Occupational
Therapist
Occupational
therapy is a healthcare profession that helps
people with physical, developmental, or emotional
disabilities lead independent, productive, and
satisfying lives.
An occupational
therapist, or OT, is part of the multidisciplinary
rehabilitation team and often directs the following
types of care:
- evaluates children
with developmental or neuromuscular problems
and helps plan treatments that will help them
grow mentally, socially, and physically
- assists adults in learning
how to carry out activities of daily living
(ADLs) at home, on the job, and in the community
- helps the elderly adjust
to the special problems of aging while remaining
physically and mentally active
- recommends changes
in layout and design of the home, school, or
workplace to allow persons with disabilities
greater access and mobility
- teaches energy conservation
and work simplification methods
- improves communication
skills, such as reading, writing, and using
the telephone
Occupational
therapists may practice in a variety of settings,
including the following:
- hospitals
- inpatient rehabilitation
centers
- outpatient rehabilitation
centers
- schools
- long-term care facilities
- home care settings
- private practice
Occupational
therapists hold undergraduate degrees and are
certified by the American Occupational Therapy
Association.
Click
here to view the Online
Resources of Heart Center
|
