Occupational therapy (OT) covers a broad range of services and outcomes. It is whole-person focused and based on the assessment of the OT veterans are able to access a wide range of services and therapies.
assistance completing daily activities like showering, dressing or personal grooming;
multi-step activities that may involve caring for others such as household management activities, shopping, childcare, budgeting, banking, financial management, home maintenance, and driving.
With the assistance of an OT, veterans can also access assessment, customisation and oversight of equipment provision including orthotic devices, and training in the use of prosthetic devices.
How Do OT’s Work?
Because OT’s are client-centred, they will use their time with a veteran to discuss the current issues and limitations. Often this assessment is performed in the veteran’s most usual locations, like at home or at their workplace. An OT will normally observe the veteran in their day-to-day life to help understand if there is a way that they might be able to provide assistance.
For example; Jane, the Occupational Therapist observes Tim, a veteran in his early 60’s who is living alone. He is struggling to stand up from the toilet, and he is concerned about his stability in the shower. Jane can make a recommendation that handrails are installed beside the toilet and that a shower chair is acquired for Tim so that he can continue to live independently.
While this is a very specific example, the recommendations are made via observations the OT makes in the day-to-day life of the veteran. So observations will differ from person to person.
How Often Will A Veteran Need To See An OT?
The timeframes for OT appointments can vary greatly, from once a week to once every 6 weeks or even up to 6 months. Appointments might be staged out to help track and map the progress of each veteran individually and then as challenges arise the OT can be instated to assist.