Occupational therapy is a profession that enables people to be follow meaningful professions that will ensure a good life, health and nutrition. According to historical evidence, occupational therapy has been in existence even before Christ.
Occupational therapists are involved with individuals, communities and groups in dispensing knowledge about proper working, balance between professional and personal life, leisure activities, exercise, community activities, and everything else that helps in leading a better healthier life. The prime focus of this field is ensuring welfare and health. They also address social, economic, political and environmental factors that affect people’s lives. The work thus deals with analyzing the reasons – psychological, physical and emotional that act or may act as deterrent to one’s professional life. Occupational therapy bases its theories on the study of sociology, medicine, psychology, anthropology and ethnography.
It challenges the significance of scientific medicine. Such professionals believe that cure can be achieved not only through medication, but more effectively through analyzing the client’s habits and way of life that are the main causes of nay dysfunction and illness. Rehabilitation forms an intrinsic part of such treatment. By healing the cause, individuals are thus enabled to perform their work or profession as before. Physical health, psychological health, community health – are all taken care of. Those with permanent disabilities are also treated accordingly so that they can perform activities with less difficulty.
The treatment is carried out in 3 steps. The first is the Evaluation of the skills and problems of the patient, and the ability to perform activities is assessed. The occupational therapist takes into account the family, social condition, lifestyle, cultural background, home ambiance and future goals while evaluating.
The next stage is Consultation with the patient and his family, so as to frame a treatment program.
Then comes the final stage of Treatment. The target is to enhance the patient’s skill and capability to perform professional and personal chores, and maximize his participation in daily tasks, entertainment and recreation.
Occupational therapy lets an individual plan his day so as to derive maximum benefit. Time is allotted for every essential activity. For example, time for self care (eating, sleeping, dressing, and bathing and grooming); time for work; for leisure and hobby and entertainment.
To be an occupational therapist, you will need at least a master’s degree to start practice. A higher and advanced degree helps more. A basic degree in either medicine, biology, anatomy, anthropology, psychology, sociology, or the liberal arts is a good option.
As a professional, you will have to work with clients of all age groups. And review reports and studies, and be engaged in regular reading, researching, attending seminars. And also meet doctors, psychiatrists, family members of patients, community developers, social workers, etc. being part of specialized training programs also augments your skill and knowledge.
