Occupational Therapy services enable patients to perform their everyday activities. As a key member of the home health care team, the occupational therapist is responsible for participating in the development and modification of the patient’s home care plan of treatment. Their focus is to help prevent further physical weakness, assist patients in adapting to a disability, and restore them to their highest level of functioning. Occupational Therapists are responsible for helping patients develop, recover, and improve regarding a condition or injury, as well as maintain the skills needed to execute daily activities. Therapists may commonly work with patients to evaluate their range of motion, motor skills, and ability to perform basic tasks like dressing, tying shoes, combing hair, etc. Occupational therapists help with barriers that affect a person’s emotional, social, and physical needs. Treatment programs are developed and individualized for each patient based on their specific treatment goals. The occupational therapist works closely with other members of the home care team, including nurses, social workers, speech therapists, physical therapists, and the patient’s physician to see that all goals are realistic and achievable. This interdisciplinary approach allows the needs of the patient to be fully met.
