Occupational Therapy (O.T.) is a health science profession which assists the individual in achieving his/her maximum level of independence in the areas of self care, work and leisure following accident, disease or injury.
During your acute care, your O.T. will conduct an assessment looking at both physical and functional skills.
For people who sustain quadriplegia, your O.T. is primarily concerned with upper limb muscle power and sensation, and the splinting of your hands. Your O.T. will see you regularly for the first six weeks to mobilise the joints of your hands.
For people who sustain paraplegia, your initial contact with your O.T. is mainly introductory and will address your housing situation in relation to access and self care.
This program is created for your individual needs and may include:
Self-care retraining may commence whilst you are still in bed, focusing on feeding and grooming. There are many assistive devices/specialised items of equipment that your O.T. may prescribe to help you achieve greater independence in feeding, grooming, showering, dressing, and bladder and bowel management.
For individuals with quadriplegia, your O.T. monitors the strength and sensation in your arms. Following assessment, your O.T. uses activities to both strengthen muscles in your upper limbs and develop improved hand function (where appropriate). Splints are used to help position your hands and assist in preventing deformity.
Your O.T. will discuss your housing situation and where appropriate will conduct/co-ordinate a home visit to assess for required modifications. Throughout this process, you and your family are encouraged to be involved in determining solutions. Specialised equipment prescription During your rehabilitation, your equipment needs will be addressed. You may be encouraged to trial different pieces of equipment in relation to self care, communication, and other activities of daily living and with guidance from your O.T., you will jointly decide on the most appropriate items of equipment to suit your needs.
As part of your occupational therapy program, you have the opportunity to practice cooking in a wheelchair accessible kitchen. Where appropriate you will also have the opportunity to trial different pieces of equipment that can enhance your level of independence in this area. Other domestic skills may also be addressed according to your individual need.
Your return to driving program (where appropriate) is co-ordinated by your O.T. and the Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit located within the hospital. Your O.T. aims to provide comprehensive education and retraining to help you return to driving. Transportation options are also addressed (e. g. disabled parking, taxi subsidy vouchers, modified vehicle and public transport).
As part of your occupational therapy program, you may be involved in a group which addresses skills that prepare you for returning home and to the community.
Together with your O.T., you can investigate options for returning to previous leisure interests, and also developing new pursuits. Some of these activities can be trialed with our O.T. assistant.
Vocational options are discussed. If appropriate, a work site assessment may be arranged. Otherwise, a referral to a community based work assessment service may be indicated
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This page last updated: January 2009
Review date: January 2010
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