Occupational Therapist
This difficulty can be due to factors such as physical disability, illness, trauma, ageing or mental and emotional ailments. Occupational therapists look at relationships between the activities (occupations) done every day and the challenges posed in the environment.
A personalised plan of action and adjustments is created based upon the individual. The goal is to assist people in overcoming daily challenges so they can live as fully and independently as possible.
Everyday help they may provide includes;
- Developing intervention plans to address an individuals needs and enable them to meet specific goals
- Assessing an individual’s home and/or work environment and recommending adaptations to fit the individuals needs and enhance independence
- Training individuals and their caregivers to use special equipment/ technology
- Assessing and documenting progress
Occupational therapists are people who;
- Possess great communication skills and patience
- Have excellent observational skills
- Are flexible and creative problem solvers
- Are empathetic
Occupational therapist training comprises of a degree in occupational therapy, which usually lasts 3 years (BSc ‘Hons’ Occupational Therapy) or occasionally 2 years (MSc ‘pre registration’ a occupational therapy) if one already possesses a degree. Once training is completed graduate OTs must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before starting to practice.
