An Occupational Therapist (OT) works with seniors and other populations, in various settings, to provide assistance in re-learning skills or modifying their living situations to help them lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
Tips & Links
An occupational therapist (OT) can provide assessments, strategies, and equipment to help people facing physical and mental challenges improve their daily lives.
Learn About
- Occupational therapists are regulated by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
- Learn about the specialty of occupational therapy and services they can provide at Healthlink BC.
- Be aware that an OT can come into your home and provide a home safety assessment to identify ways to improve your safety (walking, getting up and down, physical activities, and cooking) and offer strategies for hygiene and dressing. Consider this service, especially following a hospitalization or significant change in your health.
- Know that the OT visit is also to educate family caregivers and care partners helping you in your home.
- Know that for seniors or adults living with cognitive limitations, OT’s can offer cognitive strategies for communication, daily activities, safety in the home and when out in public, and more.
Things You Can Do
- Explore recommendations from your OT for improving your mobility and safety through mobility aids/devices and home modifications.
- Learn from OTs ways to reduce the risk of falls and techniques to get up safely if you do fall.
- Learn about strategies and techniques to manage chronic pain, such as adaptive equipment and relaxation exercises.
- Know that an OT can guide you to make modifications in your daily activities like bathing or dressing to reduce fatigue.
- Know about your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Develop your self-advocacy skills to ensure your questions are answered and your needs and decisions are heard.
- Be aware of your personal boundaries and know how to express them, especially when privacy and personal contact are involved in your treatment.
Add your Occupational Therapist to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF tool found in My People. Include their contact information and any questions you have for them. Save to digital and print files.