April is Occupational Therapy month. So what is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants work with people across the lifespan who struggle participating in the everyday activities they need and want to do. Therapists are able to maximize functioning through the use of therapeutic methods in the performance of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, help those who are recovering from injury to regain skills, and provide support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Katelin Wakefield, an occupational therapist for Brownwood Regional Medical Center’s Therapy Zone works daily utilizing Occupational Therapy to help those that may be struggling with everyday life skills. The goal of an Occupational Therapist is to achieve the best outcome in helping to re-build the skills for a better life; thereby helping you to live life to its fullest.
Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.
Erich Bogensberger, an occupational therapist for Brownwood Regional Medical Center said that occupational therapy looks at more than just work skills but strives to enhance the quality of life for the patient who may be struggling with basic life tasks. Erich went on to say that, “To us, occupational therapy looks at anything that occupies your time. We can help you build skills for the job of living.” Occupational Therapy plays an important role in facilitating early mobilization, restoring function, preventing further decline, stroke rehabilitation, upper extremity therapy including hand injuries, dementia, chronic pain and disease management, and coordinating care, including transition and discharge planning in a variety of settings including inpatient hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient settings.”
