed and dressed in the morning. Or they could be more long-term aims, like returning to work or finishing education.

When you visit an occupational therapist, they will usually perform an assessment by talking to you and watching you carry out a range of activities to see what you’re having difficulty with. They will then come up with a plan of adaptations you can make in order to achieve your goals. The plan will be wide-ranging, practical, realistic, and personalized to you. The occupational therapist might also recommend equipment and home adaptations to help with daily activities.

Wellwise by Shoppers™ offers a wide range of assistive devices and home equipment, such as grab bars, wheelchairs, walkers, and raised toilet seats, which your occupational therapist may recommend.

Who Do Occupational Therapists Work With?

Occupational therapists work in the community or in a clinical setting with anyone who needs help with everyday tasks. This includes children and young people, those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions, people recovering from an injury or operation, and older individuals. Occupational therapists often work with people living with or recovering from certain conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Joint replacement
• Spinal cord injury
• Low vision
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Poor balance
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cerebral palsy
• Mental health issues

Occupational therapy gives you the tools to do the things you want and need to do, to help you live life to the fullest. It helps you maintain your independence so you can age in the home you love. And it can help give you the confidence to take part in your community and carry on doing the activities you’ve always enjoyed. If you believe that occupational therapy could help you or someone you love, speak to your health care provider about how to get started.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://www.caot.ca/site/adv/otmonth?nav=sidebar

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/occupational-rehab

https://www.rcot.co.uk/about-occupational-therapy/what-is-occupational-therapy

https://www.cicic.ca/938/occupational_therapists.canada?id=54