Occupational Therapist Overview

For a physically challenged person, even simple activities like eating, walking or writing, can be an extremely difficult task. An occupational therapist is a person who helps them lead a more fulfilling  and independent life . Are you interested in becoming an occupational therapist? If so, go through the following.

 

An occupational therapist helps mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabled people improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily life. An occupational therapist not only helps people improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities but also compensates for permanent loss of function. The ultimate goal of an occupational therapist is to help people have independence and satisfying lives.

 

Take for instance, arthritis. People suffering from this chronic disease find even simple daily activities like dressing, cooking, eating, using a computer, etc very difficult to perform. An occupational therapist is a health care professional who makes a complete evaluation of the impact of the disease on the activities of the patient at home and in work situations. An occupational therapist also considers hobbies and recreational activities when making their assessment.

 

An occupational therapist first has a detailed talk with the patient by asking questions about hygiene, grooming, eating, drinking, dressing, getting in and out of bed, driving, cleaning, cooking, shopping, working, and sex life. An occupational therapist also conducts a physical examination, which extensively concentrates on range-of-motion and the observation of deformities. An occupational therapist then assesses the need for splints or supports, which might benefit the patient. In some cases, the therapist also helps design specific splints and assertive devices.

 

It is the responsibility of an occupational therapist to come up with newer ways to triumph over the imposed limitations. An occupational therapist can help the patient reduce joint strain, prevent further joint damage and conserve energy by teaching joint protection techniques. Physical exercises are used to increase strength and dexterity, while paper and pencil exercises may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns. 

 

A person with short-term memory loss, for instance, may be encouraged to make lists to aid recall. Someone with coordination problems is assigned exercises to improve hand-eye coordination. 

 

An occupational therapist also uses computer programs to help clients improve decision-making, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and perceptual skills, as well as memory, sequencing, and coordination - all of which are important for independent living.

 

For those with permanent functional disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, an occupational therapist helps in the use of adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, splints, and aids for eating and dressing. An occupational therapist also designs or makes special equipment needed at home or work. Therapists develop computer-aided adaptive equipment and teach clients with severe limitations how to use it. This equipment enables people to communicate better and to control other aspects of their environment.

 

An occupational therapist may work exclusively with individuals in a particular age group, or with particular disabilities. 

 

In schools, for example, an occupational therapist evaluates a child's abilities, recommends and provides therapy, modifies classroom equipment, and in general, helps children participate as fully as possible in school programmes and activities. 

 

An occupational therapist may also work with  individuals in rehabilitation centers to help them deal with alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, eating disorders, or stress related disorders.

 

An occupational therapist in hospitals and other health care and community settings usually works for long hours. Those in schools may also participate in meetings and other activities, during and after the school day. Occupational therapists also work in various non-governmental organizations 

 

An occupational therapist also helps the elderly population. He or she  helps senior citizens lead more productive, active and independent lives through a variety of methods, including the use of adaptive equipment.

 

Recording a client's activities and progress is an important part of an occupational therapist's job. Accurate records are essential for evaluating clients, billing, and reporting to physicians and others. 

 

Here is a list of medical colleges

 

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