Various Occupational Therapy Services and Who Needs It

People who experience health problems that are unable to perform daily activities, can consider occupational therapy as one step of treatment. Through this therapy, patients will be trained so that they can become more independent. Before it is decided to undergo occupational therapy, the doctor will first identify the extent of the patient's difficulties in undergoing daily activities and determine the diagnosis of the disease that causes the patient to experience physical, mental, or social obstacles. If daily activities, such as dressing or eating, are difficult to do without the help of others, occupational therapy can be a way out. People who experience physical, mental, and cognitive impairment due to age or certain diseases are also advised to undergo this therapy.

What Does Occupational Therapy Service Like?

The type of occupational therapy provided will be adjusted to the age, work or daily activities, and the needs of the patient. Occupational therapy services usually include the following three things:

• Individual evaluations

In an individual evaluation, the patient, the patient's family, and the doctor will jointly determine what is to be achieved through this therapy. The doctor will also determine the diagnosis of the disease that causes the patient to need occupational therapy.

• Intervention Planning

After that, the doctor will determine the type of therapy and exercise according to the patient's needs. The focus of therapy and training provided is to enable patients to return to their activities independently, for example washing, cooking, and dressing without the help of others.

• Evaluate the results

Evaluation is done to ensure that the results of occupational therapy are in accordance with the goals set at the beginning of therapy. This evaluation is also needed to make other action plans if needed, so that the results of therapy can be better.

Occupational therapy is carried out under the supervision of a medical rehabilitation specialist. This specialist doctor will accompany patients during therapy, provide recommendations for tools according to the needs of patients, and teach how to use them. The doctor will also provide guidance to family members and caregivers to accompany and care for patients at home.

Who Needs Occupational Therapy

The main goal of occupational therapy is to make the quality of life of patients better. Occupational therapy is specifically needed by:

• People who are recovering and returning to work after experiencing work-related injuries.
• People who suffer physical and mental disorders from birth.
• People who suddenly suffer from serious health conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks, brain injuries, or amputations.
• People who suffer from chronic diseases, such as arthritis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• People with mental disorders or behavioral problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, or ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or eating disorders.

In addition to adults, this therapy can also be given to children who suffer from certain conditions, such as:

• Down syndrome

Occupational therapy can be done for children who have Down syndrome. This condition arises due to genetic disorders that cause disruption in physical and mental development, resulting in learning difficulties.

• Cerebral palsy

Another condition that also requires occupational therapy is cerebral palsy, which is an abnormality in the brain and nervous system, so that the body's movements and coordination become abnormal.

• Dyspraxia

Occupational therapy can also be done to children who have dyspraxia, where there is a disturbance in movement and the ability to coordinate the body.

• Learning disability

Children who have learning difficulties, for example due to developmental problems, also need occupational therapy. Children with special needs will usually be guided by doctors, psychologists, therapists, and teachers at school, in learning and doing daily activities, such as reading, writing and keeping the body clean (bathing and brushing teeth). The aim is so that they can live independently later on.

If there are family members or friends who have the above conditions, it would not hurt if you suggest them to undergo occupational therapy. To get this therapy, you need to consult a doctor first.