The Importance of Self-Care in Occupational Therapy

Self care tip

Introduction

Self-care is more than just brushing your teeth or taking a shower—it’s about managing the everyday tasks that help us live independently and maintain our dignity, health, and wellbeing. For many individuals living with disability, chronic illness, injury, or age-related changes, these tasks can become difficult or even impossible without support.

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in helping people regain, develop, or adapt their self-care routines. This blog explores what self-care means in occupational therapy, common challenges, and the practical ways OTs support independence and quality of life.

What is Self-Care?

In occupational therapy, self-care refers to the activities of daily living (ADLs) that everyone needs to complete for personal health and hygiene. These include:

• Bathing and showering

• Dressing and grooming

• Eating and drinking

• Toileting and hygiene

• Taking medications

• Managing emotional and mental wellbeing

When someone struggles with self-care, it can impact every part of their life—from their physical health to their confidence, relationships, and participation in the community.

Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care is a foundation of independence. Being able to look after ourselves affects how we feel about our capabilities, our sense of dignity, and our participation in society.

Losing the ability to manage basic personal care tasks can be distressing, but occupational therapy can offer hope, support, and solutions.

Common Challenges with Self-Care

People may experience self-care difficulties for many reasons:

• Physical limitations (e.g., weakness, reduced mobility, pain)

• Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis)

• Cognitive impairments (e.g., memory loss, confusion, brain injury)

• Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety)

• Sensory processing difficulties (e.g., for autistic children or those with sensory sensitivities)

Even simple tasks like brushing teeth or getting dressed can become overwhelming. That’s where OT steps in—to break down tasks and provide tools and strategies that make self-care more achievable.

How Occupational Therapists Support Self-Care

Occupational therapists are experts in functional, everyday activities. We focus on what matters to the client and find ways to help them do it more easily, safely, and independently.

1. Assessment of Abilities and Environment

The first step is understanding the client’s strengths, challenges, routines, and home environment. This includes:

• Movement and coordination

• Cognitive skills (e.g., memory, sequencing)

• Sensory sensitivities

• Environmental barriers (e.g., inaccessible bathrooms)

2. Task Modification

OTs may teach different ways to complete a task—for example, dressing while seated or using one hand. Breaking down tasks into smaller steps and practicing in a safe space can build skills over time.

3. Assistive Equipment

Assistive technology is often essential in supporting self-care. Examples include:

• Shower chairs and grab rails

• Long-handled sponges or dressing sticks

• Adaptive cutlery and plate guards

• Medication organisers or reminders

• Visual schedules or timers

Our team can trial equipment with clients and help apply for funding through the NDIS or My Aged Care.

4. Skill Development

Through practice, repetition, and positive reinforcement, OTs support clients in building confidence and capability. This may involve:

• Motor skill development (e.g., fine motor coordination)

• Improving hand strength or grip

• Learning sequencing and routines

For children, this may involve play-based therapy. For adults, this might mean rebuilding daily routines after illness or injury.

5. Emotional and Behavioural Support

Self-care can be frustrating when tasks feel too hard. OTs help clients manage these emotions and adjust expectations so they can approach self-care with a sense of success. We often work closely with families, carers, or other health professionals in this process.

Self-Care Support Across the Lifespan

For Children

Children may need help developing self-care skills like brushing teeth, toileting, or dressing. OTs use play, visual aids, and structured routines to help build independence in these tasks.

For Adults

Adults recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic illness often need support to return to self-care tasks. We provide strategies for fatigue management, pain minimisation, and environmental modifications.

For Older Adults

Ageing can lead to mobility and memory changes that make personal care difficult. OTs assist with home safety assessments, personal alarm systems, bathroom modifications, and training in using aids.

Real-World Example

Ella*, a 12-year-old girl with autism, experienced distress during her morning routine—particularly around dressing and brushing her hair. Through therapy with our OT team, she now uses a visual schedule, calming strategies, and sensory-friendly tools (like a detangling brush and soft clothes). Her family says mornings are calmer and more independent than ever before.

(*Name changed for privacy)

The OT Difference

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we know how personal and emotional self-care can be. Our occupational therapists work alongside clients to:

• Understand your goals and challenges

• Recommend practical tools and routines

• Provide hands-on support and encouragement

• Assist with NDIS funding applications and equipment trials

Whether it’s helping a child dress themselves, enabling an adult to shower safely, or supporting an older person to stay in their home longer, we’re here to help you live your best life.

Final Thoughts

Self-care is essential to independence, dignity, and quality of life. When these everyday tasks become difficult, occupational therapy offers realistic, compassionate, and empowering solutions.

If you or a loved one is struggling with self-care tasks, reach out to our team. We’re ready to help you build confidence, regain skills, and feel in control of your day again.