occupational therapy

Treatment that aims to assist patients of all ages in overcoming disabilities resulting from physical or psychological illness, accident, or old age. The occupational therapist's task is to enable the patient to continue living life to the full and as independently as possible.

Occupational therapists work in patients' homes, in hospitals, residential homes, health centres, prisons, and schools. Treatment usually focuses on performing everyday tasks, regaining social skills, building up the patients' stamina and self-confidence, and enabling them to return to work if they have jobs. Patients are also advised on how to adapt their homes to meet their specific needs. Some occupational therapists specialize in health promotion or risk assessment work, acting as advisers in both the health and social services sector and in industry.