Occupational therapy is the advanced specialty dealing with the functional components and fields of man. Functional components are those elements that enable the planning and execution of activities of daily living that include: motor function, sensory perception, cognition, spirituality, and social and interpersonal interactions. The functional fields are those fields that are planned and executed as the activities of daily living: self-care, work and leisure activity.
The goals of occupational therapy include
- Maximizing independence
- Developing adaptation skills
- Preventing functional deficit
- Maintaining maximum health
For whom is occupational therapy appropriate?
Occupational therapy is appropriate for patients with motor and sensory loss of the upper extremities, cognitive deficiencies, with daily functioning, for healthy individuals interested in consultation regarding leisure time activity and for the elderly interested in learning to use computers.
Occupational Therapy Services
- Motor and sensory assessment and treatment of the upper limbs following neurological, orthopedic, and rheumatologic conditions
- Cognitive assessment and treatment, including memory, perception, judgment, and thinking processes
- Assessment and treatment of basic and advanced activities of daily living
- Assessment and treatment of hand injuries
- Individually fitted hand splints
- Recommendations for assistive devices to support independent functioning
- Ergonomic consultation for prevention and treatment of cumulative musculoskeletal injuries
- Home accessibility and adaptation recommendations to promote safe, independent functioning
- Fall prevention counseling
Patients should bring a referral from their physician, a medical summary, and eyeglasses if applicable.
The Occupational Therapy Service at the Child Development Institute provides assessment and treatment for children with functional developmental delays. Treatment is child-centered and play-based, with goals established together with parents and ongoing parental guidance.
The service is intended for children up to age 6 with conditions including:
- Sensory processing and regulation difficulties (SPD)
- Motor and graphomotor difficulties
- Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Attention difficulties (ADHD/ADD)
- Premature infants and children at developmental risk
- Musculoskeletal conditions, including cerebral palsy
- Genetic syndromes
- Global developmental delay
The service also offers parent guidance groups, school-readiness groups, and groups for mothers and babies.
The occupational therapy team at Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital and the NICU provides services throughout the pediatric inpatient departments.
The team focuses on preventing complications following congenital or acquired conditions, maintaining and improving motor, sensory and cognitive abilities, and promoting independence in daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, personal hygiene, communication, play, and learning.
In the NICU, occupational therapists provide developmental and sensory-motor support for premature infants, including positioning and sensory regulation adapted to the infant’s developmental stage, as well as guidance for parents and staff.
Services include assessment and screening, individual treatment, patient and caregiver education, parent counseling, referrals to community services, environmental adaptations, assistive devices, and custom splinting.
Occupational therapy in the Geriatric Division includes comprehensive sensory-motor, cognitive, and functional assessment, followed by individualized treatment.
Treatment may include motor and sensory rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, practice of daily activities in a therapeutic apartment, guidance for independent functioning, recommendations for assistive devices, custom upper-limb splints, ergonomic consultation, and home adaptations to improve safety and independence.
Occupational therapy includes functional and cognitive assessment to identify patients’ abilities, challenges, and level of functioning. Individual treatment plans are developed according to each patient’s needs, goals, and daily roles.
Treatment focuses on promoting independence in daily life, education or employment, leisure activities, social participation, and community integration. Both individual and group therapy are provided, with referrals to community rehabilitation and support services when needed.
Psychogeriatric Day Center
The center provides assessment and treatment for older adults with psychogeriatric conditions, including depression and dementia. Occupational therapy focuses primarily on cognitive assessment and treatment, environmental adaptations, and maintaining independence.
Treatment may include therapeutic gardening, Snoezelen therapy, computer-based activities, group sessions, and individual therapy. Guidance is also provided to staff, caregivers, and families on environmental adaptations, assistive devices, appropriate activities, and managing behavioral difficulties.
Occupational therapy in the Rehabilitation Division includes sensory-motor, cognitive, and functional assessment, followed by individualized daily treatment.
Services include motor and sensory rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, practice of daily activities in a therapeutic apartment, training for independent functioning, assistive device recommendations, custom upper-limb splints, ergonomic consultation, and home adaptations to promote safety and independence.
Rehabilitation Day Hospital
Occupational therapy focuses on improving physical, cognitive, and social functioning and supporting the patient’s return to meaningful roles and participation in the community. Treatment is provided both individually and in groups and is tailored to each patient’s abilities, needs, goals, and personal background.