Sophia Dickinson BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
This month, I am delighted to host a guest blog from Sophia. I met Sophia several years ago, and we share the same “person-centred” approach to our services. That means we look at your loved one and what will work for them to improve their quality of life; we do not approach with the idea that “one size can be tweaked a bit to suit you”.
What Can an Occupational Therapist (OT) Offer Your Loved One?
They can advise on reducing the risk of falls, increasing safety, and promoting independence at home and work.
What is the difference between an Occupational Therapist and a Physiotherapist?
“A Physiotherapist will focus on treating a client’s injury and working to improve his/her ability to perform movement of the human body. Meanwhile, an Occupational Therapist will help the injured person improve their ability to perform activities of daily living independently following a period of physical impairment.” Closing the Gap (2019)
What Health Issues Can an OT Help With?
Here is a list of health issues that I can support you with:
- Reduced mobility
- Arthritis
- Falls
- Cardiac
- Respiratory
- Orthopaedics
- Amputations
- Dementia
- Neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease
What Goals Would You Be Able to Help My Loved One Achieve?
Goals could include:
- Promoting independence with everyday activities.
- Supporting access in the home and garden
- Helping to access the community
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Improving moving and handling
- Reducing the risk of falls
- Becoming work-ready
What does the assessment process include?
A person-centred Occupational Therapy assessment is completed at your loved one’s home to gather information, giving a full picture of your loved one’s needs and home environment and help understand the goals they would like to achieve. It will take approximately 2 hours. I will provide a report on adaptations that could be made to their home and activities that they could undertake to help them reach those goals.
This will be tailored to their needs to help improve and maintain their mobility, manage their health conditions, and make it easier for them to carry out everyday activities at home or work.
What Training Will an Occupational Therapist Have?
“Occupational Therapy (OT) is a science degree-based health and social care profession regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. Occupational therapy takes a “whole-person approach” to mental and physical health and well-being and enables individuals to achieve their full potential.”
Royal College of Occupational Therapists (2021)
