Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapy aims to help individuals of all ages to cope with social, physical, or mental issues.An Occupational Therapist will, depending on a client’s specific needs, work towards these goals by:
* working with clients one to one or as part of a group
* developing programmes of treatment which help clients to help themselves by making positive progress
Those receiving help from an Occupational Therapist can include those suffering from or experiencing:
* Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis or osteoporosis
* physical disabilities caused by head injuries, multiple sclerosis, strokes, cerebral palsy, etc
* mental health issues, depression, or anxiety
* drug or alcohol problems
* behavioural issues
Help is also given to those in recovery after medical treatment.
Depending on the client’s needs, occupational therapists can:
* help with regular activities (washing, eating, shopping or travelling)
* suggest equipment and aids for the home or workplace
* help with leisure activities and hobbies
* advise on ways of coping mechanisms, such as positive thinking, assertiveness, relaxation and de-stressing techniques
* social skills in relationship and social situations
* studying and working
Occupational therapists also help a client’s support network, including: families, carers and employers.
Their work in general is not carried out alone, and they will liaise and interact with other professionals linked to their clients, such as doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, social workers and charity and voluntary workers.
They work in client’s homes and all centres of health care such as hospitals, day centres, GP surgeries, hospices, residential homes, hospices, etc, along with educational establishments, businesses, workplaces and prisons. The work involves travel to and from various locations with therapists usually working around 37 to 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend cover can be needed when working with community mental health services.
Those with ambitions to be an occupational therapist must embark on an approved pre-registration programme and/or have A BSc (Hons) degree in occupational therapy.
Details of suitable vacancies are posted online by the British Association of Occupational Therapists (www.baot.org.uk), NHS Trusts and local authorities, along with local and national press.