What Does An Occupational Therapist Do?
Occupational therapy has become more and more popular as a career choice in recent years. While more people are looking for jobs in this field, many people still don’t know what an occupational therapist is and what they do. An occupational therapist helps all kinds of people dealing with many different complications to manage their symptoms and conditions. The main goal is to help patients be able to fully regain functionality in their everyday life. This means they can help all kinds of people to help them get back to work or everyday activities like walking, talking, cooking, and many more. They also work with all kinds of people, from elderly folks to help them with everyday tasks, or adults with work-related issues, and even children to help with injuries, conditions, or disabilities. If you or a loved one require an occupational therapist in Nassau County, NY, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy and see what we have to offer.
To help patients an occupational therapist will start with a few personalized and customized steps. These steps can include:
- Observe the patient in different settings as needed, ask the patient and family questions, and review medical history to evaluate the patient’s needs and conditions.
- Use said observations to develop a treatment plan for patients depending on their issues and needs.
- Educate family, friends, and employers to help accommodate the patient
- Evaluating home, school and workplace to improve these places for the patient
With these starting steps, an occupational therapist can help their patients to start getting back on their feet. These help the therapist plan out a treatment or help plan for their patients and get them moving on in their life.
Who can an Occupational Therapist help
Adults
Occupational therapists can help people with all kinds of disabilities to be able to do everyday activities again. They can help patients manage painful conditions brought on by their disability, especially ones that prevent function due to pain. In the case of cerebral palsy, they can give the patient appropriate equipment such as braces, wheelchairs, and even eating aids. They can also help patients with arthritis manage fine motor skill issues, pain in the joints and hands, and help them regain functionality. Along with these, many disabilities can be managed with the help of an occupational therapist. To speak with an occupational therapist in Nassau County, NY to learn more about how they can help you, contact us at East End Occupational Therapy!
Occupational therapists also work with patients with mental health problems and disabilities. These therapists work with patients that have developmental disabilities, mental illness, and emotional problems. They help these patients manage their complications and engage in a more fulfilling everyday life. They work with patients on anything from developing life skills such as management, budgeting, and social skills to working on specific tasks that may be difficult or compromised due to the patient’s condition.
Elderly
Occupational therapists can also work with the elderly to help them regain or develop independence and live a more full life. They can help manage wear and tear complications that develop in the elderly, from pain management to physical therapy to improve mobility and function in the elderly’s everyday life. They can also assess the environment of the elderly, creating a more functional work and life space, removing hazards or other obstacles that can become a hindrance in that person’s life, and work with the patient to become more functionally independent. If your loved one needs an occupational therapist in Nassau County, NY, East End Occupational Therapy can be there to help!
Pediatrics
Additionally, occupational therapists can help children and students who have complications that hinder development, learning, and growth. Many conditions can put a child at risk of delaying social and learning skills. Some of these conditions include:
- Birth complications
- Traumatic injuries
- Pervasive developmental disorders
- Development problems
- Spina bifida
- Chronic illnesses such as cerebral palsy
In addition to these, children who have sensory processing disorders may be difficult to diagnose, but these disorders can hinder a child’s growth if not managed properly. Sensory processing disorders include hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, both of which can majorly impair your child at home or in school.
However, an occupational therapist can help your child manage conditions such as these. An occupational therapist can work with your child by:
- Improving motor skills
- Addressing issues such as hand-eye coordination
- Learning basics tasks naturally
- Maintaining a more positive behavior
- Improving attention and social skills
- Recommend specialized and personalized tools to help your child
Occupational therapy can be used to help a wide range of patients dealing with many different complications. The use of specialized techniques customized to your specific needs can be a great help to many different people. To find out what an occupational therapist can do for you, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy, and speak with an occupational therapist in Nassau County, NY.
