 Occupational Therapy???

 Occupational Therapy is a health profession that views “health” as a balance of psychological, social, emotional, spiritual well-being.  OT is a “doing” type of therapy. OTs create therapeutic environments which help individuals develop new ways of coping with the challenges of life in meaningful and enjoyable ways.

Background  Client-centered profession, with a focus on Occupational performance i.e. the interaction of the client with occupations and the environment.  Concerned with how individuals function in their work, leisure, domestic life and personal care.  A healthy person is one who has a balanced lifestyle and is able to perform his/her daily occupations to a satisfying and effective level  When a person becomes unwell there can be a disruption in his/her ability to perform effectively within the occupational performance areas and in everyday roles or routines. An OT focuses on improving the person’s ability to function within these areas.

The tool box  OTs use activities as a therapeutic tool and as an assessment tool to gain insight into a person’s cognitive abilities.  Activities need to be both purposeful and meaningful for the individual and are used to assist him/her in improving his/her performance skills and therefore maximizing his/her independence.  Focus on the person’s strengths and abilities in order to assist him/her to overcome particular problems.  Take into account the environment in which he/she performs daily occupations

Why Activities?  Engaging in activity enables the individual to explore and express feelings, gain awareness of his/her capacity for competence, control and mastery.  It motivates and energizes the individual from a physical and psychological perspective.  Activity can assist to structure day, giving meaning and a sense of purpose to our lives by providing the opportunity to interact and connect with others, to build relationships and to participate in community life.

OT Process  Referral from MDT  Assessment Rapport, collateral history Initial Interview e.g. Functional Ax, Home Visit, Cognitive Ax, Vocational Ax, Environmental Needs Ax  Intervention Rx planned with the person, carer, team, family Identify activities most meaningful and purposeful to the individual’s needs, prioritize needs, identify strengths, set goals, evaluate Individual or group intervention, with MDT or in liaison with community supports Review, feedback, discharge / maintain contact

Types of Intervention  Skill Development e.g. Coping skills, Discharge Planning, CLS  Role identification and development  Vocational Exploration e.g. training, volunteering, education, employment  Environmental Ax- Home visit & safety Ax  Advice on modification of the Environment, Advice on Aids and Appliances  Task Based Group Intervention e.g. craft, gardening, kitchen group, woodwork  Social Groups.e.g. social interaction group, discussions, outings

Types of Intervention  Personal Development e.g. Assertiveness, Anger Mgt, Change Mgt, Negative Thinking, Self Esteem, Motivation, Goal Setting, Communication, Developing Relationships etc  Stress/Anxiety Management & Relaxation Techniques  Activities of Daily Living e.g. self care, meal prep, laundry, money mgt, shopping  Promotion of leisure opportunities, social integration  Psycho-education e.g family support and education.  Liaison with Community Occupational Therapists, CPNs, Public Health Nurses and relevant Voluntary Bodies (support groups, FÁS, training centres, counsellors etc.)

In summary Occupational Therapy is: “the assessment and the prescription of activities, interactions and adaptations to enable the individual to develop, regain or retain the occupational skills and roles required to maintain personal well-being and to achieve meaningful goals and relationships appropriate to relevant social and cultural setting.” (Hagedorn 1992)

Thank you Any Questions?