Types Of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy, sometimes called OT, is the medical profession that helps patients recover from traumatic injury or health setbacks. Occupational therapy to improve daily living focuses on getting people back to their favorite activities, like eating or walking, as quickly as possible. It also helps people manage pain and improve their quality of life.
OTs work with all types of patients, from children with developmental disabilities to senior citizens with dementia. They also help people with visual impairments, including cortical vision loss, which is a condition caused by brain damage. Occupational therapists are also concerned with social justice and inclusion. They seek to ensure that all individuals can participate in meaningful occupations, regardless of age or socioeconomic status.
A person who becomes an OT is usually very compassionate and patient, as it can be a long road to recovery for many of their patients. OTs must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to document treatment plans, explain complex issues to patients, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
They must be able to think creatively and solve problems, especially since no two cases are the same. A good OT must be able to assess their patient’s strengths and weaknesses, and come up with a plan to address the challenges that each case presents. They must have a strong interest in helping others, and often volunteer in their community to gain hands-on experience before they start working as an OT.
As a result of their unique training, occupational therapists are able to work in a variety of settings. Some of the most common include rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, home health agencies, school systems, and private practices. Some OTs even own their own practice!
In addition to the specialized knowledge and skills that they have gained through their education and clinical experience, OTs are required to pass a rigorous national certification exam. This makes them uniquely qualified healthcare professionals, and Pacific’s OTR graduates pass this exam at a rate above the national average.
As the baby boomer generation ages and experiences more health setbacks, the demand for occupational therapy services is expected to grow even faster than other healthcare fields. Many OTs work in traditional care settings, such as inpatient rehab facilities and nursing homes, but there is also a growing demand for home health care services.
Occupational therapists in home care can help older adults stay safe and comfortable in their own homes, and remain independent for as long as possible. They can assist with meal preparation, bathing, and running errands, as well as help their patients manage their medications. OTs can also prevent avoidable hospitalizations and ER visits by noticing early signs of illness or injury, like a fall, and putting in place a plan to reduce the risk of future incidents. For example, they may recommend a walker or suggest removing rugs that could become tripping hazards. These simple changes can make a huge difference in preventing accidents and slowing physical and mental decline.