Occupational Therapy

 

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Occupational Therapy- what exactly is it?

The College of Occupational Therapists in the UK give the following definition:

‘Occupational therapy provides practical support to people with physical and mental illness, disability, long term condition, or those experiencing the effects of ageing, to do the things they need or want to do. It enables people of all ages to carry out practical and purposeful activities (often referred to as 'occupation'). This could be essential day to day tasks - such as dressing, cooking, going shopping, to the things that make us who we are - our job, interests, hobbies and relationships.

Occupational therapy considers all our needs - e.g. physical, psychological, social and environmental - and helps to increase people's independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life.’

Occupational Therapists (OTs) have traditionally worked in rehabilitation and recovery situations, but their training and focus on the whole person and on occupation or activity mean they are ideally suited to work in health promotion and preventative settings too. As health care increasingly moves towards a preventative approach, this is an area that more OTs may begin to focus on. OTs are ideally placed to help you Age Proof your life...

For information on how to find an OT follow this link to the College of Occupational Therapists website. Similar professional bodies exist in most countries.