Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is the assessment and treatment of people of all ages who have physical, mental and / or social problems, using specific, purposeful activity to promote independent function in all aspects of daily life.  Occupational Therapists recognise that everyone’s lifestyle is different and how each person lives is up to them.  They will help an individual to achieve the goals that are most important to them.

To learn more about Occupational Therapy look at the College of Occupational Therapist’s website at www.cot.org.uk  The College provides a code of ethics and professional conduct that applies to all Occupational Therapists working in a variety of settings.

All Occupational Therapists have to be state registered with the Health Professions Council to assure the public that they are competent to practice.  More details are available on their website at www.hpc-uk.org/

What do Occupational Therapists do?

Community based Occupational Therapists can offer an assessment and advice to enable you to carry out everyday tasks in your own home as independently as possible.  This might include:

• Dressing and personal hygiene
• Getting to the toilet
• Getting on and off a chair or in / out of bed
• Preparing a meal or drink for yourself

This may be achieved by:

• Working with you to find new ways of doing a task
• Providing specialist equipment such as a shower chair or a mobile hoist
• Providing minor adaptations such as a grab rail
• Arranging major adaptations such as a ramp or a stairlift
• Advising or referring to other services that may be of help to you such as care managers or wheelchair services

How do I contact an Occupational Therapist?

In Barnsley, Occupational Therapists work within the Equipment and Adaptations Assessment Service and, if it is considered appropriate, may visit you in your own home to carry out an assessment of your needs.

 If you are looking for an Occupational Therapist to provide private treatment or independent advice you can look at the on-line directory of the Occupational Therapists in Independent Practice to find someone in your area. The website address is www.otip.co.uk  All are registered with the Health Professions Council and are members of the specialist section of independent practitioners within the College of Occupational Therapists.