occupational therapy 101

June 28, 2021

At Embassy Healthcare, we offer occupational therapy at all our locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida. We want to provide you with the information you need to understand and take advantage of this unique service.

What is Occupational Therapy?

It’s a comprehensive therapeutic approach that includes developing and managing skills to complete daily activities, or occupations. This type of therapy can help patients, particularly seniors, overcome the struggles of daily activities such as dressing, bathing, preparing meals, caring for pets and driving.

Occupational therapists teach patients exercises and rehabilitation techniques that improve basic and fine motor skills, muscle strength, dexterity and range of motion.

What Services are Included in Occupational Therapy?

Evaluation: An occupational therapist uses different tests and screenings to determine your needs. It’s also important for you to express your personal expectations and goals. For example, what do you hope to achieve through OT?

Implementation: Your OT program will include occupation-based intervention that is unique to your needs. That may include physical tasks, self-care skills, cognition exercises, problem-solving techniques, sensory processing, coping skills and emotional regulation.

Adjustment: OT includes periodic evaluation to determine if your therapy is meeting your goals. You may require changes to your program to address changes in your physical or mental well-being.

Who Benefits from Occupational Therapy?

The great thing about OT is that it addresses a wide range of physical, musculoskeletal, neurological, neurodevelopmental and social disabilities. That is especially important for seniors who may face a combination of complications.

Here are some conditions that may benefit from OT:

  • Stroke
  • Visual or hearing impairments
  • Alzheimer’s or dementia
  • Spinal or brain injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Hip or knee replacements
  • Cognitive or intellectual disabilities
  • Chronic pain
  • Diabetes
  • Anxiety or depression

Call 216-378-2050 or contact Embassy Healthcare online for more information about our occupational therapy program.