LOTS Therapeutic interventions - Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically include

• Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities
• Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
• Performance skills assessments and treatment
• Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
• Guidance to family members and caregivers

Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.

The occupational therapist enters the field with a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. The occupational therapy assistant generally earns an associate degree.

Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Most states also regulate occupational therapy practice.

Occupational therapy is an important resource for individuals with LOTS because an occupational therapist will work with the client to maximize independence in work social and work environments by the following strategies:

• Facilitate a person's joint movement and help to maintain it.
• Improve a person's dexterity and coordination.
• Develop and practice safe techniques for balance.
• Teach adaptive techniques to reduce the effects of a tremor for improved hand function.
• Implement activities that enhance a person's voice volume for better communication.
• Adapt handwriting techniques and introduce the use of a computer.
• Explore new ways of engaging in favorite activities or hobbies.
• Recommend adaptive equipment and train a person to use to perform daily tasks.
• Evaluate psychological and cognitive problems that may develop as a result of LOTS and help individuals cope with conditions that may include depression, stress, and dementia.
• Suggest home modifications that may improve safety or increase access or both.

Finding an Occupational Therapist

Please contact a State Occupational Therapy Association for assistance in locating an occupational therapist near you. Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico has an occupational therapy association. You can find the contact information in the state association drop down menu located at the bottom of AOTA's home page.

To find OTs specializing in Driver Rehabilitation search our driver rehabilitation database.