Disabilities, illnesses, and injuries can often cause difficulties in daily living. Activities such as bathing, getting dressed, cooking, or driving may be challenging, and these limitations can become barriers to engaging in valued tasks and interests. Occupational therapy is a beneficial resource for addressing these challenges and improving capabilities.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are healthcare professionals who work with people of all ages to help them live more independently and participate in activities that
are meaningful to them. Occupational therapy practitioners help their patients accomplish their goals through a variety of methods, including:

• Planning effective daily routines.
• Demonstrating exercises that will help increase mobility.
• Developing techniques to aid concentration, memory, and executive function.
• Recommending appropriate adaptive equipment such as eating aids, shower chairs, or walkers, and teaching the patient how to use the equipment.
• Recovering and improving the patient’s skills through the therapeutic use of daily activities.
• Assessing the patient’s environment, and recommending modifications to improve functionality and accessibility.

April is Occupational Therapy Month and is a great time to show appreciation for the occupational therapy practitioners who help people live their lives to the fullest. If there is an occupational therapy practitioner in your life, take the time to thank them this month!