Since the early 1900s occupational therapy has been in existence. Since then, occupational therapy has been helping people of all ages live happier lives.
Occupational therapists provide support for people with cognitive or physical challenges. Occupational therapy is designed to make everyday living easier.
Unfortunately, most people do not know the basics of occupational therapy. Continue reading to find out about occupational therapy.
The Definition Of Occupational Therapy.
Occupational Therapy is the art of helping someone perform everyday activities. These activities may include bathing and dressing, problem-solving, and communicating clearly. Personalized occupational therapy is based on needs.
Occupational therapists use exercise, activities, and environmental changes. Through these activities, individuals can acquire new skills, improve their existing skills, and/or regain skills that they might have lost.
What’s An Occupational Therapist Doing?
To become an occupational therapist you must have a master’s level in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists will often also have a degree in a related field, such as exercise science, biology, or human physiology.
An occupational therapist will usually conduct a thorough evaluation before they meet with a client. The evaluation will assist them in creating an individual treatment plan. Sometimes the therapist meets with the patient’s families to discuss how the family can help support the patient.
Now that you’re more familiar with occupational therapy as a profession and with therapists in general, let us dive into the many amazing benefits of occupational therapy.
- Help Children Learn And Live!
Education may require extra support for children who have mental or physical disabilities. Occupational therapists can help children with disabilities learn in a school setting.
Children who work alongside occupational therapists can learn in ways that best suit their needs. If your child has special requirements, occupational therapy can be of assistance. They can show you how to teach your child new skills.
- Increase Independence
Senior adults can lose independence when they age. Family members and loved ones may be concerned about an older individual falling or injuring himself while alone at home. Families and loved ones may be concerned about older adults’ recovery from strokes or falls.
Occupational therapy can restore independence by helping older adults with their cognitive and bodily health. A therapist might help with hygiene tasks such as washing one’s hands, brushing their teeth, or taking a walk.
- Memory Enhancement
While many people associate occupational therapists with treating physical conditions, they are able to help with the mental health of patients. This includes memory.
Memory problems are common in older people, but they don’t have to be. An occupational therapist can help to prevent memory loss and improve memory function.
- Modifications Of Your Home
Occupational therapists work with people to modify their homes and provide daily activities. For someone with a disability, special equipment may be necessary to enable them to live comfortably in their home. The therapist may recommend a particular layout in a room or a set of colors for specific objects.
- Assistance To Caregivers
Another advantage of occupational therapy is its ability to offer training and guidance to caregivers. Parents of children with dementia or elderly parents often turn their attention to an occupational therapy professional for guidance.
- Visual Impairment:
Individuals with vision impairments may be served by occupational therapists. They can provide training and assistance in home modifications that will make life easier for those who have impaired vision.
An occupational therapist can recommend color-coded labeling or magnification to enhance visibility in an individual’s workplace or home.
