Occupational Therapy: My mother, who is 76, has had a stroke. On discharge from hospital we were told an OT would visit her. What exactly is an OT?
An occupational therapist (OT) is a specialist paramedic who will assist your mother lead a productive, satisfying and as independent a life as possible following her recent stroke.
A community OT will visit her at home to assess the extent of her disability and how it affects her ability to be independent in activities of daily living. Put simply, she will see if your mother can dress, wash, use the bathroom, cook, eat and shop. If your mum is experiencing difficulties in any of these areas, she will advise on how best to bridge the gap between what mum can do and what she needs to do.
She will, where appropriate, provide aids such as bath seats, grab rails and gadgets that will help your mum manage activities she finds difficult. If a purpose-built extension or adaptation of the existing house is needed, the OT will liaise with your architect to advise on your mum's specific needs.
But I always thought occupational therapy had something to do with keeping patients occupied while they were in hospitals.
A common misconception but nothing could be further from the truth. Broadly speaking, occupational therapy assists individuals to manage the tasks they need to take care of themselves as well as activities that allow them to work or enjoy their free time.
OTs work in many settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, psychiatric units, nursing homes, special schools, clinics as well as community health boards.
We were told it may be some time before our mother is seen. Why is this?
Until recently the Republic had only one school of occupational therapy based at Trinity College, Dublin. With an average of 30 OTs graduating annually, there has simply not been sufficient numbers trained to cater for the growing need for their services.
However, degree courses in OT are now available in Limerick University and NUI, Galway so we should see an increase in their availability in the coming years.