"The
role of an occupational therapist is to work with a client to help them
achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of
purposeful activity or interventions designed to achieve functional
outcomes which promote health, prevent injury or disability and which
develop, improve, sustain or restore the highest possible level of
independence."
Americal Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 1994
www.AOTA.org
The role of an occupational therapist (OT) is to look at each client’s daily routine
and determine the tasks that make their days successful and meaningful.
OTs assess how each client takes care of themself, manages their home
and functions in their community. OTs work with their clients to make
sure they are as safe and independent as possible. This can be done in many ways.
An OT may teach a client new techniques
so that tasks can be accomplished more easily. For example, they may
show a female client how to clasp her bra first and then put it on over
her head, instead of struggling with the clasp in the back.
An OT may adapt a client’s environment
by recommending the proper placement of grab bars, finding an
appropriate chair for the shower or raising the height of a couch so it
is easier for a person to stand up.
Or, an OT may provide special tools
to help a person complete specific tasks—a walker with a basket to
safely transport breakfast from the counter to the table, a device to
help put on socks, a reacher to help pick up the newspaper from the
driveway.
OTs also develop programs for improved strength, endurance and balance to help reduce fall risks. By enhancing these skills, a person will be better able to live their life.
