What
is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy (O.T.) is an approach
to treatment that helps people with disabilities to become as independent
as possible in their everyday lives. It focuses on ordinary daily
tasks inside and outside the home environment, as well as leisure
and work activities. People of all ages are catered for, from children
to the elderly, and with physical or psychological problems.
Are Occupational Therapists Trained?
O.T.'s normally complete a three-year course of
study leading to a degree or diploma approved by the College of
Occupational Therapists, and should be State Registered (S.R.O.T.)
Many go on to specialise in one area of work, for example, rheumatology.
Further information from http://www.baot.co.uk
Where can I See an O.T.?
O.T.'s are often based in hospitals or Social
Services settings, and some areas have community O.T.'s who work
within a primary care trust.
Hospital O.T.'s usually require the person needing treatment to
be referred by a hospital consultant, or sometimes their family
G.P. They will see you on the hospital ward as an inpatient, or
in the Occupational Therapy department as an outpatient. A range
of services is offered, and home visits can often be made if appropriate.
Community O.T.'s will normally require a referral
from your G.P., while Social Services can be contacted directly
by yourself, or via you G.P. However, help from social services
O.T.'s is mainly limited to the provision of special equipment and
home adaptations.
If I Need Special Equipment,
How Can I Get It?
Your O.T. will carry out an assessment, and may suggest some helpful
equipment. He or she will be able to tell you how to get the items
you need, e.g. from ordinary or specialist shops, or many O.T. departments
sell equipment. Sometimes equipment is available on loan. Grants
(usually means-tested) can be obtained for larger equipment and
home adaptations through Social Services. People needing help due
to their disability may be entitled to claim benefits such as the
Disabled Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, which can help
towards the cost of assistive items.
What Help Can a Rheumatology O.T. Offer?
Hospital based O.T.'s specialising in Rheumatology,
can usually offer help to people with various forms of arthritis,
in the following ways:
• By advising on joint protection. This is
particularly important for people with rheumatoid arthritis, whose
hands are affected, but may also be helpful to people with other
arthritic hand conditions.
• By assessing an individual's needs, followed
by suggesting practical ways of overcoming problems in everyday
activities. These may include mobility, personal care, domestic
activities, childcare, work and leisure interests.
• By advising on energy conservation, and
how to balance exercise and rest. This can be especially helpful
when fatigue is a problem.
• By making and providing splints to rest
and protect affected joints.
• By advising on hand exercises to maintain
or improve joint movement or muscle strength, through the use of
activities.
• By assessing hand function, to help in
deciding whether hand surgery would be of benefit.
• By offering treatment which will help to
restore functional activity following surgery.
• By giving advice on pain management
and relaxation methods.
Article provided by Mrs Annette de Georgio
