Understanding the vital role of Occupational Therapy 

There are many misconceptions about what an Occupational Therapist (OT) actually does, especially in the context of aged care. Often, people aren’t fully aware of the diverse ways OTs support older people, from improving independence to enhancing quality of life.

As we get older, occupational therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals maintain their abilities, stay engaged in meaningful activities, and live life to the fullest.

Occupational Therapists are problem solvers!

Occupational Therapists work alonside people to determine challenges they might be facing in relation to their daily activities (e.g. showering, preparing meals, gardening) and offer advice around either finding new ways of doing the activity to make it achievable, introducing equipment, or changing the environment to support them in the activity.

Why is it important to see an Occupational Therapist?

The diverse role of an Occupational Therapist mean that they can have a lasting impact on people’s lives, helping them to maintain independence, or to regain independence after a decline in health or a hospital stay.

Occupational Therapists also offer advice on how to simplify activities, strategies to reduce falls in the home and activities to promote quality of life, such as linking people to social and community groups.

What does a day of an Occupational Therapist at ACH Group look like?

Typically, a day involves appointment with customers, arranging and collecting equipment to trial, and chatting to other team members about customer goals and outcomes, in addition to:

• Goal setting and problem solving alongside residents at residential care homes to engage in activities purposeful to them.
• Assessing and advising on cognitive ability and development of activities to support stimulation and engagement for residents at all stages of dementia.
• Prescribing equipment or looking at new ways to complete activities to support residents to live as independently as possible.