There are many
patients, who might be undergoing any rehabilitation program, where the care
team is likely to comprise of different specialized individuals, ranging from
the general practice physician, home health aides, nurses and occupational or
physical therapist. This team is said to work together so as to provide the
patient with the best treatment possible as well as care, so as to have the
person’s motor control and functional abilities to be restored. They also help
the patient to become physically independent with proper and timely treatment
given. In case, the person is anticipating to avail occupational therapy, then
the following guide is sure to help as to what is to be expected from the same.
Physical
vs. Occupational Therapists
The goal of an
Occupational Therapist is to assist patients in becoming independent by having
their daily functioning ability to be restored. This difficulty could be due to
a surgery, illness or accident that had been taken place some time back. It
could also possibly be routine actions like brushing teeth, preparing meals,
tying shoes, etc. Physical therapists, are known to focus specifically on
trying to restore motor control ability of the patient including muscle groups
and motions to allow patients greater physical flexibility to reach, walk,
stand and perform variety of activities without the aid of a walking stick or taking anyone’s
assistance. Through this, the patients’ are assisted to gain sufficient range
of motion, balance and strength.
Getting
referral
In case, the physician is concerned about the
patient’s ability to get discharged safely from the hospital especially after a
medical procedure or illness, then they are likely to order the person to avail
occupational or physical therapy evaluation. But, if the person is concerned
about his abilities towards performing regular tasks, then these issues are to
be clearly discussed with the physician. At the time of evaluation, if patient
displays difficulty towards completing on his own basic tasks, then a much more
comprehensive and better therapy program along are said to be administered.
Availing
different types of Occupational therapy tools
As patients face
difficulties towards performing different functional tasks on their own, then
the therapist could have them outfitted with some kind of specialized machinery
and occupational
therapy devices. This can help the patients to performance their tasks
safely and develop motor control. For instance, several devices do exist for
assisting patients to walk, develop balance and stability in life in a much
independent, progressive manner. Besides this, the patients could be prescribed
by the experts to make use of other assistive devices like equipment that are
utilized for grabbing and reaching things which are far away.
Role
of Occupational Therapist while discharging patients
The therapist initially
performs comprehensive evaluation, where the patients are needed to perform
variety of tasks which are challenging physically for identifying functional
limitations that could impart ability towards returning home to live an
independent and safe life. However, the patient would be required to come back
regularly for performing different therapies and strength building exercises
for promoting complete recovery.
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