Occupational therapy and occupational therapists

An occupational therapist believes that occupations are essential to life. Occupational therapists believe that occupations describe who you are and how you feel about yourself. If you are unable to do the things you want, or need to do, to live and to enjoy your life, then your general well-being may be affected. Occupational therapists work with people of any age to promote health, prevent disability, and develop or maintain abilities.

Occupational therapy provides the skills for the job of living and solves the problems that interfere with peoples ability to do the activities or occupations that are important to them. These problems may be a result of injury, disease, social disadvantage, or the environment. Occupation refers to the activities and tasks of daily life that have value and meaning to a person. Occupations can include self-care (i.e. personal care, mobility), leisure (i.e. social activities, sports) and productivity (play, school, employment, homemaking).

Occupational therapists are specialists in the analysis, adaptation and therapeutic use of occupations, to achieve goals jointly determined by the therapist and the client, in the context of their own home and community. In simple terms, as an occupational therapist you may assist a client to:

• learn new ways of doing things; for example dress or cook with one arm after a stroke.

• adapt materials or equipment they use; for example built up pencils and special seating for a child to attend school.

• make changes to their environment; for example negotiate with an employer for a gradual return-to-work plan following a motor vehicle accident.

Canadian occupational therapists are known worldwide for their client-centred approach. The knowledge, experience and self-determination of the client are valued in the practice of occupational therapy.

Where occupational therapists work

There is a wide range of settings within which occupational therapists work.

Home and Community

Home care, private practices, health boards, community mental health centres, clinics, halfway houses, groups homes, vocational programs, community action groups, and workers compensation boards.

Institutions

Hospitals, intermediate and long term care facilities, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, mental health centres, correctional institutions, recreation centres, schools, universities and colleges, research centers.

Industry and business

Corporations, rehabilitation companies, insurance companies, and architectural firms.

Government

All levels of government advising in the areas of health promotion, disability prevention/management, accessibility, vocational/health planning and international rehabilitation program development.

The above information is from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy:

• www.caot.ca

   Click here for a PowerPoint Presentation on Occupational Therapy at FSCC

Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre