Exploring the Role of Occupational Therapists in Improving Daily Functioning

A question we commonly get asked is “what do Occupational Therapists do?”

Occupational therapists are health professionals that look at our clients’ everyday tasks and activities as well as seeing if there are ways, we can help to make things easier or safer for our clients[1].

At Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy we work with a wide range of clients in some of the following areas:

• Equipment prescription – such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, electric adjustable beds, and mobile shower commodes.

• Minor Home modifications – such as step modifications and grab rails.

• Individual therapy – daily living tasks training, upper limb therapy and school skills such as handwriting. Book a session with an allied health assistant here: https://www.shoalhavenoccupationaltherapy.com.au/individual-session-bookings/

• Groups – we run a range of groups such as social skills, fine motor skills and school readiness. Book here: https://www.shoalhavenoccupationaltherapy.com.au/group-programs/

• Providing practical client specific resources including daily planners and routines, meal preparation booklets, activity booklets to build on specific skills such as fine motor, gross motor, and handwriting.

Therapy can look different for every client depending on their needs and abilities.

Therapy for paediatric client will often be consist of individual and groups session which will focus on a arrange of skills including social skills, emotional regulation, school readiness, fine and gross motor skills.

For teenage and young adult client will often focus on job and life skill to help improve client’s independence and preparation for employment

Every day is different at Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy. We also acknowledge that all our clients’ needs are different and so we tailor intervention to suit the needs of the client.

Have more question on the role of the occupational therapist or how we can help? Call our clinic on : 02 44 21 6013 or make a referral on the website: Make a Referral

More information on Occupational Therapy can be found on the following websites:

• Occupational Therapy Australia: https://www.otaus.com.au/about/about-ot

• World Federation of Occupational Therapists: https://wfot.org/about/about-occupational-therapy

[1] https://www.otaus.com.au/about/about-ot