Occupational therapists (OT) help people get back to everyday activities — the “jobs of living” (occupations). They help the patient change some part of their life — by developing skills, improving physical and emotional abilities, adapting the environment or changing the way they do activities — so the patient can better cope with aging, disease, injury or illness.
What do occupational therapists do?
- Teach patients how to use medical or adaptive equipment to overcome barriers and make life easier (for example: ergonomic office tools, power wheelchairs, kitchen utensils)
- Develop a patient’s skills to cope with anxiety, stress, decreased energy or the normal aging process
- Develop a patient’s skills to handle problems with memory, attention, organization or perception
- Problem solve with a patient to discover and teach new ways to perform household chores, hobbies or work activities
Where do occupational therapists work?
- Hospitals or health care centres
- Long-term care facilities
- Health clinics
- Schools
- Communities
Occupational therapists at AHS
Alberta Health Services employs over 1,100 occupational therapists.
What are the credentials of an occupational therapist?
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