Occupational therapists and support workers help people engage as independently as possible in the activities (occupations) which enhance their health and wellbeing. (College of Occupational Therapy 25/8/10).

Occupation helps to define who we are and how we feel about ourselves and covers every aspect of our daily lives from getting up in the morning to going to bed at night. The occupational therapist is interested in finding out more about the person, the environment, interests, roles, routines and what motivates them. When we talk about occupation we are talking about the different activities people engage in.

To participate in meaningful activity a person may need to use different skills such as gross and fine motor skills; sensory and perceptual skills; cognitive skills; social and communication skills. Some people may have difficulties in any of the above areas. The Occupational Therapist can help by adapting the task or the environment.

In MLDP the Occupational Therapist's role covers the following three key areas:

1. Skills:

We work with people to assess and identify their skills in daily living activities. We also provide interventions to help maintain or develop a person's skills. For example:

• Household tasks, e.g. cleaning, laundry

• Menu planning and cooking

• Shopping

• Budgeting and handling money

• Travel skills

• Self care, e.g. washing, dressing,

2. Environmental Solutions:

We give advice and recommend equipment and/or adaptations to maintain a person's safety and independence while carrying out activities. For example when:

• Bathing or showering

• Getting on and off the toilet or in and out of a chair

• Preparing food and drink

• Going up and down stairs

We aim to help people have control and choice over their environment and ensure their surroundings meet their physical, sensory and cognitive needs.

3. Therapeutic Occupation:

We give advice to people, their carers and families to enable the person to participate and engage in meaningful activities and tasks as much as possible. For example:

• Finding appropriate leisure activities both within the home and in the wider community

• Helping a person plan and organise their time

• Advising on community activities and groups

• Advising on education and employment

• Advising people on how to develop their creativity, self esteem and expression through various activities such as art, dance, drama, gardening and music

 

Occupational Therapists are also involved in the following:

• Facilitation of therapeutic groups such as art, kitchen hygiene, menu planning and healthy eating, interpersonal skills, social groups

• Training for staff groups and other professionals

• Joint working with other agencies such as the sensory team, equipment and adaptations team

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