Occupational Therapy for Adults
Scott A. Seekins, COTA/L

There are many questions surrounding the use of Occupational therapy treatment for adults. There are many professionals within the healthcare system that are skeptical about OT and its benefit to adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities, as well as for those that have been injured and are in need of rehabilitation. The skepticism derives from the lack of understanding about occupational therapy and its proven success in adult treatments and this being the case, a good place to begin to define OT. It is therapy that enables people to perform everyday activities that are important to them, despite impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions or despite risks for these problems. Occupations are another name for these daily activities. OT is a goal directed therapy that typically extends over time, is meaningful and purposeful to the person or persons receiving treatment. It involves multiple tasks, all of which are directed toward meeting the set goals. OT helps people to maintain, regain or establish their independence through the use of adaptive equipment and through therapeutic rehabilitation. It enhances ones quality of life and increases health and well being. This being the case, it stands to reason that occupational therapy is beneficial for adults of all ages with a vast array of physical and or developmental disabilities.

Occupational Therapist and Certified Occupational Therapy assistants provide treatment services for many different types of injuries, physical and developmental disabilities as well as services for individuals with mental illness. This is done in a variety of settings within the healthcare arena such as inpatient hospital rehab, out patient clinical settings and in home services. In the physical disability arena, one example of who OT might work with is individuals who have had mild to severe cerebral vascular accidents or CVA’s, hip fractures, hip replacements, knee replacements, amputees, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. In the case of an individual with a CVA the OT works to help the patient regain their independence with bathing and dressing. The OT also works with the patient on left or right-side neglect, which occurs often with stroke patients, and the OT works on motor planning with the affected side. Upper extremity strengthening, balance, range of motion, endurance and training in the use of adaptive equipment are also areas that an OT can help an individual with a CVA. These are just a few of the many treatments that OT’s or COTA’s perform with a CVA patients and one example, but the approach is the same regardless of the type of injury or illness. It is all about functional independence and using those tasks and activities that have purpose and meaning to the individual receiving OT services to meet the projected treatment goals. If you or some one you know could benefit from occupational therapy, consult your doctor for a referral and start on your way to a better quality of life.

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