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.
Services offered by the occupational therapy team are many and varied
- Treatment of motor deficits (range of motion, coordination, etc.) and sensory perception of the upper extremities after neurological or orthopedic injuries, rheumatism or burns
- Instruction on activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating
- Consultation for the use of functional aides to enhance independence
- Assessment of cognition to determine thought process, memory, comprehension, judgement and to treat cognitive impairment
- Consultation on adapting the home and work environment appropriately for efficient and safe function
- Preparation of arm and leg braces, as needed, for support, pain relief, function, exercise and aesthetics
- Consultation for leisure time activities
- Computer skills as a leisure time tool (games, Internet), writing tool, tool for improving cognition, tool for receiving information, staying current and connecting with the world
- Occupational therapy psychiatrist (diagnosis, treatment, education and consultation) as needed for maximizing independence, developing the adaptation skills, vocational and functional deficits
What to bring to the treatment
Referral and medical summary from you treating physician - not needed for consultation for leisure time activities and learning to use the computer; reading glasses (as needed).
