Occupational therapists are united by a shared
belief in the right of service users to full and equal
participation in society. Occupational Therapy enables people to
achieve as much as they can for themselves and get the most out of
life.
Staff in the field help people of all ages who have physical,
psychological or social problems as a result of accident, illness
or ageing to do the things they want to do. These could be daily
activities that many of us take for granted, from grocery shopping
or brushing their teeth, to more complex activities such as caring
for children, succeeding in studies or work, or maintaining a
healthy social life.
Occupational therapy… adding value
By providing occupational therapy at an early stage to someone
with dementia, services are able to utilise adaptive strategies
such as memory training which preserves and supports independent
functioning for longer. This in turn reduces reliance on
services.
Occupational therapists also have a central role in discharge
planning for people admitted to inpatient mental health services,
helping service users to re-engage in valued activities/routines,
arranging equipment to aid independence and addressing the support
needs of carers. This support helps to reduce the length of
hospital stay and the risk of further deterioration due to loss of
skills and social isolation.
Occupational therapists can also analyse the often complex and
interrelated barriers to remaining in, resuming or engaging in
employment by using specialist employment assessments and by
working with the relevant agencies. Supporting people's employment
goals is important as it is proven to be related to positive mental
health and recovery.
How to access occupational therapy
Occupational therapists work together with other professions
such as nurses, doctors, social workers and support workers in most
of the Trust's services.
- If you currently access one of the Trust services you can ask
about being referred to an occupational therapist.
- If you do not access one of the Trust services you can ask your
GP or your social worker to refer you
- You can also access Occupational Therapy privately. The College
of Occupational Therapy website at www.cot.co.uk has more
information.
Referenced from:
College of Occupational Therapists (2006) Recovering
Ordinary Lives. The strategy for occupational therapy in mental
health services 2007-2017: A vision for the next ten years.
(Core)
MMHSCT - OT strategy 2010-2013