Getting Back to Normal Begins with OT

If you’ve had an accident, illness, injury, or have a condition that makes it hard for you to engage in normal daily activities—not just your job—occupational therapy (OT) can help.

The aim of OT is helping individuals gain the functionality needed to engage in the activities that matter most to them.

For some that means building the strength needed to accomplish basic household tasks after surgery or receiving chemo, while for others it means finding new ways to perform once routine activities (e.g., buttoning a shirt) after a stroke or shoulder replacement. And for individuals with developmental disabilities, especially children, it can mean gaining the skills necessary to socialize, play and transition to different settings, including school.

Given the broad range of goals each person may have and the reasons that make OT necessary, treatment plans are custom developed and can vary dramatically in scope and duration.

At your first meeting with an occupational therapist, he or she will assess your needs. They may solicit input from you, your doctor, family members or a caregiver to develop individualized goals. With those in mind, they’ll create a care plan that recognizes your needs, disability, or limits and moves you closer to accomplishing activities of daily living. Activities could include:

• Bathing and showering
• Self-feeding
• Meal preparation and clean-up
• Caring for others, including pets
• Child Rearing
• Communication
• Impulse control
• Dressing
• Driving
• Personal Hygiene and Grooming
• Play
• Shopping
• Socializing
• Toileting and Toilet Hygiene
• Work

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and may even come to your home. Regardless of the setting, your therapist can help you find ways to live life to its fullest no matter what your health condition or disability.

If you’re interested in learning if OT is right for you or a loved one, speak to your care provider.

Lauren Conigliaro  MOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with Outpatient Rehabilitation at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.