About Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapist are qualified health professionals who work with people of all ages and abilities to do the things they need and want to do.
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the occupations of everyday life.
Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession that work wiht you to ensure you can participate in the occupations you need and want to do- enhacing your own personal life skills, adjusting the environment you do your occupations in and adjusting the occupation itself.
Why is it called Occupational Therapy?
"In occupational therapy, occupations refer to the eveyday activities that people do as individuals, in families and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life. Occupations include things people need to, want to and are expected to do" (WFOT- World Federation of Occupational Therapist)
Occupational therapists work with individuals of any age to promote and enable effective participation in occupations of everyday life.
The occupations of everyday life include:
- Activities of daily living: showering, dressing, grooming and eating
- Household and community functions: home maintenance, driving, budgeting, shopping and community mobility
- Education: activities which allow a person to participate effectively in a learning environment
- Leisure and play
- Social participation: interacting positively with others in the community
- Work (paid and unpaid): participating in employment and voluteer activities
Occupational therapists are also able to assess and recommend assistive technology and/or environmental modifications that will assist individuals to engage in the occupations of everyday life.
- War Memorial Hosptial
- Prince of Wales Hospital and community services
- St George Hospital and community services
- Calvary Healthcare
- The Sutherland Hospital and community services