After a health incident, like a stroke, occupational therapy helps kids and adults learn and regain abilities. In order to function more readily with their illness, it also helps people modify their surroundings, such as their residences.
Your doctor could suggest occupational therapy (OT) for you if you’ve had an injury, surgery, or another change in your health condition. Developing skills that will enable you to continue your usual tasks at home and at work is a common part of occupational therapy.
You should be able to live and work independently as much as possible with the aid of OT. This could imply:
- Assisting an elderly person in adjusting to mobility issues
- Assisting a person who is injured to return to work
- Assisting a youngster to reach a developmental milestone
What precisely is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) aids in the recovery of ordinary abilities that have been lost due to an injury, disease, or change in your health. For instance, physical therapy can assist you in regaining strength and movement following a wide range of health problems like a stroke or surgery.
OT aids in the recovery of abilities like writing and cooking.
It also aids with adaptation. Occupational therapists can assess your home, place of employment, or place of education. This enables them to suggest adaptive technology and other solutions that can aid in navigating life.
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Occupational therapists are crucial in supporting caregivers. An occupational therapist can show you how to use equipment, give medication, or offer help if you are looking after a loved one at home.
The overall objectives of OT are to assist you in doing daily activities securely.
- Assist you in regaining or preserving your independence
- Ensure that caretakers are aware of the best ways to assist their loved ones
How many people require occupational therapy?
OT may be prescribed by a doctor if you have a number of illnesses that limit your capacity to carry out daily chores. Occupational therapy (OT) can be beneficial if the movement has been impacted by a long-term injury, illness, cognitive change, or when a prosthesis has been fitted for an amputation.
Expectations in occupational therapy
Each person’s experience with OT could differ slightly. To create a strategy that is effective for you, your therapist will consider your requirements, surroundings, and medical history. This includes supplying caregivers and other family members with advice and training.
Adult
OT aids individuals in relearning or learning a variety of abilities. Your occupational therapist could be useful for:
- life skills including getting dressed, cooking, eating, and taking care of oneself
- both focus and memory
- both large and small motor skills
- daily habits
Children
Activities that help children and young people learn, have fun, gain life skills, and thrive are called vocations. In occupational therapy, therapists search for common developmental tasks and what keeps the kid from achieving them.
They develop a plan after conducting a thorough examination and working with parents, carers, and other professionals to adjust and adapt to the child’s activities and surroundings. At the same time, they help the kid develop the flexibility and adaptability needed for successful play, education, interpersonal interactions, and life skills.
OT addresses a variety of requirements in kids, such as:
- Developmental alterations
- Physical harm or ailment
- Emotional and behavioral issues
How well does occupational therapy work?
In 2017 research in clinics in the Midwest of the United States, 166 patients with musculoskeletal conditions related to their jobs were monitored by OT.
Exercise, general job simulation, strengthening, core stability, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance were all part of the treatment. Additionally, some participants received body mechanics instruction, psychological counseling, and stress management training.
How much is an Occupational therapist paid?
In comparison to other employment markets, occupational therapist positions in the U.S. are extremely competitive as of April 2021, with an average of 5.8 job applicants per opening. US typical hourly pay: $45.84
How to find Occupational therapists jobs near me
If you want to identify the ideal occupational therapist for your company, think about experimenting with the following recruiting techniques. You can also get the job for applying some of the techniques listed below because you would get to meet recruiters who need your services.
Use your neighborhood network.
Find out if any other therapists, current or former coworkers, or members of your local AHSA, APTA, or AOTA organization know of anyone looking for work as an occupational therapist.
Place a help wanted sign up.
Assistance wanted sign can be an effective technique to draw candidates to your business if it experiences high foot traffic.
Attend a seminar or a social gathering.
Throughout the year, the AOTA holds a number of conferences for occupational therapists. These gatherings can be useful for locating occupational therapists who are looking for work.
Employ a recruiter.
Recruiters can assist you in finding an occupational therapist. They interview candidates before hiring them, check references, and confirm that licenses and CPR certifications are current.
Post a job for it online.
To locate and draw qualified occupational therapist candidates, try posting your job on Indeed.
Does occupational therapy have a future?
The field of occupational therapy is still thriving despite changes to Medicare compensation for rehabilitation services. In hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and other clinical settings, occupational therapists will always be required.
Where is the greatest need for occupational therapists?
Occupational therapists can work practically anywhere, although big locations like Dallas, Texas, Las Vegas, Nevada, San Diego, California, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida offer the best career opportunities.
Summary
Your ability to carry out responsibilities at home, at work, or in school may change as a result of an injury or sickness. OT teaches you how to adjust both physically and intellectually so that you can perform tasks more quickly. OT and PT are not the same. Physical therapy focuses on regaining muscle movement and strength. OT emphasizes life skills, social skills, cerebral abilities, and fine motor movements.