What Does an Occupational Therapist Do on a Home Visit?

During a home visit, an occupational therapist (OT) plays a crucial role in helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life after an injury, illness, or disability. This essential process begins with a comprehensive assessment and evolves into a personalized intervention plan tailored to the unique needs of the client.

Assessment: Understanding the Impact

The primary goal of an occupational therapist during a home visit is to assess how the injury, illness, or disability affects the individual's ability to engage in daily activities that are meaningful to them. This involves evaluating the individual's impairments and determining strategies to regain lost skills or find alternative ways to achieve their goals.

For example, if an individual has suffered a femur fracture from a car accident, the therapist will assess the impact on their ability to perform basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. They will also consider how the injury affects their social interactions and participation in community activities.

Environmental Modification: Creating a Safe and Accessible Home

The therapist will then conduct an evaluation of the home environment to identify any modifications that can enhance the individual's independence. This includes assessing accessibility to key areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

For instance, the therapist may recommend installing a shower bench, a flexible handheld showerhead, and an auxiliary toilet seat to facilitate easier access and use of the bathroom. They will also ensure that the individual is comfortable and safe when transferring to and from the bed, ensuring that the bed or sofa has a proper elevation for the injured leg.

The therapist may also suggest adaptive equipment to aid in dressing, such as velcro fasteners, grab bars, and non-slip mats to enhance safety in the bathroom.

Engagement Strategies: Keeping the Mind and Body Active

After addressing the physical barriers, the therapist will explore ways to keep the individual's mind active and engaged. This could include activities such as adult coloring books, journaling, or very mild yoga exercises to promote mindfulness and relaxation. These activities are not only enjoyable but also help in preventing mental stagnation and maintaining a sense of normalcy.

The occupational therapist will also provide guidance on realistic daily activities that can be performed while recovering, such as engaging in light housework, watching TV, or spending time with family and friends. This holistic approach ensures that the individual remains mentally and physically active, contributing to a faster and more complete recovery.

Comparison with Physical Therapy

While the occupational therapist focuses on the environmental and psychological aspects of recovery, a physical therapist (PT) tends to concentrate on the physical rehabilitation process. For instance, after a car accident, a PT may design a series of exercises to gradually increase the individual's strength and flexibility with the use of a walker or crutches.

The PT will begin with simple exercises, such as ankle and knee movements, and progress to more complex tasks as the individual gains more strength and confidence. This ensures that the individual's physical recovery is supported by a structured and progressive plan.

Personal Experience with an Occupational Therapist

From my personal experience, having a broken femur from a car accident two years ago, the occupational therapy support was invaluable. The first visit involved the therapist making sure that my bathroom was set up for ease of use, including the installation of a shower bench and a handheld showerhead. She made sure I could get in and out of bed safely, and even provided elevation tools to support my leg while in bed.

She also encouraged me to engage in mentally stimulating activities such as adult coloring books, journaling, and mild yoga exercises. These activities helped me maintain a sense of normalcy and prevent boredom, which is crucial during the recovery process.

Overall, the home visit by the occupational therapist provided a holistic approach to recovery, addressing both the physical and psychological needs of the individual. This ensures that the recovery process is as smooth and seamless as possible, leading to a faster return to independence and normal life.