What is the role of an Occupational Therapist?
There are a lot of misconceptions around the role of an Occupational Therapist.
Often people are confused about the role and purpose of an Occupational Therapist (commonly known as an OT).
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.
Essentially, Occupational Therapists are problem solvers!
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.
Introducing Annie Clark, Occupational Therapist at ACH Group
ACH Group Occupational Therapist Annie Clark shares what her typical day at work is like.
Q: Tell us about your role as an Occupational Therapist at ACH Group
A: I’ve worked as an Occupational Therapist with ACH Group since 2013, having worked across both community roles and residential. This is an exciting industry and I love being part of change in aged care, working towards supporting residents to live a life that is meaningful to them.
Q: What is a typical day for you?
A: typically, a day involves appoinment 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.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: The opportunity to work alongside and problem solve and see them achieving their goals. I feel fortunate to work in a very dynamic and enthusiastic team at ACH Group. I love that my work life continues to provide a variety of opportunities.
How could you benefit from working with an ACH Group Occupational Therapist?
ACH Group is comitted to helping you live life to the fullest by focusing on the things you want to achieve. An Occupational Therapist (OT) can visit you at home and undertake a client-centred assessment.
Learn more about Occupational Therapy and contact us today.
