Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists look at all aspects of life that occupy us, and help people with disabilities to participate in everyday activities as fully as possible. A programme of care is developed based on each individual’s lifestyle and preferences, sometimes modifying the environment surrounding the person.

Occupational therapy is often fundamental to independent living. Our programmes are developed to recognise the aspirations of each individual. It is a key therapy.

Occupational therapist Mandy Richmond says that occupational therapy is about maximising independence (deinstitutionalisation, taking calculated risks), offering solutions to problems that compound or prevent independence (handling techniques, equipment provision) promoting new or compensatory skills to overcome difficulties (learning to use memory strategies, retraining) and encourage adjustment to and enjoyment of life as it presents itself now (socialising, recreational pursuits).

Mandy quotes the example of Independence Homes service user Louise, who until relatively recently wasn’t able to maintain eye contact, and veered away from any form of independence out of fear:

“Through therapy we were able to keep her goals and targets in sight and mind, and progress them at the point of each achievement – she is regularly engaging in therapy, life skills, for example: walking to the local shops on her own and working. She is happier in herself and constantly setting her sights on higher life goals. This couldn’t have been achieved without the constant support of staff to help her in the achievement of her goals – therapy cannot be done in isolation but is a building block amongst many, in an architectural design that is constantly changing, to ultimately create the individual’s structure of choice.”