Focused treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living skills of patients with a physical, mental or developmental condition.
A client-centered practice that places a premium on the progress toward the client’s goals and therapeutic interventions, occupational therapy is focused on adapting the environment, modifying the task, teaching the skill, and educating the client/family in order to increase participation in, and performance of activities of daily living that are most meaningful to the patient.
Basic activities of daily living (ADLs) consist of self-care tasks, including:
- Bathing/showering
- Dressing
- Eating/feeding
- Functional mobility
- Personal hygiene/grooming
- Toilet hygiene
Occupational therapy has been shown to increase functional ability in individuals with the following:
- Serious or chronic illness
- Post-stroke symptoms
- Serious spinal injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Change of condition post-surgery
Occupational therapy resources
Occupational Therapy and Guiding Patients Through Home Exercises
Occupational Therapy and the Importance of Patient/Family Education
The Value of Occupational Therapy in Today vs. Tomorrow's Healthcare System
