What Is an Occupational Therapist?

An occupational therapist is a medical professional specialising in treating people with physical disabilities. However, occupational therapists can also work with people with mental, emotional, or behavioural disorders. Regardless of the nature of the therapy, therapists aim to help people participate in the activities of daily living.

Occupational therapists treat people with physical impairments.

Occupational therapists are health care professionals who help people with physical impairments with daily activities such as dressing, grooming, and hygiene. They also provide help with finances and social activities. In addition, they often work with other healthcare professionals to provide adequate care. Occupational therapists treat people with a wide range of physical and mental impairments.

The ADA provides some crucial guidelines for occupational therapy practice. OTs should consider the legal definition of disability and examine the rights of people with disabilities. Laws are generally a combination of rules a politically organised society sets. Occupational therapists are trained in ethical and legal principles and should be familiar with both.

Occupational therapists treat people with physical impairments by analysing the client’s functional limitations and strengths. This assessment will help the therapist develop customised treatment plans. The therapist will also determine the items necessary for a particular activity, and occupational therapists can also refer clients for other rehabilitation services. They can also arrange for supplies of equipment.

They also treat people with mental, emotional, or behavioural disorders

Occupational therapy is a profession that provides treatment for a variety of health problems. It includes physical disabilities and disorders of the brain. These disorders often require hospitalisation or emergency treatment. Occupational therapy can help these patients regain their daily life skills and function better.

Occupational therapists base their work on the notion that activities are intrinsically connected to one’s health. Activities give a person a sense of purpose, identity, and connection to others. Therefore, people need to be active and engaged in activities to be happy and healthy.

Mental health disorders, including depression, can cause significant difficulties in everyday life. Patients often experience a loss of motivation and self-esteem. Mental illness affects every aspect of a person’s life and can disrupt their ability to carry out daily activities. In addition, it can be devastating, affecting self-esteem and relationships with others. 

They help them engage in daily activities.

Occupational therapy is a treatment that helps people with various physical disabilities engage in daily activities. This therapy focuses on environmental and person-oriented programs to help patients perform their daily activities more quickly and safely. It involves teaching new techniques and providing equipment to help patients complete everyday tasks.

It can also involve providing resources to help the patient reduce stress levels. Occupational therapy programs also emphasise the importance of teamwork. It requires coordination with other health care professionals, caregivers, and family members.

They work in a variety of settings.

Occupational therapy can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home settings. Inpatient settings typically require fewer evaluations and more time for intervention, and patients often stay longer. Interventions often focus on improving independence skills and addressing ADLs. Outpatient settings involve seeing patients on a weekly or monthly basis.

Pediatric occupational therapists work with children in hospital settings and schools. They can also be assigned to neonatal units to help children born with developmental disabilities. They also may provide training to new parents or caregivers. As a result, occupational therapists serve as an essential link between the health care system and the educational system.

Occupational therapists help people with physical impairments overcome challenges related to their daily lives. They focus on physical, psychological, social, and environmental impairments. Their work can help people regain their independence, increase self-esteem, and change their outlook.

They must pass a criminal background check.

All graduate students applying to the Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy must complete a criminal background check. These reports must be submitted to the school at least six weeks before the start of the clinical rotation. A student with a felony conviction may be ineligible to complete the program. In addition, some clinical sites may require repeated background checks. These requirements are listed on the Clinical Site Information Form.