Occupational Therapy: The Profession that Focuses on Life Skills

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 29 Mar 2005 - 10:00 PDT

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For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline. People of all ages receive it to help them participate in the activities of their daily lives. Sometimes people need occupational therapy to do things we take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, even socializing.

Occupational therapy doesn't just treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose despite challenges.

Occupational therapists do this by helping people surmount their disabilities or medical conditions to do everyday things. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment; occupational therapists consider the whole person when developing a therapy plan. Occupational therapists collaborate with physicians and other professionals to assure a comprehensive approach. Children, for instance, sometimes have behavioral or developmental problems that limit their educational progress. Lawmakers believe occupational therapy is so important to the well-being of children, that federal law mandates that schools must offer occupational therapy to children who need it.

Occupational therapy is "outcome oriented," which means therapists help clients work toward achievable performance goals.

In rehabilitation clinics or hospitals, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help adults learn or regain skills that allow them to do meaningful things like working, driving, shopping, even preparing a meal. All types of people need this kind of help every day, from a worker injured on the job, to a grandparent recovering from surgery or a stroke.

Occupational therapy helps avoid health problems, and makes it easier to live with them. Consider our growing senior population; healthier people are living longer lives. Occupational therapy research proves that keeping people active and healthy as they age will not only improve occupational therapy programs focus on wellness and prevention to help seniors stay healthier and remain active in their own homes and communities. Trained therapists can make homes safer for people with reduced mobility and failing vision. occupational therapists can also teach seniors new driving techniques that will keep them behind the wheel longer and safer.

Occupational therapy addresses one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery: the return to a normal life.

Occupational therapy has its roots, a century ago, in helping war veterans return to life at home. These days, occupational therapists work in rehabilitation hospitals and on the front lines of combat. Some occupational therapy programs help soldiers recognize and relieve stress. In addition, occupational therapy helps soldiers learn to care for themselves after an injury, including caring for and using artificial limbs.

In recognition of all the ways occupational therapy contributes to society's well-being, April has been designated as Occupational Therapy Month.

To find an Occupational Therapy Month event in your area, contact jgreenblatt@aota.org. To find out more about occupational therapy and how it might help you, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association's Web site, http://www.aota.org. For a full menu of materials about occupational therapy and the ways it can help children and adults in work and leisure activities, and in response to specific medical conditions, see AOTA's free Consumer Tip Sheets, promoteot.org/CG_TipsForLiving.html.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is one of the nation's oldest healthcare societies, representing nearly 35,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students who help people of all ages maximize their ability to function independently and accomplish the everyday things that allow them to participate in the activities and events that give their lives meaning. AOTA members work in practice, policy, research, and education. Nearly one third of all occupational therapists work in schools. A significant number work in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, helping people recover from injury or illness. Other practice areas include mental health, driver rehabilitation, health promotion, low-vision therapy, aging in place, stress reduction, wellness, and ergonomics. AOTA serves its members and the public through advocacy, education, and publishing operations. AOTA also works to raise public awareness and understanding of occupational therapy.

American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
4720 Montgomery Lane
PO Box 31220
Bethesda
MD 20824-1220
USA
Phone: 301-652-2682
TDD: 1-800-377-8555
Fax: 301-652-7711

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