For Occupational Therapy Week, we’re sharing stories about the extraordinary impact occupational therapy can have on our patients.
Occupational Therapist Amy offered a glimpse into her work:
“We work with people who often feel a huge loss of control over their circumstances. What we can do is empower them to feel a sense of control again by using tools and strategies to do things that bring meaning and satisfaction to their day-to-day lives.
We work with the patient to understand what occupations or activities give their life meaning and a sense of purpose. Then we develop an understanding of the barriers that might be preventing them from participating in those activities. It goes beyond the physical. There’s a big element of understanding any psychological or emotional barriers. Their life may be revolving around hospital appointments and their illness. They may have lost their confidence or motivation.
We support patients to reconnect with themselves and to not be defined by their illness. We can give them a sense of hope in that they can re-engage with things that are meaningful to them. It’s about empowering the patient to optimise their quality of life within the context of their diagnosis and the limitations they’re facing.”
Occupational Therapist Amy offered a glimpse into her work:
“We work with people who often feel a huge loss of control over their circumstances. What we can do is empower them to feel a sense of control again by using tools and strategies to do things that bring meaning and satisfaction to their day-to-day lives.
We work with the patient to understand what occupations or activities give their life meaning and a sense of purpose. Then we develop an understanding of the barriers that might be preventing them from participating in those activities. It goes beyond the physical. There’s a big element of understanding any psychological or emotional barriers. Their life may be revolving around hospital appointments and their illness. They may have lost their confidence or motivation.
We support patients to reconnect with themselves and to not be defined by their illness. We can give them a sense of hope in that they can re-engage with things that are meaningful to them. It’s about empowering the patient to optimise their quality of life within the context of their diagnosis and the limitations they’re facing.”
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