A guide to Occupational Therapy – a service provided by the experienced team at Oak Park Clinic in Crondall, Farnham.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy helps you live your life in the way which suits you best, achieving things that are important to YOU. It’s about being able to do the things you want or need to do. The word “occupation” in this context, means activity and this could mean very different things for different people. Occupational therapists help people find new ways of doing things in the light of changing physical, cognitive, or mental health.
The environment in which we perform our individual “activity” (the things we do which make us “us”) has a huge impact on the outcome of those activities. So OT’s work with individuals to make changes to their environments and / or selves. When we change the environment, we describe this as “environmental adaption”, when we change an individuals abilities, we call this “rehabilitation”. OTs priorities your wellbeing and ability to participate in activities you feel are a priority.
Occupational therapists have completed a degree level course of study, usually over 3 years. It’s also a science-based, health and social care profession that’s regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
Occupational Therapists work with individuals to create a plan of goals and adjustments targeted at achieving a specific set of activities. The plan is practical, realistic and personal to you as an individual.
This support can give people a renewed sense of purpose. It can also open up new opportunities and change the way people feel about the future.
Occupational therapists help people with physical disabilities and long term conditions to get the most out of life.
The emphasis is on finding an optimal level, whatever the barrier. That often means looking at how an activity, or the physical or social environment it takes place in, can be modified or adapted to make things easier. Just as importantly, the therapist will discuss how someone feels about their ability to tackle problems.
Occupational therapists help older people do activities that are important to them, enhance their wellbeing and keep them healthy. This can include putting into place solutions that keep them safe and active, like walking aids or changes to the home. Occupational therapists can also help to find more opportunities for social contact and work with them to increase their confidence when meeting new people.
Why Would I Need an Occupational Therapist?
You may need an Occupational Therapist if you’re…
- recovering from an accident
- are physically disabled
- have a life-long disability
- are getting older and would like help to maximize your independence and/or plan support
- moving in to a new house, or home environment
We’d love to chat with you at your pace, and when you are ready.
Please get in touch to book your first appointment with one of Oak Park Clinic’s Occupational Therapists.