Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a health and rehabilitation program. Occupational therapist help individuals participate in the common activities they want and need to complete through the therapeutic use of everyday occupations. We work with adults who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives due to physical, developmental, social or emotional programs. Occupational therapy is not the same as physical therapy. Physical therapists help adults with problems related to mobility (strength, flexibility, balance, etc…) and posture.

The unique perspective of occupational therapy is based on a holistic view, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the patient, and the patient is an integral part of the therapy team.

Occupational therapy services include:

• Comprehensive evaluations with the family
• Recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use.
• Guidance and education for all family members/caregivers
• Discharge planning involving community reintegration

We work throughout the medical center in the inpatient areas and the outpatient Balance and Hearing Center. Interventions are geared toward maximizing your level of functioning in preparation for the next level of therapeutic care. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluate the need for splints and positioning devices to preserve joint integrity and protect skin breakdown due to prolonged pressure.
• Provide training in self-care activities ( e.g., bathing, dressing, eating) with adaptive or durable medical equipment and/or compensatory strategies.
• Use neuromuscular re-education, trunk stabilization, and balance activities to improve patients’ ability to move in and out of bed and maintain an upright posture necessary to perform self-care and home management activities.
• Remediate upper-extremity weakness and/or abnormal muscle tone through exercise and relevant simulated activities to preserve muscle balance and range of motion.
• Train patients in post-surgical orthopedic protocols, including appropriate weight bearing and/or precautions during activities of daily living.
• Develop home programs and instruct patients, family members, and caregivers in how to use the programs to continue rehabilitation after discharge.

We assist the patients’ successful transition to the home, community, or next level of care.