Creating Healthy Patterns: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Helping Individuals Meet Their Goals

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Many times, simple things like dressing up, cooking food, or organising one’s time become very complicated because of some health condition, disabilities, or development. This is where occupational therapy comes into play. It does not mean that an occupational therapist will make someone better but rather assist individuals in creating proper structures and skills necessary to become independent in their activities.

What is Involved in Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is based on the idea that being active and participating in different activities is vital for a person’s health and wellness. A therapist assesses what is important for an individual and what he or she is having difficulties with. Then, the practitioner helps a person to find ways to deal with this issue.

It may include analysing the way in which a person moves within the living space, discovering obstacles to performing certain self-care activities, and finding solutions to manage fatigue and other issues.

Routine as the Basis for Health and Wellness

One of the areas that gets very little discussion but makes perhaps the biggest contribution to occupational therapy is that of routine. A routine not only promotes effectiveness but also offers structure, reduces stress, and helps build the kind of stability that is essential for good health and wellness.

For those who live with chronic illness, mental health conditions, or other forms of disability, routines mean the difference between having a manageable day and an unmanageable one. These routines must be designed in collaboration with the client and take into account their actual capabilities.

NDIS Support to Help Participants Reach Their Goals

Occupational therapy NDIS services that can be used to help Australian participants in achieving their goals and increasing their independence are provided with the help of their funding plans. Occupational therapists are specially trained for aligning their work with the requirements of NDIS plans and supporting people in reaching their goals.

In the case of occupational therapy services for NDIS participants, it means that people can learn how to perform such activities as meal preparation, get the required skills for attending work or studies, learn how to control their medication, schedule their appointments, etc.

Expectations from the First Session with a Therapist

In an initial appointment with an occupational therapist, the discussion will be focused on the lifestyle and challenges faced by the patient. The conversation does not represent the interrogatory type. Rather, it is an opportunity for the therapist to map out the situation before suggesting a solution.

After that, a plan for therapy is worked out in collaboration with the patient and can include home visits, practising certain actions, environmental adjustments or the use of assistive devices. Goals are being set, checked periodically, and if necessary, adjusted.

The Importance of Goal Setting in Occupational Therapy

The goals of the occupational therapy treatment are not abstract. On the contrary, they are quite specific and personal. They concern the issues which positively affect the quality of people’s lives. The ability to take a shower independently, come back to an interest that was put on hold because of injuries and manage daily routines on one’s own, without the help of family members.

Goal setting is much more successful when the process is focused on the personal goals of the patient, not assumptions of the therapist.

When is occupational therapy most useful?

Occupational therapy seems to be most effective when it starts early and is integrated into the person’s broader support network. However, it is never too late for intervention. People who gain disabilities later in their lives, older people who deal with the consequences of ageing, and children with different levels of development can all achieve significant progress.

Scenarios, when occupational therapy can be especially useful, include:

• Having problems with self-care activities like dressing, grooming, or cooking
• Dealing with fatigue or pain that hinders functioning
• Returning to work or studying after being ill or injured
• Helping children develop fine motor skills, sensory skills, or organisational skills
• Creating an accessible environment at home following functional changes

The one thing these scenarios have in common is functionality. Whenever the person experiences difficulties functioning on a day-to-day level, occupational therapy can help.

Small Steps, Long-Term Success

Occupational therapy does not make promises of instant change. What it does promise is a more sustainable process, whereby it provides a systematic and personal way of developing those skills, environments, and routines which foster independence. It is a form of help that can be quite literally transformative for individuals who find themselves stranded between their current situation and where they want to get to.