Occupational therapy may help you make the most of your capacity and independence in the areas of:

• Self-care:  activities of daily living such as dressing, feeding, grooming, bathing and using the toilet
• Work:  making a productive contribution to life - either household tasks (cooking, cleaning and laundry, yard work), employment or volunteer activities
• Leisure:  activities that are carried out because they bring you enjoyment

The Occupational Therapist (O.T.) will begin by evaluating your physical abilities, your home situation and your family support system.  Together, you and the O.T. will discuss what are the most important things that your illness has prevented you from doing.

The O.T. will take a problem-solving approach to find ways for you to continue doing practical and meaningful activities.  As your needs change, the O.T. will continue to work with you and your caregiver to ensure that you are safe and comfortable.

What will the Occupational Therapist do to assist me?

The Occupational Therapist will:

• provide appropriate equipment - walker, wheelchair, hospital bed, commode, bath seat
• teach you and your caregiver how to use the equipment safely
• alert you to safety concerns in your home and suggest changes you can make, i.e. rearranging funiture to allow room for walker or wheelchair, placement of wall bars in bathroom
• discuss energy saving methods so that you can do those things that are important to you for as long as possible
• teach your caregiver how to position and move you in a way that will prevent injury
• teach you how to prevent skin breakdown and provide special cushions and mattresses

The Occupational Therapist will see you whenever you are - at home, in the hospital or at long term care facility.  To arrange a visit, your Palliative Care Coordinator will refer your request to the Occupational Therapist.