We believe that occupations (activities) define who we are and how we feel about ourselves. If you are unable to do the things you want or need to do to live and enjoy your life your general well-being may be affected. Occupation is important for everyone's life.
Could occupational therapy help my family and friends?
If you have recently come out of hospital you may need assistance to tackle everyday activities like getting dressed and eventually getting back to work. We can help.
Can occupational therapy help elderly people?
Most older people - however frail - prefer to lead independent lives in their own homes. But arthritis, dementia and the natural effects of ageing can make everyday activities very difficult. Occupational therapy can help people remain as self-reliant as possible.
Can occupational therapy help children?
Occupational therapy can offer enormous support to the parents of children with special needs. If your child has cerebral palsy, for example, we can maximize his or her ability to play, cope with school and participate in all the normal activities of childhood.
Is occupational therapy only for the physically disabled?
Not at all. A good deal of our work is in the area of mental health. We can work with you if you have anxiety, stress or depression is interfering with your enjoyment of life or if you or a relative has a major mental illness such as schizophrenia. We can also help with learning disabilities such as Down's Syndrome.
What happens when the occupational therapists is called in?
First, we both agree what the problems are. We may check your physical ability to carry out tasks (strength, co-ordination, balance) and your mental abilities such as your memory. We then look at the things you need to carry out the desired activity (furniture, equipment, clothes) and the environment (the layout of your classroom or place of work).
Next we see what support is available in your home, school, work or local community. Finally we review which activities you'd like to be able to perform more easily.
The next step is to explore new ways of doing things. Lets take for example a person who is newly in a wheelchair. He must first learn to get around his home. It may be necessary to adapt the house by widening the doors. He may have to modify certain items such as his car to allow one-handed steering.
In the case of a person suffering from depression we might draw up a list of everyday goals and add to it each day as the person grows in confidence.
Find an Occupational Therapist >
Specific examples of how Occupational Therapy can help people >
Further information on funding care for elderly or disabled people at www.fundingcaring.co.uk
