What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a profession concerned with what we do in our daily lives (our occupation) and how this both affects and is affected by our health.
Occupation includes:
- Looking after yourself (self-care)
- Enjoying your life and being with others (leisure and social life)
- Being productive (for example, work or college activities).
The main goal of occupational therapy is to support you to take part in the everyday activities that matter to you. Occupational therapy aims to contribute to your sense of wellbeing, independence and satisfaction in daily life.
What do occupational therapists do?
Occupational therapists are members of the MDT. You may work with an occupational therapist on a programme or for one-to-one meetings.
Examples of work you might do with an occupational therapist include:
- Completing an assessment to identify your current needs and concerns
- Exploring lifestyle changes and set related goals to support your recovery
- Developing skills to help you live more independently
- Finding ways to make your daily activities easier or more enjoyable
- Developing a balanced and satisfying routine
- Getting ideas or information to help you take part in leisure or community activities
- Identifying social supports and outlets you might find helpful
- Preparing for your discharge from hospital and to stay well at home.
Why occupational therapy?
- Occupational therapists understand how illness or challenging life events can impact a person’s ability to do the things that are important for them.
- Occupational therapists understand how activity and health are linked and work with people to maintain the life roles and activities that support their health.
- Occupational therapists use evidence-based information in their practice to enable people to live their lives in a meaningful and satisfying way.
- Occupational therapists take a person-centered approach which emphasises a person’s strengths and preferences.
- Occupational therapists recognise and promote the rights of people of all abilities to take part in the activities of everyday life.
Is occupational therapy relevant to me?
Occupational therapists support people with all types of mental health issues. Occupational therapy is concerned with how these issues may impact your ability to do the things that are important to you. Because you are a unique person, your occupational therapy plan will be specific to your needs and priorities.
If you are referred to occupational therapy, the first step is to complete an assessment which will help you and your occupational therapist decide if occupational therapy may be right for you at this time.
How do I access occupational therapy services?
Referrals to occupational therapy are made during weekly team meetings. Not everyone who comes into hospital is referred for occupational therapy. Referral is based on your individual needs and care plan.
If you think occupational therapy may be helpful to your recovery, you can speak about this further with your team.
Where can I get more information about occupational therapy?
For more information on occupational therapy, see the following websites:
