April Recognized as Occupational Therapy Month
April is Occupational Therapy Month!
For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline. People of all ages receive it to help when participating in activities of their daily life. Sometimes people need occupational therapy to do things taken for granted, such as dressing being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, and even socializing.
In recognition of all the ways occupational therapy contributes to society's well-being, April is designated as Occupational Therapy Month. During the month, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) celebrates the more than 200,000 occupational therapist, occupational therapy assistants, and students who work all across the country to create fuller lives for their patients and their communities. Holzer would like to recognize and express our appreciation to all the Occupational Therapy Providers in our system that provide this valuable service to our patients and communities.
Occupational therapy doesn't just treat medical conditions; it helps people stay involved in activities that provide a sense of purpose, despite challenges. Occupational therapists help people surmount their disabilities or medical conditions to do everyday things. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment. Occupational therapists consider the whole person when developing a therapy plan and collaborate with physicians and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach.
"In a split second, anyone's life can change. Our job is to look at the patient holistically, and take those things that are meaningful to them, and get the patient back to those tasks," stated Stella Barrett, OTR/L, Director, Therapy Services, Holzer Health System. "It may take a new way of learning the task, but we strive to get the patient back to their normal routines."
Occupational therapy is "outcome-oriented," which means therapists help clients work toward achievable performance goals. In rehabilitation clinics or hospitals, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help adults learn or regain skills that allow them to do meaningful things like working, driving, shopping, and even preparing a meal. All types of people need this kind of help everyday, from a worker injured on the job, to a grandparent recovering from surgery or a stroke.
In addition, occupational therapy helps avoid health problems and makes it easier to live with some disabilities. Research proves that keeping people active and healthy as they age will improve their quality of life as well as lower their healthcare costs. For this reason, there are occupational therapy programs focusing on wellness and prevention to help seniors stay healthier and remain active in their homes and communities. Trained therapists can make homes safer for people with reduced mobility and failing vision.
Holzer offers Occupational Therapy services at our locations in Gallipolis and Jackson, Ohio. For more information about Occupational Therapy services at Holzer, visit www.holzer.org or call 1-855-4-HOLZER.
