What is occupational therapy?

I have decide to try and do a post every week about various aspects of my occupation and what it entails. Not very many people are familiar with occupational therapy and what exactly I do. So here goes.

What is occupational therapy? Most people often confuse Occupational Therapy (OT) with Physical Therapy (PT). They are NOT synonymous. PT, in the skilled nursing setting, focuses on gross motor movements including (but not limited to) ambulation and gait, lower extremity strengthening, stairs, transfers, bed mobility. OT focuses on Activities of daily livings (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, self-feeding, and ADL transfers; instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) including home management, and meal prep, along with strengthening of the upper extremities and safety awareness.

My perspective comes from a skilled nursing facility(SNF) perspective, meaning I typically work in a rehab facility with the 55+ population who either were living independently prior, or were living in assisted living, Independent living or in long term care.

The role of OT in SNF's is primarily to teach and facilitate maximum independence with ADLs and IADLs in order to allow the patient to return to their prior level of functioning. That does not always happen but it is the ultimate goal. This often requires getting into the nitty gritty of daily life to ensure the patient is able to function as independently and safely as possible. The motto of OT is to allow people to "live life to the fullest."

This is a broad overview but OT has many relams and areas including hand therapy, outpatient clinics, pediatrics, acute care, school based therapy, and home health. I love what I do and look forward to opening your eyes to a marvelous profession.