The Importance Of Occupational Therapists In Healthcare
October 7th, 2016 / By triOS College
Have you ever been injured and faced problems with mobility? Has a relative found day-to-day activities challenging as a result of aging? Do you know of someone suffering from an issue who needed help beyond what a mental health professional routinely provides? These are all common examples of people that occupational therapists assist in the course of their duties. The common goal is to find ways for clients to function as normally as their current condition allows. This often involves examining the environmental, community, and psycho-social factors in their lives.
For clients dealing with an injury, illness, disability or mental health, a change in function, or barriers in the social or physical environment, occupational therapy seeks to enable them to function as normally as their current condition allows.
Helping Clients Battle Disease
Certain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, make it very difficult for those afflicted to perform basic tasks of everyday living. Occupational therapists work with clients in specific areas to better the chances of them functioning independently in future.
These include:
- Home or workplace modification
- Modifying homemaking and cooking methods
- Re-learning or learning new methods that allow for the execution of everyday skills
- Handwriting aid
- Wheelchair use
- Hand and arm therapy
Helping Stroke Survivors and the Elderly
Major health incidents, such as strokes, can have devastating effects on both the body and mind. Occupational therapists help such clients regain as much of their normal functioning as possible through exercise and other activities specifically tailored to that individual.
Even seniors who have not suffered any form of cardiac event or other debilitating emergency can have additional needs, due to the aging process. Conquering these challenges can involve the use of mobility devices, home modification to increase safety, and assistance to combat the effects of memory loss.
Helping Those with Mental Health Challenges
The occupational therapist works with clients to find ways that will help them with tasks they personally find challenging. They also encourage the individual to take part in meaningful activities and use/expand their social connections to engender support and friendship.
While some might think that occupational therapy addresses only the effects of disease or injury, this role includes other important responsibilities. We have covered just a few examples of the essential services that occupational therapists provide. This form of therapy plays a key role in aiding individuals suffering from a wide range of afflictions to achieve a feeling of happiness and well-being.
Let’s Get Started
If you are ready to jump into this supportive profession, triOS College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program is a comprehensive 16-week course that teaches all of the fundamentals you require to get started. Students receive an overview of the theory, principles, and practices involved. Graduates are ready to apply for positions in hospitals, private rehabilitation clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and other settings that provide rehabilitation services. Evening and weekend classes are also available to assist those already working in another field.
Contact triOS now for more information and start dates at the campus nearest you!
Click to learn about our Occupational Therapy Assistant or Physiotherapy Assistant programs at triOS. Visit our Physiotherapy Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant program page to discover more.